GPS vehicle tracking system – why use it?

There is no question that vehicle tracking devices are becoming more and more popular among, not only fleet managers but private vehicle owners as well. The advantages are many of having a vehicle tracking system installed, and it can vary depending on the needs and model selected. Mostly there are three different types of tracking devices on the market.

Questions:

Q:  What is a GPS vehicle tracking system?
A:  It is a device that can pinpoint on a map in real-time the location of a vehicle.

Q:  How does GPS vehicle tracking system work?
A:  GPS also referred to as Global Positioning System, is an international radio navigation system which is formed from 24 satellites and their ground stations. The Global Positioning System is using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network, which incorporates a selection of satellites that are using microwave signals which are sent to GPS devices to relay various information such as location, speed, time, direction. 

Q: How can I track the location of my car?
A:  To track the location of a car, it requires a GPS that is linked to a smart device that will analyse the data and show the precise location on the map.

1 – Cellular tracking systems and wireless tracking systems are also referred to as active tracking systems:

Data transmission is being done through either tracking system or both via satellite communication. The data transmission done through both tracking systems can be useful and act as failsafe, in any event, that the network of any of the two tracking systems is down. The pros of the two tracking systems are real-time data transmission. Real-time means real-time. Every move of the vehicle is tracked. From the moment the vehicle leaves the base up until it returns to the station. All data is transmitted within seconds and ready to be analysed by those authorised to do so. The combination of these two systems can be a great benefit to any vehicle owner in any unfortunate event where the vehicle gets stolen.

The most significant benefit is for the fleet managing companies.

• Having these active vehicle tracking systems installed on every vehicle can help with among others:
•  Idle Times, Location,  Speed, History,  View Mileage and more. 
• Schedule reports.
• Real-Time – at any point you can see where vehicles are LIVE allowing your business to react quicker and more efficiently. 

  

   

The cons of these tracking systems are:

• Higher initial cost to set it up. These active tracking systems are more expensive in comparison to passive tracking devices.
• Perpetual fees. Since these active tracking systems are transmitting data in real-time, they do require data plans. Also, some additional advanced software that may need some integration with other software programs.
• Network dependent.

2 – Vehicle passive tracking device

The pros of this vehicle tracking device are, among others:

•  It offers detailed and accurate data. These passive tracking devices can monitor and store data from more sources than the other active device systems, and the reporting is in-depth. The risk of errors or lack of data transmission while on the go due to lack of wireless signal is being reduced.
•  Low initial cost – given that they are less sophisticated.
• No monthly costs. While there is no data to be transmitted wirelessly,  there is no need for a data plan.
•  It works offline. The data is being stored on an internal memory card. This data is retrieved when the vehicle returns to its base.
• As it goes with most technological gadgets, vehicle passive tracking devices are evolving as well. The newer models do not require removing the internal memory card. The data can be retrieved wirelessly using a short-range signal, once the vehicle has returned to its base.

The cons of the passive tracking device – there are a few, but not to be  neglected:

•  Lack of precision
•  Lack of real-time data.
• And most importantly, all data can only be retrieved when the vehicle returns to its base. In any unfortunate event, that the car is stolen all data recorded is obsolete. There is no possibility of tracking the location of the vehicle since there is no real-time data available to be transmitted.

Should you consider that a GPS tracking unit is the right device to track in real-time your personal vehicle or your fleet of vehicles, then get in touch with us on 0203 393 5669 or view our vehicle tracking service page.