Interview with Artie Best, Founder of FrostOnline
by Mary Jo McElyea, Mainstream Software Inc.
I would like to thank Artie Best for participating in an interview with me. Artie has over 30 years of experience with quality control for building construction and year-round maintenance on refrigeration, electrical, HVAC and energy management systems. In 2005, Artie applied his experience with refrigeration service tracking and monitoring controls into a software application known as FrosTrak.
What is FrosTrak and how did you come up with the idea?
FrosTrak and its modules, RoboTrak and EPATrak, are a complete management package for assets, maintenance, automated refrigeration, building controls and monitoring, and EPA compliance.
Between FrostLine Refrigeration and FrostOnline, I have over 30 years of hands on experience ranging from a field technician to a project manager responsible for new store roll outs for clients such as Restaurant Depot. The experience helped me to realize manually managing service, operations, invoicing, and assets for multiple facilities was too labor intensive. I identified the need to transfer the manual processes along with my equipment and service knowledge into an automated application. I wanted a centralized application that everyone from the CEO, manager, book keeper, or vendor (based on privilege levels) could access from anywhere to see and control real time operational information.
What companies benefit from the FrosTrak family of applications?
The software fits the needs of Supermarkets, Restaurants, Convenience Stores, and Refrigeration Manufacturers. However, because the rules are definable by the end user, the industry opportunities are endless.
What makes the FrosTrak family of applications unique?
The combination of FrosTrak’s computerized maintenance management capabilities, along with RoboTrak’s automated monitoring and dispatch response, and EPATrak’s compliance ability make this all inclusive application very unique.
The RoboTrak module is automated technology that receives alarms, interprets them, and reacts based on the rules defined by the client. For example, one of your locations has a Freon leak alarm. RoboTrak identifies the alarm, creates an order, sends notifications and immediately dispatches a work order to the assigned vendor. This allows end users to have their own refrigeration building controls, alarm monitoring center with unlimited dispatch and service tracking abilities.
EPATrak is a leading edge compliance tool that enables end users to be certain all asset refrigerants are following EPA guidelines. This tool works to satisfy moral obligations to limit harmful exposure to the ozone layer as well as comply with EPA rules avoiding fines and serious repercussions.
Why is the EPATrak module so important today?
EPA Regulations are getting stricter each year in consideration of green efforts to protect the ozone and environment. In 2003, EPA put limits on HCFC-22 import and production. By 2010 production and import will be banned (some exceptions). EPATrak will help companies track refrigerant calculations, usage, and leaks.
Where can I find more information about EPA compliance?
The GreenChill program for advanced refrigeration is an excellent cause and resource. Complimenting GreenChill efforts, our software tracks, monitors, and manages system leaks to avoid wasted energy and comply with Freon regulations. Through working with GreenChill partners, like Kysor//Warren, we’ve discussed how important it is to connect our applications to better control efficiency and customer service that this industry has come to expect. You can learn more about GreenChill here: http://www.epa.gov/GreenChill or the EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/
Are FrosTrak, RoboTrak, and EPATrak available and where can I learn more?
FrosTrak’s initial design was for Restaurant Depot and has been in full use with a call center since October 2006. Since January 2008, RoboTrak’s been in use removing nuisance alarm calls from operators to managers with its built in artificial intelligence capabilities. EPATrak’s full release will be available by the end of 2008.
To learn more contact Mainstream Software at 800-337-2645 or Artie Best, FrostOnline at 516-378-4040.