Sky-Trax Inc. Launches Innovative Lift Truck Tracking Product Sky-Trax™ Indoor Positioning System Tracks Lift Trucks In Real Time; Automatically Provides Accurate Location Information to Managers and WMS Computers

New Castle, DE, January 3, 2005 -- Sky-Trax Incorporated (STI) has unveiled a new product that tracks the movement of lift trucks inside warehouses, collecting each vehicle’s location automatically in real time and transmitting it to managers, operators and computerized systems. The product, which can determine vehicle location to an accuracy of a few inches even over large open areas, transmits location data to the user’s WMS computer when a parcel is picked or put away. Sky-Trax™ Indoor Positioning System (IPS) is compatible with and complimentary to existing bar code and RFID systems, and will readily integrate with legacy or commercial business systems already installed in the user’s facilities.

Sky-Trax™ IPS provides position information similar to a Global Positioning System receiver, but it works reliably indoors. According to David Emanuel, VP of Technology, Sky-Trax technology is based on optical components instead of radio wave technology so the system is immune to radio interference and not affected by building steel or concrete. As a result, Sky-Trax™ IPS can be deployed in facilities such as factories and warehouses, where radio-based navigation systems would be unreliable. Emanuel says the product solves a long-standing industry problem for tracking the location of materials and resources in open warehouses and unstructured bulk storage areas.

At the heart of Sky-Trax™ IPS is a small sensor package that mounts on the lift truck and contains imaging and computing components which calculate vehicle position and directional heading. Sky-Trax IPS incorporates the patent-pending Sky-MarX™ Overhead Labeling System (OLS), a product announced earlier by STI. Suspended above the operating area, Sky-MarX™ OLS is a sturdy but lightweight net to which optical position markers are attached. A standard WIFI radio link transmits data between the lift truck and the user’s host computer, WMS, inventory management, or data collection system. An optional touch-screen terminal can be installed with the IPS to show the lift truck location on a map and indicate the direction and distance to the next pick or place assignment. Several display options are offered to suit application requirements, ergonomic preferences and management needs. STI can also provide software to install, operate, and integrate the IPS product with business systems.

Larry Mahan, General Manager - Marketing, says Sky-Trax™ IPS will deliver a quick return on investment in many warehouses by helping to reduce shipping errors, eliminate misplaced inventory, verify pick and drop locations even in open bulk storage areas, and reduce operator workload. Where storage density is crucial, the system enables facility managers to increase storage density and gain better space utilization without losing visibility and knowledge of pallet locations.

Sky-Trax™ IPS will be sold through qualified VARs, systems integrators, and direct channels. Initially, the company will work with beta customers to validate Sky-Trax™ IPS installations. Sky-Trax Inc. can support a limited number of additional IPS beta sites in 2005; interested parties should contact Larry Mahan at (302) 395-9541.