Our vision is one device, many services and delivered globally.
- Guy Chevrette, CEO and Founder, iMetrik Solutions
Q: Who is iMetrik?
Q: What does a M2M provider like iMetrik do exactly?
Q: What does iMetrik stand for?
Q: What markets do we serve?
Q: How many active units do we have?
Q: Has iMetrik been recognized for any achievements?
Q: How can I buy iMetrik products and services?
Q: How does the iMetrik solution work?
Q: What is DNA?
Q: What is a disclosure waiver and what is its purpose?
Q: Can a vehicle be "stopped" while driving on the highway?
Q: How is my data/information protected and safeguarded?
Q: What is a geofence or perimeter alert?
Q: What is an API?
Q: What is XML?
Q: What is an MVNO and why is it important to the iMetrik GPS tracking solution?
Q: What is GSM and why is it important?
Q: What is the coverage area of the iMetrik solution?
Q: What is BHPH?
Q: Who is iMetrik?
A : Founded in 2005, iMetrik Solutions is a global leader in embedded wireless solutions (also know as M2M or machine-to-machine) with particular expertise in the automotive industry. The company is based in Montreal, Canada with offices in Berlin and Hong Kong.
Q: What does a M2M provider like iMetrik do exactly?
A : We design and manufacture wireless, vehicle-embedded devices that can send, receive and process information using global positioning satellites (GPS) and the largest managed global network of wireless carriers serving the automotive market. Our user clients gain asset management business value with a multitude of interface options including tailored web applications, handsets or XML APIs to existing enterprise software applications.
Q: What does iMetrik stand for?
A : The name combines what we ultimately deliver, intelligence metrics.
Q: What markets do we serve?
A : The company serves specific segments of automotive markets including sub prime finance, insurance and commercial fleet with representation in North America, Europe and Asia. Other solutions for remote asset management are in development.
Q: How many active units do we have?
A : Our network includes over 150,000 vehicles which represents over $1.3 billion in mobile assets.
Q: Has iMetrik been recognized for any achievements?
A : We were recognized by M2M magazine as one of the top 100 leading-edge and most influential companies for 2009. We’ve also received the 2007 Best Practice Award from the M2M Alliance.
Q: How can I buy iMetrik products and services?
A : Our products and services are available through various sales channels. Contact us to see how we can deliver your solution.
Q: How does the iMetrik solution work?
A : A small, intelligent iMetrik device is installed in the asset (the vehicle) and powered by the local supply. The device includes a microprocessor and firmware to collect, compute and/or distribute data or commands. The device includes antennas to communicate with satellites (for positioning information) and radio towers for the actual transmission of the data. The data is then processed through the iMetrik gateway, using internet protocols to deliver the information either on a handset, web-based application or possibly as an XML message to third-party software.
Q: What is DNA?
A : This acronym refers to the key components of the iMetrik platform, which are Device (the vehicle tracking device), Network (the GPS & wireless communications network) and Application (the monitoring software or API).
Q: What is a disclosure waiver and what is its purpose?
A : A disclosure waiver is recommended as a best practice when using technology that gathers personal information or may inhibit freedom of action, particularly when a vehicle is disabled. This protects both parties from results beyond each other’s control. In a sub-prime auto finance model, it’s often one of the conditions of the loan.
Q: Can a vehicle be "stopped" while driving on the highway?
A : The technology supports the disabling (and re-enabling) of the starter. This will not immobilize the vehicle while travelling, but it will prevent the ignition from functioning. Our technology also includes an emergency bypass feature, in case the vehicle travels to an area without wireless coverage and the starter needs to be re-enabled.
Q: How is my data/information protected and safeguarded?
A : iMetrik uses state-of-the-art technology to encrypt and protect your data. Our actual data center is carrier-grade, which means we follow the same industry standards as your mobile phone provider.
Q: What is a geofence or perimeter alert?
A : A geofence is a user-defined virtual perimeter on a geographic area that will trigger an alert when a vehicle with an embedded tracking device enters or leaves the designated zone. The area can be a small as a garage or lot, or as big as a country, to trigger cross-border violations.
Q: What is an API?
A : An application programming interface (API) is a protocol to support the integration of disjointed software applications, allowing them to work seamlessly. The iMetrik API will allow your current applications to connect to our vehicle monitoring system, giving your technical staff the ability to create a seamless flow of data between the two systems.
Q: What is XML?
A : XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a widely-used standard in programming. iMetrik supports XML markup to maximize the flexibility of our monitoring software and aid information sharing, especially via the Internet.
Q: What is an MVNO and why is it important to the iMetrik GPS tracking solution?
A : A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) is a company that provides wireless service but does not have the entire infrastructure (frequency allocation, towers, etc.) required to provide mobile voice or data service. The model is designed to overcome the reality that no global wireless carrier (no Mobile Network Operator or MNO) exists and a global GPS tracking solution needs seamless connections anywhere in the world.
Q: What is GSM and why is it important?
A : GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) is the most popular standard for mobile phones and wireless devices in the world. It’s estimated that 80% of the global mobile market uses this standard across more than 212 countries. It is a key enabler for global M2M solutions, independent of any one carrier.
Q: What is the coverage area of the iMetrik solution?
A : Our MVNO model provides instant access to over 170 GSM operators covering 120 countries.
Q: What is BHPH?
A : A Buy-Here, Pay-Here (BHPH) business is one where the dealer provides auto financing to customers who are unable to obtain credit using conventional leading institutions. BHPH dealers sell affordable vehicles for which customers generally return to the dealership weekly or monthly to make payments. Given the risk of default, BHPH dealers use iMetrik vehicle monitoring technology to remind the borrower when payments are due and recover their collateral should the buyer default on the loan.