A complete description of what Tracker does would take pages, but I'll try to summarize.
To use Tracker's service, either for lost and found services, or for inventory tracking, or whatever, you need to put a Tracker two dimentional barcode on the item. It can be put on with a sticker or by laser etching. Unlike the barcodes you see on everyday items, every Tracker code is different. To read the code, you can either scan the barcode with one of Symbol's scanners, or you can read the number that appears below the barcode. Each code is linked to information in Tracker's database, such as who the owner is, where they live, what their phone number is, etc.
Now lets say I have a Tracker keychain tag on my keys, which I do, and I lose my keys. If someone finds my keys they can call an 800 number listed on the Tracker tag and read them the Tracker code on my tag. This tells Tracker who owns the keys and then Tracker, not the finder, contacts me and arranges to get the keys back to me. Keychains are my favorite way of using Tracker's lost and found service, since that's something you don't want to put your name and address on, but it is also great for cameras, camcorders, cellphones, laptop computers, and lots of other things.
Now how much would you be willing to pay for TRKR stock? Wait! Don't answer now, because there's more! Consumers aren't the only ones who benefit from Tracker's service:
- Manufacturers can use the TRKR barcodes to track their inventory.
- Retailers can also use it for tracking products. If someone tries to return an item with a Tracker label, the store would know if the item was in fact purchased from their store, when the item was purchased, how much they paid, etc... That would prevent people from trying to return something to a store they didn't really buy it from, or trying to return something after the return period ended, or trying to use the warranty after it expired. That would be a huge positive for retailers and manufacturers. Plus, rather than having to fill out and mail in the warranty card, that can all be taken care of for you when you purchase the item.
And there are many other creative applications for the Tracker technology. Now that Tracker is about to get some cash, I hope to see more deals announced using this technology in various ways. With Sony on board, I wouldn't be surprised to see many other companies follow.
I hope this answers your question about how the Tracker system works...
Jeff |
