IMCORP, Inc. Completes Wi-Fi Project for 100 Acre 'Racetrack' Facility

MARIETTA, Ga., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- IMCORP, Inc. announces the completion of a Wi-Fi data communications project for the VASCOR, Ltd.'s Montgomery, Alabama auto distribution site. The 100 acre former racetrack facility is temporarily home to some 8,000 newly manufactured automobiles on a typical day. The site is a major distribution and accessorizing point in the 3PL (third party logistics) company's automobile supply chain that includes over 70 such operations throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico.

The data communications problem: virtually non-existent public cellular service. The IMCORP solution: a Wi-Fi network that took advantage of a just- released, innovative, and highly cost-effective, all-in-one dual radio access point/bridge housed in a weather proof enclosure that doubles as a directional antenna. The solution not only met all of VASCOR's requirements for throughput, and security (featuring AES data encrypted bridge links and support for VASCOR's existing wireless security policy between handheld data terminals and corporate server), but was delivered at a cost far below other alternatives that IMCORP and VASCOR explored.

The project was completed within nine days of on-site time and has not only satisfied VASCOR's objectives for secure, real time data visibility, but also demonstrated a payback in regained worker productivity within one year.

Challenges at the outset of the project included the site's signal- trapping bowl topography that prevented use of omni-directional antennae and terrestrial obstructions that prevented line-of-sight point-to-point links. Power sources were also scarce. In addition to its normal responsibilities, IMCORP managed the installation of the supporting physical and electrical infrastructure. The strength of the resulting physical network was tested when a storm destroyed billboards surrounding the facility and damaged parked vehicles while the wireless equipment remained functional.

The IMCORP installation included a review of satellite imagery and three pre- and post-installation site surveys. A special Wi-Fi network infrastructure design included five (5) strategically positioned antenna towers, each with an IEEE 802.11a, 54Mbps directional bridge link, and 802.11g client communications integrated into a single NEMA enclosure. The single unit bridge antenna saved valuable installation time while eliminating the complexities of combining several components as well as the signal loss that results from un-needed cabling and connection points. The Wi-Fi network is standards compliant and data collection terminal-neutral. It currently supports a population of Motorola (formerly Symbol) MC9094 multi-mode, and LXE MX6 Wi-Fi handheld computers.

Download Wi-Fi installation image at http://www.ejwassoc.com/PR_NEWS/IMCorpincVASCORinstall.jpg

Citing the benefits of working with an independent professional in the logistics industry, Lee Jones, VASCOR Ltd. VP, Information Technology notes "In developing our supply chain strategy over the years we've continued to ride the technology wave to the benefit of both our customers and our own profitability. By consistently recommending, installing and servicing the most cost-effective logistics solutions, IMCORP has become a truly valued partner in the growth of our supply chain from 22 distribution points in the US to where we are today."

Background

IMCORP, Inc. ( http://www.imcorpinc.com/ ) is an independent VAR/System Integrator that specializes in providing hardware-neutral input, output and connectivity solutions to corporate users of Information Technology. Their solutions typically include all of the services, hardware and customer support likely to be called for in a logistics solution, from bar code printers, handheld data terminals, network servers and scanners to Wi-Fi site network installations.

VASCOR, Ltd. (Value-Added Service Corporation) ( http://www.vascorltd.com/ ) is a third party logistics provider (3PL) that offers a wide range of supply chain services such as inbound and outbound logistics, finished vehicle services, yard management and IT solutions.

Motorola's Enterprise Mobility business ( http://www.symbol.com/ ) and LXE ( http://www.lxe.com/ ) are manufacturers of rugged mobile computers.

Contact: Bob Lehman, President & CEO IMCORP, Inc. 1225 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 560-B Marietta, GA 30068-2771 Phone Numbers: Toll Free: 800.878.7889 Direct: 770.977.0978 RLehman@imcorpinc.com