GPS vehicle tracking systems are rapidly becoming a vital tool for many business owners. In fact, nearly all businesses who have a large vehicle fleet are considering tracking systems as a way to improve their efficiency and in effect, increase profitability.

Who uses these vehicle tracking systems though? What type of company can benefit from the implementation of this GPS technology? Companies that have large numbers of contractors out on the road, such as electrical and plumbing businesses are rapidly implementing tracking solutions. It is not just contractors however, limousine and taxi companies can use vehicle tracking software to increase their efficiency and haulers can use the technology to keep track of particularly valuable assets.

Normally a GPS vehicle tracking system will consist of a tracking device placed inside a vehicle along with a central server and software that lets the user track the fleet from headquarters. The information is relayed using geostationary positioning satellites that give any fleet vehicle’s speed, position and direction of travel. The device inside the vehicle transmits its position on regular intervals in order to remain up to date at all times. The interval is usually around every two to fifteen minutes depending upon the manufacturer’s and owner’s preferences.

But why go to the expense of implementing a vehicle tracking system? Here are ten of the most common reasons.

1. Vehicle tracking systems can help to reduce running costs by specifically targeting those who speed and waste fuel. By focussing upon these drivers it is possible to not only reduce fuel and maintenance bills, but to also reduce insurance premiums.

2. By using a system’s automatic mileage reminder it is possible to reduce time wasted through vehicle maintenance. In addition, by having a service that ensures your vehicles are regularly serviced means that resale values for the fleet will also be higher. It can also help to avoid penalties for issues such as bald tyres and tax as reminders are clear and precise.

3. Some insurance companies will offer around a thirty percent discount to companies who implement a GPS vehicle tracking system. This is not only because it encourages safer driving, but also helps recovery if thefts do occur.

4. Productivity of workers can be increased by being able to keep track of lunch hours, exposing unauthorised stops and breaks and by evaluating the overtime requests of workers. By having detailed information on the whereabouts of vehicles at all times, it is far easier to keep an eye on employee activities.

5. GPS devices help businesses to become more customer friendly. For instance, a cab company that is using a vehicle tracking system can tell a customer exactly where the nearest cab is and give a realistic estimate on how long it will be.

6. Business owners can find their most productive employees and use this information to implement further training or even a system of bonuses to enhance staff members’ work ethic.

7. Vehicle tracking systems will vastly reduce your phone bills as it is no longer a necessity to constantly call employees to find their location.

8. By having all the relevant information on one screen, those running the software have easy access to answer enquiries rapidly and accurately.

9. GPS systems reduce the amount of paperwork that drivers must fill out. By doing this you not only soften the blow of introducing such a system, but also increase the accuracy of your records.

10. By having detailed information on the whereabouts of all employees, business owners are far more in touch with their business operations. Meaning they have greater levels of control over their company.

These ten reasons are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits that vehicle tracking software can bring. If you run a fleet based business, it is about time to consider bringing your operations up to date, making use of advanced technology to not only improve your operations, but also efficiency and profitability.

The supply and maintenance of vehicle tracking systems for fleet management has become big business in the last few years. With the advent of more up to date GPS tracking and smaller, vehicle mounted GPS devices, it is now easier than ever for a fleet manager to keep an accurate log of the whereabouts of all of the vehicles on their fleet. However, choosing a reputable dealer has become increasingly hard because of the inevitable attraction of a fast buck to some less than honest vehicle tracking system suppliers.

To make sure that the dealer you choose is the right one for your business, there are a few questions you can ask first before selecting your provider.

Are they here for the long haul?

Ask your potential vehicle tracking system supplier for a list of other customers. Recommendations from existing customers are gold in any business, and it’s just as important in modern GPS network supply as in any other field. From talking to other customers you can find out what their after-care service is like, whether the company is flexible and has an established research and development programme (making sure that they’re not going to use your fleet as a ‘guinea pig’ to try out a new system) and that they’re reputable.

Show me the money…

Ask to see their accounts. This is a sure way of knowing if a company is reputable or not. Just looking at their advertising literature isn’t enough – anyone can have a glossy brochure printed up – is the company behind the blurb reliable?

TrustMark

The major players in vehicle tracking and GPS tracking devices are currently lobbying the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform to introduce a ‘TrustMark’ initiative for the industry. The TrustMark initiative has been used successfully in other industries such as building, raising standards and marking out companies that take on the initiative as reliable and dependable. The vehicle tracking industry has attracted some unscrupulous businesses, all looking to make a quick profit from customers who are ill-informed and perhaps a little over-eager to join a technological revolution they know little about. Approved operators would have to meet strict criteria concerning hardware quality and after-care service standards. Although not yet inforced, questioning your supplier on their opinion of the scheme may give you a little insight into their commitment to provide a comprehensive and quality service.

Where’s the warranty?

Both hardware and software should be covered by a warranty that includes generic updates and continuing after-sales servicing. If the warranty has ‘escape’ clauses, the provider (and the equipment) may prove to be unreliable, which can be costly.

