09 February 2010
Cincinnati, OH and St-Laurent, QC – Psion Teklogix, Inc. (LSE: PON.L), a global provider of mobile computing solutions, and Viascan, Inc., a warehouse management solution and product identification company, today announced their partnership to provide safety and security with accurate data collection on skier whereabouts at the 44th Annual Canadian Ski Marathon, taking place February 13-14, 2010.
Twenty-two of Psion Teklogix’ Workabout Pro rugged handheld computers equipped with Viascan’s ViaTrack mobile application, will be deployed at 10 different check points to scan the bib numbers of the more than 2,000 cross-country skiers along the wooded 160 KM trail through Quebec’s Western Laurentian Mountains during the two-day event.
Data collected at the check points will be loaded into Viascan’s VServer which will consolidate and then communicate the data to the results center operated by Lixar I.T. Inc. The speedy and accurate data collection process allows for event organizers and security personnel to track each skier along the course, which is vital to their safety should an emergency situation arise.
Additionally, the data collected includes each skier’s official time, which is posted for spectators on a large screen at the famous Fairmont Le Château Montebello. Prior to the involvement of Psion Teklogix and Viascan, all skier data was recorded manually with pen and paper, which was costly and took several weeks to consolidate.
Organizers of the marathon chose to deploy the Workabout Pro mobile intelligent workstation throughout the course for its data capture capabilities. The Workabout Pro’s rugged design and ability to withstand the sometimes harsh weather conditions during the marathon make it the ideal device for course management at the event.
“This is the second consecutive year that Psion Teklogix has partnered with Viascan, and we’re very proud to play a role in keeping skiers safe, reducing costs and improving the overall experience of what many call ‘the ultimate Canadian winter event,’” said Mike McGuriman, vice president of the east for Psion Teklogix.
As North America’s longest and oldest Nordic ski tour, the Canadian Ski Marathon is a popular community event meant to engage cross country skiers and spectators alike. Held on privately owned land in the Western Laurentian Mountains between Lachute and Gatineau, Québec each section of the marathon averages about 16 KM and includes an overnight stop in Montebello.
http://www.psionteklogix.com/us/resource-centre/news_2010_psion-teklogix-and-viascan-partner-to-provide-security-and-data-capturing.htm