Tracking Device Development | First Line Software

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A US-based startup from Seattle, WA has launched iTraq, a device designed for tracking the location of objects or cargo.

Project Intro

The client contracted with First Line Software for the development of a prototype for an innovative geo-tracking device. After the prototype testing was completed, First Line built the final version of the product. What makes the iTraq device unique is its ability to operate while utilizing two location-tracking technologies simultaneously – GSM and GPS Modules.

The device uses GSM module in its customary mode, i.e. its location details are sent out by connecting to the nearest cell towers utilizing Cell-ID triangulation. One advantage of this technology is the efficient battery power consumption – one charge is sufficient for three years of continuous use. One disadvantage is the limited accuracy of the location – between 100 and 200 meters. In case of emergency and upon user request, it is possible to activate operation of the higher energy-consuming, but more precise GPS module. For example, if an object that is connected to an iTraq tracking device is stolen and its location can be accurately tracked within 1 meter.

The following is a list of the client’s requirements for this device:

Device case must be small
Power consumption should be minimal
Standby mode should be the default and the device must be accessible for remote adjustment by means of a mobile application on the user’s smartphone
GSM module should be able to scan all neighboring cell towers regardless of the cellular provider
GPS module should be capable of being switched on by user request
Device production should be cost-efficient.

Solution

First Line Software met all design requirements and completed the prototype development within six months. The device case was downsized to 21x12 square millimeters. The battery life is guaranteed to last from one to three years of continuous use and will power 1500 sessions. Both the GSM and GPS modules are embedded in the device case along with the battery.

A mobile application for iOS and Android was developed to control the device. The application can be customized to meet the user’s specific requirements and can be used to track the object’s movement on a map. A user can also adjust the frequency of how often the device will “inform” about its location (from one to 50 times per day) and choose either GPS or GSM module for device operation.

Result

In the spring of 2015 iTraq set up a campaign on the Indiegogo crowd-funding platform. One of the objectives was to test the concept, device and technology with users. The client raised over USD 200,000 from the campaign and 5,000 devices were preordered. By the beginning of 2016 pilot testing of iTraq geo-trackers was conducted in 51 countries and mass production of the product was launched.

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Client References

I want to express my gratitude for all of your team’s hard work, support and extra help. We are very grateful for all that you have done for us.
Senior Project Manager, a U.S. specialty digital design and web development agency

Your quality of work is exceptional, and your flexible approach has allowed us to build and deploy a large amount of complex functionality in a very short space of time. Kudos to everyone for their professionalism and for delivering results that exceeded our expectations.
CEO, leading social media analytics provider

We have never had a better release that we can think of. And that is all because of your hard and dedicated work. So here is a big THANK YOU to everyone from all of us!
Editor, leading Scandinavian newspaper

For a software vendor like ourselves, picking the right development partner is crucial. First Line’s technical expertise and solid project management, coupled with their proficiency in Agile methodologies, have made them an integral part of our product development group.
VP Product Development, leading enterprise software vendor

Our First Line Team has been doing a great job. All of the guys check in great code, and they have a forward thinking mindset, not a feature-to-feature approach. They are also very open in terms of sharing knowledge, which is critical to running productive distributed teams.
Application Development Director, global marketing company

We've all learned a lot from you, and it is great working with you.
Application Development Director, global marketing company

The First Line team has an excellent process and we can learn from your team and improve.
Product Owner, Strategic Software Consultancy

I would like to thank the First Line development team for their dedication and high level of quality in their work. Despite being thousands of miles apart, we have been able to work quickly, effectively, and intelligently. Your team has been a major part of why we have been successful thus far.
VP Engineering, e-learning startup

First Line is a great technology partner capable of delivering complex, ‘industrial grade’ projects. They have demonstrated strong technical competence and solid understanding of the media and publishing domain. We have also been very impressed by the management team's attention to our needs and commitment to our success.
CEO, leading European digital media company

Your effort is the #1 reason that this project is going so well. I've worked with a lot of teams over the years and there are very few teams that I trust and respect. When you are given a task or feature, I never have to worry whether or not it will be accomplished on time and I never worry about the quality - you always deliver.
Architect, Strategic Software Consultancy

The team we put together in the last half of this year is one of the most productive, skilled and enjoyable I’ve ever worked on. It’s great to see the product brought to life, and I’m proud to work with all you folks.
Senior Architect, Fortune 100 company

The First Line Software team is professional, results driven, and proactive. I know that when we provide requirements for new functionality, they will not only deliver on the scope of what has been asked but will look beyond and give insight into how we can make our product even better. It has been a privilege to work with First Line Software, and I look forward to continuing our partnership in future.
VP, global marketing company

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