GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems use Global Positioning Satellites to track the locations of personal and commercial vehicles including cars, trucks, tractors and construction vehicles.
The Global Positioning Satellite System has revolutionized the way we drive, and how we get from point A to point B. Most everyone has some experience with these amazing electronic maps that can route travel and give directional guidance. With only a small twist in function, now they not only let you know where you are in your vehicle, but they can allow you to locate your vehicle when you’re not in it.
By taking the GPS system and adding a small bit of cell phone technology along with the internet, it’s possible to track your vehicle if it is stolen, or more likely when another family member is using it (think: teenagers!) Probably a bigger use for these systems would be to track work vehicles, truck fleets, and construction equipment. Virtually any large asset can be outfitted with one of these units if there is a risk of theft or a need to monitor location.
The two types of GPS tracking devices to use on vehicles are loggers and live web trackers. GPS loggers can be hidden or mounted in a vehicle and will record the geographic location at specified intervals on internal memory. The memory chips can usually be removed or the unit can be hooked up to a PC with a USB cable. The resulting data can analyzed to determine where it has been, for how long, what speeds were traveled, etc. This tiny unit is battery operated, easily concealed, and comes with software to read the recorded data. A tremendous advantage of this type of tracker is that there is no ongoing monthly operating fee.
The live tracker is just that, a GPS unit that will relay location information live to the web for you to monitor on the internet from anywhere in the world. They can be small and portable as well. This unit even has a “panic” button to send an immediate text or email alert to an intended recipient. Alerts can also be setup to be sent if the tracker exceeds a certain speed limit or travels outside a user specified area. A permanently mounted live tracker can be wired permanently to a vehicle’s electric system. These can also be programmed with various “alert” parameters to notify you if certain routes or speed limits have been ignored. The live vehicle trackers do require a monthly service plan, (much like a cell phone) and usually some form of activation fee. These plans vary in cost and are often based on length of plan, frequency of use, and number of units that you are contracting for. The good news is that the cost can often be completely recouped in fuel savings, employee productivity, and speedier and more efficient customer service.
These are a few industries that see both financial savings and better customer service by tracking their vehicles:
Immediately check up on your teen or loved one if they are late for an appointment. (or make sure that you don’t have a cheating spouse!). Track an employee to make sure they are on the road and not taking unauthorized routes or unscheduled breaks. Monitor large pieces of construction equipment or materials that are at risk for theft.
With your GPS that you’re using now, it’s easy to find out where you are and where you’re going; with the new GPS Vehicle trackers you can find out where your stuff is and where it’s been.
