Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Sky-Trax™ vehicle tracking solution work?
The Sky-Trax System™ (STS) uses an Optical Position Sensor (OPS) and Optical Position Markers (OPMs) to determine the location of vehicles in indoor environments. The OPS™ Smart Sensor is aimed at the ceiling and captures digital images of OPMs. Contemporary machine vision software decodes the image to recognize location and calculates the orientation angle and exact position of the OPS.

A wireless link transmits OPS data to the STS Controller which collects location data from all OPS sensors. The Controller stores data in a standard database and makes it available in real-time for high value applications.
How does Sky-Trax™ achieve inch-accurate tracking?
The Sky-Trax™ STS system (patent pending) uses digital image processing and machine vision technology to accurately determine the position of an object on which an Optical Position Sensor (OPS). OPS smart sensors typically are positioned to capture digital images of the ceiling of a building, and programmed to look for and recognize Sky-Trax™ location markers installed overhead at ceiling level. Each marker contains a unique code, which identifies a position, and each position is mapped to the specific floor area beneath the marker. Machine vision software determines the exact position of the sensor relative to the marker overhead, providing location accuracy to the pixel level in the digital image. In real world Sky-Trax™ applications, pixel-level position data is translated to inch-accuracy on the floor.
How is a Sky-Trax™ vehicle tracking solution installed?
The Sky-Trax™ STS system components include an OPS which is easily mounted on any vehicle that can supply DC power in the 12-to-72 volt range. Installation requires mounting the OPS™ Smart Sensor to the vehicle, and connecting the units to the vehicle's power supply. (Sky-Trax™ can also supply self-contained battery-powered OPS™ Smart Sensors for use where power is not taken directly from the tracked object).

Sky-Trax Optical Position Markers (OPMs) are installed above the working area, typically beneath ceiling beams. Installation can be done using simple tools and common warehouse equipment, and can normally be accomplished without disrupting current operations. The Sky-Trax™ Solutions will integrate into existing commercial wireless networks for data collection through the Sky-Trax™ Controller.
Can the Sky-Trax System™ STS be used to track assets other than lift trucks?
Yes. Anything that can be equipped with an OPS (hand jack, overhead crane, cart, AGV, mobile equipment, etc.) can benefit from the inch-accurate indoor tracking capability.
How does the Sky-Trax™ inventory tracking solution work?
Skan-Free®, Sky-Trax’s inventory tracking solution, uses an Optical Label Reader (OLR) for automatic data collection. The OLR is affixed to the front of a forklift or other warehouse vehicle to scan pallet or rack ID labels as the pallet is being picked or put away at its designated location. The data is transmitted to the Sky-Box, an onboard data processor, which creates an on-board mobile network allowing all sensors and aftermarket additions to all plug-and-play together for real-time access to complete data collection. Once data has been collected, it is then wirelessly transmitted back to your WMS.
How does the Total-Trax® solution work?
Total-Trax®, Sky-Trax’s complete solution for tracking vehicles and inventory, each vehicle is equipped with an Optical Position Sensor which views ceiling mounted, Optical Position Markers located overhead and uses image analysis techniques to determine that vehicle's precise location and orientation. An Optical Label Reader (OLR), the main component of the Skan-Free system, is affixed to the front of the vehicle to identify pallet ID labels. Vehicle location data is transmitted wirelessly to a controller, which monitors all vehicle locations and records every movement in an industry standard database. While data collected by the OLR is transmitted to an onboard data processor to be transmitted wirelessly back to a data collection system.
How does Sky-Trax’s OpsMan® application work?
OpsMan® actively captures the movement of forklifts in warehouses and manufacturing facilities by pinpointing vehicle locations in real-time and creating maps showing all vehicle locations within the facility. Data accessed via local area network or secure Internet, allows remote operations monitoring and management. Ops Man will also store vehicle-tracking data for fleet management purposes, enabling instant replay and standard or custom reporting.
Are Sky-Trax™ Solutions reliable enough for a 24/7 environment?
Yes, the digital image processing technology used by Sky-Trax™ has been proven in industrial and military applications for over 20 years. Real time industrial machine vision systems are in standard use throughout industry to automate critical product inspection and high speed package sortation tasks. As the cost of the technology decreased while capabilities soared, Sky-Trax™ recognized and developed a method to apply this technology for inch-accurate indoor position data collection. The technology is very intuitive - it works just like our own vision. Unlike tracking systems based on radio frequency (RF) technologies, such as RFID, Sky-Trax™ optical technology receives no interference from building structure or inventory, making it reliable and accurate.
What are the cost factors of a Sky-Trax™ solution?
The cost of an Sky-Trax™ Solution installation is calculated from the number of sensors required, site-specific factors such as building dimensions, and customer preferences such as the choice of inventory tracking solution and/or vehicle tracking as well as additional software and reporting features, and system integration. Engineering issues affecting the cost include square footage of storage space to be mapped, the working height of the warehouse, types of vehicles, and details of the existing systems, if any, with which the solution is to be integrated.
What are the operating costs associated with Sky-Trax™ solutions?
Sky-Trax™ Solutions are designed for easy installation and are low maintenance resulting in very low operating costs; --especially when compared to RFID and radio wave technologies. There are no consumables (like tags or labels) no periodic re-calibration or system maintenance required, and no army of skilled technicians needed to keep it running. If a sensor is damaged in use, replacement is quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive. Request information about our standard warranty and extended warranty plans.
Will Sky-Trax™ integrate to the business systems I already have?
Yes, all Sky-Trax™ products are designed for easy integration into Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Warehouse Management (WMS), Manufacturing Execution (MES), Materials Management (MMS), and Inventory Control (IC) systems.
What support is available for my Sky-Trax™ solution?
After installation, complete system training is offered to operators, supervisors and management personnel. Documentation is provided with each product, along with an Operator Manual, Quick-Start Guide, and detailed installation drawings if applicable. Sky-Trax™ proprietary software is constructed using commercial industry-standards based software products. Sky-Trax™ offers a Standard warranty for a period of 12 months. Additional and extended Maintenance and Support plans are offered for a reasonable yearly fee. Request information about our maintenance and support plans.