Using GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems to Your Advantage

Managing your vehicle resources is a lot easier when you use vehicle tracking GPS systems. Whether you are a fleet manager who manages a hundred vehicles, a business owner or an individual who has a special car, GPS tracking technology will help you keep track of your fleets, vehicles and assets.
Essentially there are two types of GPS tracking technology used to track and manage vehicles. The least expensive system is called “GPS Logging” or “Passive GPS Tracking”. GPS logging units, which are generally used for personal use, are generally placed in a vehicle and then removed. The unit is normally attached to a computer where the logging software up loads the data into a data base. The information is displayed in map and report form for analysis. Logging GPS units are useful for personal use, due to the fact that they are generally small and inexpensive. The major drawbacks to these vehicle tracking GPS units is that the information is old, can be overwritten, can be tampered with by the employee along with a slew of other reasons. Effective management decisions can’t be based on the information loggers provide, therefore these type of tracking systems are rarely used in business.
The second type of vehicle tracking GPS system is called “Real Time” or “live” GPS tracking. Real time GPS tracking provides current tracking information on each vehicle being tracked. These tracking units are generally larger and more costly than logger units. They are comprised of a GPS component and a communication component. Additionally you will have to use a GPS tracking Service Company to access your live tracking information. The tracking information is uploaded using standard cell phone or satellite phone technology to the tracking service company which then makes it available to its customers.
The service company normally charges a monthly fee for this service. Many service companies provide the tracking equipment and do the vehicle installations. However you can purchase the vehicle tracking GPS equipment and do the installation yourself.
The real time tracking information is uploaded at intervals specified by the customer. Cross country trucking firms might have tracking information uploaded every 30 minutes, while a delivery service may need uploads as frequently as every 1-2 minutes so they can respond quickly to customers. In general, the more often you require a data upload the more the GPS tracking Service Company will charge.
The GPS Tracking service company will provide a number of mapping and data base services to the customer, such as: standard mapping with speed, direction, time stopped and time en route, fuel use, engine performance and fluid levels, geo zones/fencing and an alarm when a vehicle leaves its assigned area or is being used outside of normal working hours.
Whether you are a business with a large fleet of vehicles or private citizen, vehicle tracking GPS technology will help you keep track of and manage your vehicle resources.