A vehicle tracking system is a software system used by transport companies to monitor the location of trucks, trailers and other vehicles. The software is connected to the vehicles through GPS, giving companies real-time insight into the geographic position of their vehicles.
Vehicle tracking relies both on the Global Positioning satellites (GPS) and a cellular system. A tracking module in the vehicle continuously picks up the GPS coordinates that indicate the real-time location of the vehicle. Using a cellular data service, the coordinates are immediately transmitted to the tracking company’s computers. Customers log in to the tracking company website to see their vehicles on road maps, similar to in-dash and handheld GPS-based navigation systems.
A vehicle tracking system is often referred to as a fleet management system, although the latter can contain more functions than just tracking the locations of vehicles. A fleet management system often also provides support for vehicle tracking, vehicle maintenance, managing driving behaviour and fuel consumption for leasing or financing vehicles.
The features of vehicle tracking deices include; real-time location tracking, customizable alerts, for instance when the tracking device is plugged out, a notification alert is sent to the host. Other features are vehicle maintenance scheduling which is authoritative to make sure that vehicles receive the service they need when they need it. Moreover, route optimization and scheduling is one of the features which allow automated dispatch to let drivers know where they are going and the route they will take. Vehicle tracking systems arrange routes accompanied by details such as customer requests or unique delivery requirements. This feature can streamline communication, increase productivity and help maintain a high level of customer service by improving arrival times. Vehicle tracking systems provide comprehensive utilization reports that give you all the necessary data to make informed decisions about your vehicles.
Tracking vehicles is important because it ensures monitoring hence preventing vehicle misuse through geo-fencing and time fencing. Geo-fences let you set geographical boundaries within the fleet tracking software. If a vehicle leaves the specified boundary (such as the company car park), there will be an instant notification. Similarly, a company can create a time fence so as to be notified if a vehicle is being used outside a certain time frame (such as outside of working hours). Vehicle trackers protect vehicles against theft. Vehicles are a costly investment, so it is important to track them. You can create custom geo-fence and time fence alerts to be notified anytime a vehicle is used outside of business hours or leaves a specified area. If a vehicle does get stolen, you’ll be able to find its real-time location on the map and share that information with the police.
Correspondingly, vehicle tracking improves response to emergency as last-minute calls are a priority for many fleet managers. If you track your vehicles, you can see their real-time location and dispatch the nearest vehicle to last-minute calls. This prevents you from having to call each of your drivers individually to learn their location, thus saving you time and streamlining your workflow.
There is a wide range of vehicle trackers which are hardware options. There is a wireless-OBD which is plug and pay. It does not require wiring, shifts easily and always on discreet. Another type is a wired tracker which monitors fuel consumption and switches off ignition. There is a Wireless AT1- Magnetic Compact tracker which does not require wiring, charges once in 25 days and can hide anywhere while a Wireless AT2- Magnetic Large tracker which has the same features except that it charges once in 45 days.
All these vehicle trackers discussed above are available at Gadget Guru; contact us to schedule a live demo of these innovative solutions.
