ARINC and its partner Impeva Labs plan to monitor the exact location, route, and temperature of a simulated freight container shipment in downtown Chicago over satellite and cellular networks using satellite technology originally developed for the Department of Defense. The ARINC Asset Assure system continuously monitors cargo locations and environmental conditions during land or sea transport, and sends scheduled reports routinely. The system can also be programmed to transmit alerts for factors such as route deviations, intrusions, vibration, temperature variations, and impact. The data record also helps to establish responsibility for insurance purposes. ARINC expects major users of Asset Assure technology to be makers of temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals, refrigerated foods, and businesses shipping sensitive and high-value products like scientific instruments, consumer electronics, and aircraft parts. Asset Assure is adapted for commercial use from ARINC military technology currently being tested by the U.S. Army that tracks, monitors, and secures high-value cargo anywhere in the world, giving users invaluable information on the condition of shipments in real time.
