GPS Tracking

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based navigation system that is providing precise location and time information about a vehicle, person, or other asset which a GPS tracking system is attached to. GPS is based partly on similar ground-based radio-navigation systems, but uses satellites which continually broadcast signals in all weather conditions. GPS tracking requires the use of at least four satellites orbiting the earth to calculate a relatively accurate position of a tracking device.

Among other functions, GPS tracking is common among companies that need vehicle tracking, as GPS tracking can be used to monitor the route of the vehicles, ships or aircrafts included in the fleet. It is also used for tracking the exact position of cargo.

GPS tracking helps fleet managers to monitor the performance of their fleet and employees that operate with it by collecting real time data about location and time of the monitored vehicle. The gathered information can be used for data backups, reports and long-term efficiency analysis for strategic usage of resource and productivity optimization. Furthermore, knowing where your fleet is at any time increases safety.

GPS tracking is possible through a GPS tracking device and a data unit. The tracking device also known as a GPS tracker is an electronic device that is to be installed in your vehicle, so that it can collect a variety of information about the vehicle’s location and performance based on driving.

The operating information is sent continuously to a data unit, where all the data is processed, analyzed and stored through GPS tracking software. All these components form a GPS tracking system which allows managers to monitor their fleet remotely since the stored data is accessible through a computer, laptop, mobile phone, or a tablet.

GPS tracking can be classified in two main types - active and passive, depending on the time of data transmission.

Active devices, connected via a GPRS system, receive data from the GPS satellites and transform it to the data unit/server of a specialized computer monitoring systems in real time via a cellular/GSM or satellite network. The gathered data about the vehicle position, speed, course and more can be accessed through the Web on a computer, laptop, tablet or on a mobile phone as some GPS tracking providers offer that feature.

Active GPS tracking helps companies receive immediate processed information about their fleet that can be used for fleet solutions and managment of company resources.

Unlike active GPS tracking devices, passive trackers collect and store information about location, time and speed over time. The data can be accessed and downloaded later when the vehicle returns to the predetermined point.

Some GPS tracking systems combine both active and passive GPS tracking. This allows the GPS tracker to work on different modes. When the tracker is connected and a mobile network is available, data is transmitted to a data server. When a network is not available, the tracker stores the collected data, which can be downloaded or transferred to a server later on, when the network becomes available again.

GPS tracking is an essential part of every fleet management system, because information about the fleet ensures various fleet management functions such as fleet telematics (tracking and diagnostics), fuel management, vehicle maintenance, driver management among many others. Furthermore, precise data about vehicle’s location and speed is possible at any time and place due to GPS satellites usage.

This makes GPS tracking an inseparable part of transport related businesses where managers need to monitor remotely and constantly their fleet. Most vehicle tracking suppliers offer online access to the data received from a GPS tracking system, so managers can easily and quickly get an overview of the real-time position and speed of their vehicles, control the driver's’ behaviour on the road, manage workflows, optimize fuel efficiency by analyzing the driver's driving style and much more.

GPS or vehicle tracking systems are quite often referring to the same product even though vehicle tracking systems can be more comprehensive, offering more advanced functionalities than location and speed tracking. However, GPS tracking is the main component of every modern vehicle tracking systems since its main function is location tracking which is possible through GPS satellites.

By using GPS tracking of vehicles, ships or cargo, a company can achieve an enhanced communication channel that connects the fleet to the office and can allow an easy and fast two-way information traffic when a messaging option is included in the vehicle tracking system.

When you invest in a GPS tracking in your fleet management system, you get various benefits. These include among others the following:

Many fleet management companies make sure to coordinate and facilitate various transport and transport-related activities. GPS tracking has become a central part of many transport related companies as they are trying to optimize their business. Installing GPS tracking systems enables managers to track their fleet, send the closest vehicle to a given task, react quickly if a car were to go astray and ensure that the fleet is not misused for extra work in contravention of the scheduled time and much more.

GPS tracking can be advantageously used in the following segments:

Some car rental companies put geographical limitations to the car driving. GPS tracking helps them control drivers not to take the car outside the set boundaries. Tracking the rented cars in real time can also be useful in case they haven’t been returned on time.

GPS tracking can be used for a variety of purposes on bus routes, including monitoring driving behaviour, planning precisely the time schedule and informing passengers about the changes.

GPS tracking is useful in the home care sector as it is an advantage to have your fleet in a direct communication with the office. In this way, the dispatchers can always send the nearest available home carer for a task, should there be an emergency. Besides, this optimizes the time of the home care workers.

The nature of the business of taxi companies requires GPS tracking. Not only it is essential for the organization of the work since dispatchers should be able to locate and direct taxi drivers by sending the nearest available one to an address, but GPS tracking for taxi companies is a necessity for good customer service. Most taxi companies have GPS trackers with a navigation system installed in the cars. This allows drivers not to depend only on the dispatcher’s directions, but to get fast information about the most efficient route. Besides GPS tracker, taxi companies use vehicle tracking systems with two-way messengers installed to ensure the communication flow between the office and the fleet. In addition, GPS tracking is helpful for the safety of the driver and the car. Cars can easily be located in case of undesired occasions.

