People & Motion Recon - It's Worse Than You Think.
Sunday, 04-Feb-01 05:33:08

216.42.3.216 writes:

Video imaging is actually a poor means of tracking. It is very difficult to get a positive ID by means of video (which is usually shot from above). There are other technologies that are far more efficient and give positive ID and trail of movement.


Many corporations are using employee ID cards with radio-microchips embedded. The technology is similar to the store scanners that watch for merchandise exiting the store, or microchips being used by fish and game officers to catch poachers.


In industry, there are real advantages to tracking devices for key personnel. In an emergency situation, a security control room could instantly locate key personnel by tracking their ID card. Executives do not always answer their pagers / cell phones instantly, or the batteries have run down, etc. In case of fire or hazmat spill, ID card tracking can verify whether an area is cleared, and track the response of hazmat team / fire brigade.


The technology exists, and there can be real cost / productivity benefits for industry to track key personnel within the plant ... and eventually all personnel.


Tracking already exists via keycard swipes within a plant; more elaborate tracking systems are inevitable ... it's only a question of when, and sooner rather than later.


Outside the plant, there are still greater reasons for industry to track key personnel -- especially those who travel to Mexico (where abductions for randsome are occurring at the rate of 5 per day) and other like countries. Satellite tracking has already been factory-installed in high-end automobiles, and the trucking industry has been using it for years.


I predict that within 10 years, tracking technology will be embedded within drivers' licenses. It will probably happen in Singapore first, but it is coming here, too. I remember reading about a major credit-card issuer who is using the technology already as an anti-theft device. "I won't leave home without it."


Tracking devices are also being used by parents to watch their kids. Also to watch pets. Oh, yes, and don't forget your cell-phone. Whenever it is turned "on", it is being tracked.


So rest assured that, within 10 years, not only will you and I be tracked, but they will be able tell whether you have your cell phone, credit cards, keys, pager, drivers' license, employee ID card, handgun and medical ID with you. And, if you should forget where you parked your car, just call 311. They'll guide you right to it, and meanwhile make it honk its horn in eager anticipation of your arrival.


We are here to serve you.

Grugyn Silverbristle