The NaviTag DataCentre Turns Data into Actionable Information

navitag technologies cargo security solutions Customers can access security and location information on each cargo shipment anywhere in the transportation supply chain through an internet connection to the NaviTag DataCentre.

The DataCentre authenticates, validates, captures and presents information generated from the NaviTag Container Tracking Unit (CTU) and activation units, turning this data into actionable information. Our DataCentre model breaks into three distinct sections, the interface / gateway engine, the authentication / validation engine, and the rules set engine. Each of these engines are based on J2EE architecture guidelines and are designed to be rapidly scaled up as volume requirements dictate. At the highest level, the purpose of each engine is as follows:

Interface / gateway engine: This engine defines standard interfaces into the database with validation stages to ensure fidelity of the data being transformed. Four distinct interface conduits are needed, one to receive data from the CTU, the second to receive and send data to the authentication unit, a third to receive and send data to a messaging interface, and a forth to deal with end user access (web page / wireless). The interface engine must work closely with the authentication / validation engine to ensure that access and encryption is implemented at the appropriate level.

Authentication / validation engine: Data sent from a NaviTag CTU to the satellite constellation is transmitted on a specific frequency worldwide. While difficult, this transmission is susceptible to eavesdropping by terrestrial receivers and requires a certain level of security to prevent unauthorized access and / or modification of the data. The activation process also requires a level of security that only allows a CTU to be activated by authorized personnel. In addition to activating the CTU, the activation device must securely link to the DataCentre to update the list of authorized CTUs and transfer pertinent data to and from the CTU. The authentication / validation engine will work in conjunction with the interface / gateway engine to secure data and operations through these three channels - DataCentre to activation unit, activation unit to CTU and CTU to DataCentre.

Rule set engine: This engine focuses on converting derived data received from the Interface / gateway engine into actionable information. It works by running exception rules against the data to discover discrepancies and act on them in a way prescribed by the CTU owner. Since actionable conditions can occur from time based events as well as data collection routines, the rule set engine must also be designed to address such scenarios. Important in the overall design is the separation of the rules from the rule set engine itself, so that rules can be added and modified by end user and / or NaviTag personnel without requiring invasive changes to the code.

Enterprise Network Integration: The NaviTag DataCentre software design allows owners and authorized third parties to access and integrate NaviTag data into their own business processes. As described in the authentication / validation engine, each NaviTag, activation unit, and data created by each device is centrally registered to its owner and usage is limited to authorized parties. Additionally, alerts / messages can be generated on a global and / or voyage specific basis. This enables NaviTag users to advise both internal and external parties of specific cargo events they deem important. For example, a global alert can be used to notify a traffic manager if a CTU-equipped container in transit is opened. A voyage alert can notify the Customs House Broker or a Port Captain that a particular container arrived at port.

Future Products and Services: In addition to integration opportunities, the combination of a shipment-specific CTU coupled with a centralized DataCentre provides us the opportunity to offer future products and services to meet specific requests for customized alerts, reports and monitors.

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The NaviTag DataCentre Turns Data into Actionable Information