Matrix scales new heights in vehicle tracking through technology

Growing exponentially across the country, Matrix Vehicle Tracking is in the competitive vehicle tracking industry. “But, while our core is tracking and recovery, we are in many ways a telecommunications company,” says Bruce Nolte, the Chief Information Officer. “Our advanced technology gives us the edge in not only tracking and recovering hijacked or stolen vehicles, but also in mounting an instant response to protect the lives of our customers who are victims of hijacking.”

At 35, Nolte is himself a product of that advanced technology, having spent his entire career in Information Technology with telecommunications companies such as Datatec, ABSA Corporate and Merchant Bank and Ericsson, both in South Africa and overseas. Joining Matrix Vehicle Tracking in 2003, he had General Management responsibility for both Operations and Information Technology, but with the rapid expansion of the company Matrix realised in 2006 that more focus should be placed on improving the business by means of technological advancement. This is when Bruce took on the role of Chief Information Officer.

With GSM based devices installed in approximately 140 000 customer’s vehicles around the country, Matrix Vehicle Tracking technology can include a panic button that drivers can activate inside their cars, a crash alert facility and a no go zone alert in the more advanced models.

The panic button sends an emergency signal direct to the Matrix control room, triggering instant response. In the event of a vehicle being in an accident, crash alert sends a signal to the control room.

“Crash alert kicks in automatically and is crucial if the driver is unconscious or otherwise incapacitated,” says Nolte, “In serious incidents rapid response can, and does, save lives.”

The no go zone alert is triggered when a vehicle enters one of more than 100 hot spots that Matrix Vehicle Tracking has identified throughout South Africa. Alerted to the possibility of a customer having inadvertently entered a suspect zone, or perhaps having been forced into a zone by criminal elements, the Control Room will immediately contact the driver and, if suspicions are aroused, dispatch an armed response vehicle.

“Having telecommunications that can ensure rapid response to emergencies is imperative, not only for urgent medical treatment in the event of our customers being injured in a hijacking or an accident, but also for vehicle tracking and recovery,” says Nolte.

“There is a golden hour for recovery of vehicles,” he explains. “When criminals hijack or steal a vehicle they will sometimes get to work stripping door panels, dashboards and other parts of the vehicle as they search for and attempt to compromise the tracking device.” In a small basic car, he says, discovery of the tracking device can be more rapid than in a large, luxury vehicle. Once that hour is over, the chances of recovering the vehicle becomes significantly less.

International SOS, a global operator, is a Matrix Vehicle Tracking partner offering medical and roadside assistance, with direct telecommunications links between the two on a 24/7 basis. On receiving an alert, the computer systems of Matrix and International SOS track the coordinates of the vehicle from which the alert has been sent and an emergency response unit is dispatched immediately to the location of the vehicle.

Nolte says Matrix Vehicle Tracking, which forms part of Telimatrix, a listed company, prides itself on being in the forefront of product development, technology and systems operation. “We are constantly looking for new and innovative technologies that ensure business efficiencies and enable us to deliver world-class products and services,” he says.

Latest developments and trends in the fight against crime are passed on to customers so that they can better protect themselves when driving in their vehicles. For example, Matrix offers customers a free 3-4 hour seminar, facilitated by a professional anti-hijacking instructor, on hijacking methods, what to look out for and how to protect yourself.

Nolte says that vehicle monitoring and protection needs, and the response, differ from country to country, but international experience is taken into consideration in strategy planning.

Looking ahead, he sees Matrix Vehicle Tracking expanding internationally, initially into Africa, where there is a big demand for vehicle tracking services from corporates which finance or operate large fleets.

Away from the office, Bruce Nolte’s passion is motorcycling – he owns a number of motor-bikes. He takes part in non-competitive super bike track racing and both he and his wife, Dianne, do a lot of off-road Enduro riding with friends. When time permits, he also likes to relax at Dullstroom, fly-fishing for trout.