Fujitsu GlobeRanger IoT Solution to Track and Manage BearCom Digital Radio Assets

• BearCom is deploying the iMotion® IoT platform provided by Fujitsu GlobeRanger to instantly track, record and manage its 25,000 rental assets, which are used at high-profile events such as Coachella and the Academy Awards
• RFID tags and readers replace time-consuming barcode scans to improve inventory management including customer check-in and check-out and asset tracking between locations
• IoT solution will expedite processing times, improve customer service and increase the BearCom competitive advantage 

Fujitsu today announced that its GlobeRanger¹ Internet of Things (IoT) tracking solution will be deployed to manage and track the extensive BearCom portfolio of two-way radio wireless communications equipment that is used at many of the largest events in the U.S., such as the Academy Awards shows, and festivals like Coachella.

BearCom², the nation's largest and pre-eminent provider of wireless communications equipment and solutions for two-way radios and other voice and data technologies, is deploying the Fujitsu GlobeRanger iMotion IoT platform and its GR-AWARE™ asset tracking system to dramatically simplify the process of managing some 25,000 rental wireless devices, the most extensive portfolio in the industry. These assets, which include high performance digital radios, are used by a broad cross section of customers including public safety professionals, at large-scale. By implementing the IoT solution, BearCom will significantly reduce the time required to process approximately 16,000 contracts a year and will streamline the management of 7,000 - 8,000 annual equipment transfers between its branches.

Nabil Lodey, Head of GlobeRanger, comments: "The beauty of IoT technologies is their ability to be applied to a broad range of existing processes. In this case, the asset management process doesn't change - each step is just completed almost instantaneously and with minimal effort. The key to success is working closely with our customers' operational teams to fully understand their processes and the business challenges they want to address, and then working together to co-create and implement solutions that deliver real and measurable results and business value."

The inventory for equipment held by each of the 33 U.S. branches of BearCom 33 US branches does not remain static – it fluctuates as equipment is moved between locations as orders are fulfilled and returned. Currently, each item must be manually scanned before transfer, which involves removing the radio batteries to access the barcode, and again on arrival. Rental orders are prepared and delivered to customers, then scanned again. Returns involve the same process in reverse. This means that for BearCom, it is a time-consuming task to simply ensure that all its equipment is exactly where it needs to be, especially when a single order can comprise up to 3,000 individual devices. By implementing the Fujitsu GlobeRanger IoT solution, the BearCom team will not only be better able to serve customers, but will also experience fewer lost or mislaid devices.

Brent Bisnar, Executive Vice President at BearCom, says: "We've always done a good job of asset management, but scanning individual barcodes on more than 25,000 rental devices is a laborious task. The new GlobeRanger IoT asset tracking system means we can simply wave a reader over a box to determine what's inside. Our customers will also benefit from faster equipment returns - which is a great competitive advantage for us. Importantly, we also expect that these efficiencies will give us more time to focus on our core business, improving our products and services and deepening our customer relationships."

The solution will replace the entire BearCom scanning system with the GlobeRanger IoT platform. With the new technology, BearCom rental assistants will simply use an RFID capable tablet to pull up and confirm contracts, register rental equipment, check inventory in and out, and to instantly confirm all transactions via email. This will allow BearCom to accelerate processing time by eliminating the need to manually count devices, will deliver enhanced inventory accuracy and will virtually eliminate discrepancies and disputes relating to equipment returns.

In the future, BearCom will be able to further leverage the same GlobeRanger technology to connect its assets to its individual field agents' identity credentials to track the chain of custody of equipment, further improving the efficiency of its supply chain and inventory control.

Pricing and availability
GlobeRanger IoT solutions are available directly from Fujitsu in the Americas, Oceania and EMEIA regions. Pricing varies according to configuration and is available upon request.

Notes to editors
¹GlobeRanger is a Fujitsu company and leading global provider of end-to-end enterprise edge solutions including RFID, mobility, and sensor-based solutions and professional services. Its innovative Edgeware™ platform, iMotion, provides the critical infrastructure layer for managing devices, networks, data and processes at the edge of the enterprise, enabling real-time visibility and response. iMotion serves as the foundation for GlobeRanger and its partners to rapidly develop, deploy and manage edge solutions. Founded in 1999, GlobeRanger is headquartered in Richardson, Texas. For more information, visit: www.globeranger.com

The GlobeRanger iMotion platform enables the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial Internet through device and data connectivity and management for RFID, sensors and other devices and continues to prove its stability, flexibility and ease of use with over a decade of installations in commercial and Government sectors.

²About BearCom Group, Inc.: BearCom provides a broad line of high-performance two-way wireless communications products, rental, services, and complete mobility solutions. Founded in 1981, BearCom is America's only nationwide dealer and integrator of wireless communications equipment, serving customers from 33 branch offices located throughout the U.S. BearCom, headquartered in the Dallas, Texas area, employs approximately 400 people. BearCom has been designated as a Motorola Solutions Service Elite Specialist.

GR-AWARE is an IoT, RFID and sensor enabled asset management solution that provides businesses with an overview of their assets. This asset watching and reporting engine can also easily incorporate asset management information into business operations and legacy systems.

Online resources

• More information about Fujitsu GlobeRanger iMotion: https://www.globeranger.com/products/imotion-iot-edgeware-platform/
• Read the Fujitsu blog: http://blog.ts.fujitsu.com
• Follow Fujitsu on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FujitsuAmerica
• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fujitsu-america
• Find Fujitsu on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fujitsu/
• Fujitsu pictures and media server: http://mediaportal.ts.fujitsu.com/pages/portal.php
• For regular news updates, bookmark the Fujitsu newsroom: http://ts.fujitsu.com/ps2/nr/index.aspx

Media contacts
Fujitsu America, Inc.
Bryan Hollar
408-746-6412
[email protected]

Finn Partners
Andrew Corcione
415-249-6775
[email protected]

About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 156,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.7 trillion yen (US$41 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com.

About Fujitsu Americas
Fujitsu America, Inc. is the parent and/or management company of a group of Fujitsu-owned companies operating in North, Central and South America dedicated to delivering the full range of Fujitsu products, solutions and services in ICT to our customers in the Western Hemisphere. These companies are collectively referred to as Fujitsu Americas. Fujitsu enables clients to meet their business objectives through integrated offerings and solutions, including consulting, systems integration, managed services, outsourcing and cloud services for infrastructure, platforms and applications; data center and field services; and server, storage, software and mobile/tablet technologies. For more information, please visit: http://solutions.us.fujitsu.com/ and http://twitter.com/fujitsuamerica

Fujitsu, the Fujitsu logo, GlobeRanger, iMotion, Edgeware, GR-AWARE and "shaping tomorrow with you" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fujitsu Limited in the United States and other countries. BearCom is a trademark or registered trademark of BearCom Group, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE Fujitsu America, Inc.

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