It is an advantage for sales consultants to have GPS tracking and navigation in their vehicles so they can find the quickest and easiest way to customers especially in unknown areas. In such cases GPS tracking means reduced travel time, increased productivity and better customer service.

The physical transfer of banknotes, coins and items of value from one location to another normally requires high level of security. GPS tracking can strengthen transport safety and prevent thefts by providing real-time information about the location of the money transport.

Carpenters, mechanics, plumbers and other workers that need a vehicle to reach their customers are often driving cars with an installed GPS tracking device as it is relatively important for the employer to know where the vehicles are. GPS tracking can ensure that the cars are not misused for extra work in the evenings and weekends.

Some hotels implement GPS tracking in their cars and limousines, as it allows them to know when a VIP is approaching the hotel. In this way, they are always prepared and ready to receive important hotel guests.

Companies can track their cargo, assets, packages and containers transported on air, on the ground or through shipping through GPS tracking systems. This allows them provide accurate information to the customers about the position of the expected package, which optimizes the work and increases customer service quality. You can use GPS tracking for almost any fleet.

GPS tracking software is a long term investment which pays for itself relatively quickly through time and productivity optimization, increased safety, better customer service, overall efficiency.

Business car tracker costs can vary a lot depending on the size of the fleet and your company’s needs. A larger fleet would probably need a higher number of GPS trackers to be installed in each vehicle or cargo. This will also require more comprehensive vehicle tracking system compared to a smaller fleet.

GPS tracking service for small businesses will often be less expensive, as there is less need for GPS tracking units and the coordination of the installed trackers is easier. To calculate how much you can save by purchasing the software, use Savings Calculator. Usually, depending on the tracking needs vehicle tracking prices range from £15 to £20.

The features included in the GPS tracking system also influence the price. A simple GPS tracking service with basic functions such as location and speed is cheaper than one with more features. Therefore, it is important to determine your company's needs before deciding on budget for GPS tracking.

You can either buy or rent a GPS tracking system. Renting can be a good option for companies with smaller fleet where fleet management is not an essential part of the business. The rental costs are usually paid on a monthly basis and can vary depending on what you choose to include in the lease.

If you need to manage the fleet of a car rental, taxi, bus transport, courier or another company where locating vehicles is essential for the work efficiency, you are probably willing to invest more in a GPS tracking system, which will allow you an access to more features.

Vehicle trackers can be divided into active and passive trackers. Passive trackers do not send information collected in real-time, but save information on the device. To retrieve the collected data, GPS tracker needs to be removed from the vehicle or asset and connected to a computer. The data collected by a passive tracker usually contains information on directions and routes taken, speed, stops and idle time and location and time information. After the data are collected, it is possible to return the GPS tracker to the vehicle or to choose a different asset to track. 

Active trackers on the other hand send the information collected in real-time. Active trackers bring some advantages as opposed to passive trackers. Active tracker have geo-fence function, which can send alerts and notifications whenever a vehicle leaves given area. Active trackers can also help with theft prevention as well as with vehicle recovery in case of theft. As a disadvantage of active tracking system can be considered the price. Active trackers tend to be more expensive, therefore a thorough research prior to purchasing and installing a GPS tracker is needed, in order to find the best match for the needs of the company.

GPS data loggers can be considered as passive trackers. Information is not sent, but saved in the internal memory of the device which can be later retrieved. Modern GPS data loggers have memory card slots or USB slots for easier transfer of data. This way, device does not have to be removed from the vehicle or asset. The advantage of GPS data loggers is easy installation and the price. As already mentioned above, these devices are a cheaper solution than other systems.

Data pushers, as the name suggests, push or send the information to a server. These devices can be also considered to be active trackers. This allows instant access to data as well as the possibility to immediately analyse the data sent. This system has usually two components, one of it being the device - hardware, which is hardwired to the vehicle and allows more information to be collected such as information on fuel, driver’s performance, vehicle performance and much more. The second component is software. Some companies focus only on fleet management software, while other companies focus on both components. This solution however tends to be more expensive, therefore a thorough consideration of company’s needs is in order.

Data pullers are not as common as data pushers. Data pullers do not send information like data pushers, however are always on and information from data pullers can be retrieved anytime (pulled from the device). Often used when a real-time information or complete route information is not needed. 

In order to find the best solution for your company, a consideration of your company needs might be in order. Active trackers can bring a lot of advantages, however, it might not be the cost-effective solution for your company.

The GPS based vehicle tracking system is the most popular solution for fleet management. GPS vehicle tracking helps you to track the GPS location of your vehicle at any time using a satellite tracker.

It means that by installing a tracking device in a vehicle, also known as a GPS tracker, you are able to locate your vehicles wherever they are.

This allows you to know where the goods are from the moment they start moving, until they are delivered to your customers. You can even control the speed limits of your drivers through the GPS vehicle tracking system. This GPS vehicle tracking device works from anywhere around the world, under any weather condition, even when traveling through tunnels.

The GPS vehicle tracking system is the backbone of efficient fleet management and enables companies to know the location of the goods as they are being transported in real-time. But don’t be fooled by companies who offer GPS vehicle tracking system for free. Most of the time these offers turn out to be scammers who are trying to get you to install malicious software on your device.