BackTrack Controls Access to Construction Sites; Monitors Worker Access to Restricted Areas and Improves Safety Monitoring.

Business/Technology Editors

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. and NANUET, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 19, 2001

Teklynx(R)International today announced an add-on module for its BackTrack(R) item and asset tracking software application that enables managers at large construction sites to improve subcontractor management, site access, security and safety monitoring. The application add-on, called Job Site Employee Tracking, was developed by BackTrack systems integrator, Data Support Inc. of Nanuet.

The application is particularly useful to control access to large construction sites such as commercial or industrial buildings and public infrastructure projects. Using the system, workers are issued picture identification badges with some unique identifier information, such as the last four digits of their social security number.

The badges include a bar code that is scanned by security personnel as the worker enters the work site. The system helps prevent the use of counterfeit badges and unauthorized access since the information on the bar code must match the employee name with the social security number or other control information. If the badge is invalid, the scanner beeps to alert the guard. For large sites the Job Site Employee Tracking application can also control access to specific locations within the larger construction area.

The control mechanism enables project managers to know who is on site and in what area. Managers can also monitor subcontractors' workers to see who is on site in order to compare the information with subcontractor manpower and financial reports. In addition, since both the data and interface can be further customized for specific user environments, individual worker safety records can be tracked. All of this information can be tied back to a central database that could include worker certifications, training records and even individual medical requirements.

The BackTrack Job Site Employee Tracking application generates a series of reports to help comply with management requirements and even government mandated occupational safety and employment reports. The reports summarize subcontractor, site and time groupings, and can be used to drill down to specific individuals to examine, for instance, the individual's safety record.

"As a flexible tracking system, BackTrack has been applied to a wide range of situations," said Mike Strand, director of business development for data collection at Teklynx. "This application from Data Support is truly innovative. It zeros in on a specific set of issues faced by contractors to provide a highly targeted, yet customizable, management tool that improves security, employee tracking and safety."

BackTrack is a comprehensive, flexible tracking system that includes a label designer, report designer and a series of databases for user, location and transaction history. BackTrack applications also have security settings to allow specific users access only to the data and reports that contain information that they are authorized to see. This helps ensure that administrators can limit information access to only those who have a need to know.

The BackTrack Applications Library

The application announced today is part of the BackTrack Applications Library -- a series of applications for business, government and other organizations. The applications, developed by knowledgeable systems integrators and end users, are pre-packaged templates that allow users to quickly and easily implement fully developed solutions or use them as starting points for their own special tracking needs. In addition to the Job Site Employee Tracking application, the Library includes modules to track Information Technology (IT) assets, as well as modules for clinical labs, the law profession, manufacturing equipment tracking and maintenance, food handling, child protection and government agencies. All of the add-on applications are available for free at www.backtrackgroup.com in the "Product Uses" section. The name and contact information of the developers are listed in the event that further information or consulting services are required. Application add-ons require BackTrack version 4.2 or higher running on a personal computer with Microsoft Windows.

About Teklynx

Teklynx International is the leading software developer of automatic identification and data collection (AIDC) products including software for label design, host connectivity, and data collection. Its software products feature the widest range of device and driver support in the industry. Teklynx is a Microsoft Certified Partner and has connectivity relationships with multiple ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software providers. Over 200,000 companies in 120 countries rely on its integrated software solutions for supply chain automation, warehouse management, shipping and receiving, inventory control and asset management. The company is headquartered in Milwaukee with operations in the United States, Europe, Japan, Singapore, and Canada. More information on Teklynx International is available at www.teklynx.com.

The Teklynx data collection software product offerings include BackTrack developed by StrandWare(R). StrandWare, which was recently acquired by Teklynx, is a pioneer in the data collection industry with innovative bar code software products to help organizations cut costs by efficiently labeling, tracking and managing information. More information on BackTrack is available at www.backtrackgroup.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Teklynx, BackTrack and StrandWare are trademarks or registered trademarks of Teklynx International. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.