At the next junction, turn left…

Don’t get mesmerised by a wonderful collection of onboard maps, moving location dots on a screen and fancy software. That’s only a small part of the capabilities of good vehicle tracking devices. A good system should be able to provide you with a wealth of additional data including such features as unauthorised mileage reports, out-of-hours activity, speed of vehicles, programmable route planning and even silent alarms that are activated when the vehicle is supposed to be stationary (indicating possible theft).

Is it right for your business?

It is essential that you stay in control of the solution offered to you. Fleet management is a complex business, and you know the requirements and needs of your fleet far better than the GPS vehicle tracking supplier. An off-the-shelf system may seem like a cheaper option, but it could tie you in with a supplier who cannot grow with your business and cannot provide you with the information you want. Know exactly what you want from your system before you begin the search for a supplier.

The emphasis is on the fleet manager to research carefully beforehand and draw up a business plan indicating exactly what they expect a GPS system to achieve for your business, how much you are prepared to invest and a list of potential suppliers. Only then can you make an informed choice as to which is the best supplier to choose.

GPS or global positioning system is a device through which you can check the exact location of an object. This GPS tracking system, as it is more popularly called, is put into vehicles mostly. This system has become a mandatory instrument in today’s life where there are so much corruptions and thefts. Many online agencies provide these GPS tracking systems at cut down rates. This system enables you to track your fleet from round the corner at any time you wish at any place. The Global Positioning System can track down anything on which it is installed. Even they are installed in wild life at times!

What is this GPS tracking system?

GPS or Global Positioning System consists of a device that is installed into the vehicle. This device is used to transmit radio signals. The radio signals are in return captured by orbiting satellites. These satellites capture pictures of the moving vehicle and then transmit these images or videos to the computer. These computers on which you receive data need no special software to run these images. These tracking systems are handled with the help of satellites. They just need running internet connection on your computer. Any computer in any part of the world can receive these images. These live images can also be recorded for future use. They provide many data all extremely useful for the transport company to meet huge profits.

Where can you get the GPS tracking system?

You can get GPS tracking systems from any online agency easily. Also you can expect heavy discounts from these agencies. The GPS tracking systems provide relevant information regarding speed, mileage, stoppage time, etc to the last details. You can also record the live data if you want. These GPS tracking agencies are extremely helpful for your company’s profit. With these GPS tracking systems you can maintain track record of your moving fleet. These tracking systems are very helpful for finding the position of your vehicles and you can monitor them. With these GPS tracking systems you no longer have to rely on others. You have solid proof of the work done. Due to this you can expect a massive cut down on the cost of the fuel. And can save your fleet from theft. The online agencies also maintain data at your request. Please search the net for further information on this matter.

To install covert GPS vehicle tracking systems, you basically have two choices, pay a specialist company to install and maybe even interpret the data for you, or install your own system and save some money. Do it yourself covert GPS tracking systems are easily installed and, with modern user-friendly software, your vehicle will be easy to track as well. An added advantage with installing your own system is that you need access to the vehicle for only a very short period of time, which is important if you want to minimize the chances of being found out.

This article will look at installing the device in a vehicle, and how you start to use the software program.

Do It Yourself GPS Tracking System – The Installation

Your first decision, when fitting your unit, is what power source you are going to use. You can use the vehicles power supply, which is useful if you think you will be tracking the vehicle for some time, because you won’t ever need to worry about recharging the unit, but the downside to this is that it will involve linking in to the vehicles wiring system which can be complicated and takes some time. Your alternative is to opt for battery power, this makes for a very quick install and is very easy to carry out. With many of the latest units you have the choice of both power options.

When you have decided how you want your unit to be powered, you will need to insert the phone SIM card that comes with your device. Quick tip – make sure the SIM is not locked with a PIN number before you put it in the tracking device as this will stop it transmitting data, you can check the SIM by putting it in a normal cell phone first.

As soon as you have power and the SIM is in place you are ready to roll – it doesn’t get any simpler than that. You now have to make the toughest decision of the whole process, where to hide the unit in the vehicle. You need to choose somewhere that it won’t be found, because the whole point of fitting covert GPS vehicle tracking systems is the secrecy element!

The final thing you need to do is register your phone with the installed device if you want updates sent to your phone – this is easy to do but all systems are different so you’ll have to follow the install guide.

Do It Yourself GPS Tracking System – The Data Output

The software for each covert vehicle tracking device is different, so it’s impossible to give detailed instructions here, there are however some similarities between each package.

First you will need to install the software on your PC or laptop, which is usually as simple as inserting a CD into your computers CD drive, so this should be fairly straightforward. Your package should come with a GSM modem to link up your computer to the device fitted to your car, you will need one of these, so speak to your supplier if it wasn’t part of the deal. After you’ve uploaded the software there are just a couple of steps you will have to follow to enable each device to communicate with the other, these will be specific to the unit you have bought so just follow the install guide and you will be good to go. Once you’re finished, you will be ready to track the vehicle anywhere in the world.