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Automated Positioning Systems Strikes Pay Dirt In Mining, Construction With JLT Mobile Computers

JLT’s Ruggedized Dash-Mount PCs Help APS Become Major GPS Solution Provider To Heavy Equipment Users; Systems Position Graders, Dozers Within 50 Millimeters

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA February 29, 2004--They may be big—house-size big—but today’s modern graders, shovels, dozers, and other pieces of heavy construction/mining equipment are anything but clumsy. Technology has made civil and construction engineering more accurate and exact than ever—and in response, these hundred-ton behemoths are required to work with equally consummate skill.

Automated Positioning Systems (APS), a Brisbane, Australia provider of GPS-based machine guidance solutions, spotted this growing business need three years ago. Founded by Chris Seymour, former vice president with mining conglomerate BHP Hilton, and Mike Forrest, owner of ABC Lasers, APS introduced groundbreaking integrated dashboard-mount systems built on Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. These systems can position dozer blades or other heavy equipment tools anywhere on a job site within thousandths of an inch of their intended location.

Making these exquisitely accurate systems possible are fully rugged, fixed-mount computers from JLT Mobile Computers.

“As a systems integrator, APS looks for the best vendors and manufacturers around the world for its solutions. We’ve worked with JLT since our inception three years ago,” said Forrest. “JLT’s flat-screen, self-contained computers are built to withstand the world-class punishment our customers dish out on the job.”

Deployed in work environments from Wyoming’s Powder River Basin to the Pasminco Century Mine in Northern Australia, JLT Mobile Computer products withstand choking dust, constant vibration, and ambient temperatures that can range from -30° to +120° F. The 10.1” (diagonal) TNA 1001 dashboard units used by APS feature rugged mouse or optional touchscreen interface, sunlight viewable display, and a range of processor choices from a National Geode MGx1 266 Mhz to an Intel Pentium III 700 Mhz.

“JLT PCs not only give our customers the computing power they need, but they have proven themselves more reliable, with very few failures,” noted Jim Preston, vice president of U.S. sales for Automated Positioning Systems. “Whenever we’ve had a maintenance or warranty issue, JLT has been extremely quick to take care of the problem.”

In creating its machine guidance solutions, APS integrates JLT TNA 1001 units with software and other technology that interface with Russian GLONASS and American GPS satellites, in order to maintain a positioning fix even in deep open-pit mines. APS products can help equipment operators accurately excavate veins of ore, grade landscape, or dig building foundations without the constant need for surveyor input. What’s more, an on-board telemetry system maintains a record of productivity based on the equipment’s position on an hourly basis, allowing managers to analyze operational bottlenecks and other barriers to production efficiency.

“APS onboard solutions have proven their worth many times over to some of the world’s most prominent and influential construction and mining conglomerates,” said Ed Foster, western sales manager for JLT Mobile Computers. “Operators and management alike have praised APS products for their ease of use and incredible reliability.”

“JLT has been a strong contributor to APS’ success,” added Forrest. “The minimal failure rate of its products, combined with its ability to meet our product development and production needs, has enabled us to quickly become a player in this highly competitive and demanding industry. Perhaps the best compliment I can give is that we get no feedback from our customers—that means the JLT units are doing their job, day in and day out.”

About JLT Mobile Computers, Inc.:
Headquartered in Chandler, AZ, JLT Mobile Computers (formerly Teknik North America Corp.) is a leading provider of compact, ruggedized mobile PCs for in-vehicle or mounted use. Partnered with R&D/Design firm JLT Mobile Computers AB of Sweden, the company offers a full line of flat, touch screen computers that provide critical computing capability in mining, agribusiness, construction, military, forestry, marine, and warehousing, among other industries. JLT Mobile Computers sells only to OEMs and Value Added Resellers (VARs). For more information about the company, log on to www.jltmobilecomputers.com or call 480-705-4200.