SHELTON, Conn., Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The PinPoint Group today announced the launch  of its complete line of AeroMASTER™, AeroCREW™ and  AeroRACK™ tool and asset management systems for aerospace manufacturers, maintainers and operators worldwide.  Developed under a partnership with IDZ Technologies, the PinPoint™ system employs radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and GPS tracking to enhance the accountability and control of tools, ground support equipment and other devices.  

"The PinPoint™ system is the first to integrate RFID and GPS technologies – offering aerospace customers a truly comprehensive tracking solution," said Peter Fuchs, Managing Director of the PinPoint Group, LLC.  "Our system makes 100 percent tool accountability possible and will significantly reduce Foreign Object Damage (FOD) risk.  Fully compatible with customers' existing tools, it provides many advanced capabilities that will help reduce the maintenance burden on our customers worldwide."

The PinPoint™ system's cutting-edge technology was developed after a four-year pilot program and with direct input from civil and military aircraft mechanics and maintenance managers.  Its "pocket-level control" feature can differentiate identical tools and instantly determine when a tool is not in its assigned pocket. This provides unparalleled tool visibility, and asset managers can monitor tool usage, determine real-time inventory status, and configure access permissions remotely.

Through RFID and GPS signals, users are also able to track the path of an asset in a hangar or on a flight line. Universally recognized symbols make the system easy to learn and operate.  Additionally, the system is able to track tool calibration cycles and battery charge levels, and allows technicians to monitor when a tool is broken or requires service. These features help customers better manage their inventory by streamlining tool forecasting and provisioning. 

"IDZ is focused on developing cutting edge radio technologies that will define future generations of asset management systems," said Adalberto Turan, CEO of IDZ Technologies.  "The RFID and GPS components integrated into the PinPoint™ family of tool control systems represent more than five years of R&D investment and are the most advanced technologies available in tool control.  They are ideal for use in the aerospace industry where the consequences of tool-related Foreign Object Debris (FOD) are so high."

Founded in 2012, The PinPoint Group is a technology company focused on the development and support of leading asset management solutions for the aerospace industry.  Current products include the PinPoint™ line of intelligent tool control systems, PinPoint™ tool control software, and maintenance management software for monitoring complex assets such as aircraft and ground support equipment.   Located in Connecticut, The PinPoint Group is a member of the United Technologies family of companies.

Based in San Antonio Texas, IDZ Technologies Inc. was founded in 2004 on the idea that radio frequency identification (RFID) and other identification technologies could have a profound impact on efficiencies and productivity for the military and aerospace sectors.  http://www.idzonline.com

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. Sikorsky Aerospace Services is the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies (NYSE:UTX).

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SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.