Vehicle Tracking System Myths Debunked

Vehicle tracking through the use of GPS tracking systems is a relatively new technology being utilised in all manner of industries. Some have had major concerns with the implementation of systems as yet another encroachment of the 'Big Brother' culture. These common misconceptions while reasonable can be debunked with knowledge of the industry and better understanding of the way in which vehicle tracking systems work.

The first misconception often made by businesses when considering a tracking system is that they trust their staff and so do not need to employ the technology. It must be understood however that these GPS tracking systems are not put in place to keep tags on employees but instead to make businesses more efficient and cost effective. They can do this by maximising fuel usage and providing safety and security for drivers whilst also creating faster response times for call outs.

Another myth that needs to be debunked is that employees will strike or walkout if a vehicle tracking system is implemented. This is a common misconception and while employees may be originally suspicious of these technologies, once they have used the system they will grow accustomed to it. Research has shown that vehicle tracking systems actually make driver's jobs easier by eliminating endless paperwork and decreasing the time spent on the road.

Another myth that many businesses believe is that the installation of a vehicle tracking system will be difficult to install and use. New technologies tend to create apprehensiveness with customers but this need not be the case. The installation of a GPS box in every vehicle and software back at the headquarters can be installed quickly and easily and with a little training almost anyone can learn to use the software efficiently and effectively.

Some have surmised that GPS vehicle tracking is an unnecessary technology; many believe that the job can be carried out just as effectively with the use of mobile phones. The benefit of having real time vehicle location is invaluable and when combined with mileage assessments and other applications can actively reduce running costs. It is worth remembering that a mobile phone can be easily turned off or left in the vehicle, they are in no way an all encompassing solution.

Some think that the current vehicle tracking systems on the market today are all the same. This is a misnomer as basic packages will simply track vehicles and not work towards increasing efficiency. With so many added applications that can work towards changing the way business is done, the benefits can be huge if you are willing to utilise a system that will do more than simply track your fleet.

With a lack of understanding of vehicle tracking technology some still think that the system is a product. This however is not the case; most systems are in fact services carried out by an external operator. The service contract will usually last a number of years so it is advisable to get a good idea of what the service includes before signing any agreements.

Some may think these systems are an unnecessary and expensive outlay. While a vehicle tracking system is a considerable investment, it is just that; an investment. The rewards that will be reaped as your business becomes more efficient and cost effective will recoup the initial outlay in matter of months.

GPS tracking systems are a new technology and hence many feel they have yet to prove their worth. While this may be the case for logistics businesses, GPS systems and satellite navigation systems have been used for decades and have proven their worth countless times. It is only now that the commercial uses for the technology are finally being realised.

Hopefully this article has gone some of the way to revealing the truth about vehicle tracking systems. In the logistics industry it rapidly becoming the case that businesses shouldn't consider whether they can afford a tracking system but instead whether their business can afford not to have one.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Vehicle-Tracking-System-Myths-Debunked/153734

How To Decide Which Type Of GPS System You Need

I think by now just about everyone knows about GPS devices. Lots of people are using the technology today that once relegated to pocket protector geeks with black frame glasses. I know those of us who fish offshore would never leave home without it now, I don't know how we ever did without it. If you are still lacking a little in the knowledge of GPS and how the system works here are a few hints to get you started.

If you haven't ever used a GPS, a simple explanation is that it is like a live animation map that moves as you move. If you are looking for a specific location the GPS can take you there, if you don't know where you are the GPS can tell you. It is a super cool tool to have.

The GPS tracking technology has come a long way with GPS devices available today that actually speak to you. These gadgets will now tell you when to turn, how far ahead your destination is, and even how far to the nearest gas station.

So how do you decide which specific device you need out of all the GPS systems on the market? First, you can break all of the devices into four main categories which are: automobile navigation, marine navigation, outdoors, and the newer PDA-GPS hybrids like those available from Palm now.

The automotive systems are primarily used by people who travel for a living or use their vehicles in outside sales. There are many manufacturers now offering the option of having the units built into the vehicle and it has become a very popular option. These devices like their aftermarket counterparts are normally mounted to the dashboard in easy view for the driver. Some of the more desirable features to have are the detailed built in maps, voice guided directions and the points of interest database which will call attention to things like restaurants and service stations.

The handheld portable units are a great choice if you want flexibility and the option of using the unit outside of the car. For people who like hiking or hunting these are great. You should look for one that is waterproof with a color screen and a batter that will last for a long duration. Also look for programmable mapping features. You will want to be able to upload maps of rural areas you may be going to, or if using it near shore, you will want marine maps.

As I alluded to earlier, I am an avid offshore fisherman and wouldn't even consider fishing offshore now without a GPS. If you are fishing in tournaments you can't even begin to compete without one. These systems are very durable and since they are designed for marine conditions, they are waterproof. They will offer such features as chart plotting in full color, sonar, programmable maps, and even fishing hot spots.

The newer hybrid system now available offers a blend of the GPS technology with a PDA. These are relatively new and only a handful of companies are offering them. The one that I am most familiar with is the Palm Treo.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/How-To-Decide-Which-Type-Of-GPS-System-You-Need/95160

Some facts about the global positioning system

Chances are that you have used a global positioning system enabled device before. Maybe it was in the car or maybe using a handheld system. GPS allows you to find your current location anywhere on earth and with some software added also to get directions how to get to anywhere else.
GPS started as a military system allowing the US army to pinpoint where its soldiers and vehicles are. But the GPS system was opened up for civil use too although up to a few years ago the resolution of the location discovery was limited.
With GPS becoming more and more pervasive it was became cheaper. Today you can buy a fully equipped GPS device for a few tens of dollars. And with low memory prices devices costing around two or three hundred dollars can have detailed maps covering all the united states and a nice LCD screen to display them.
The GPS system is comprised of a large number of satellites that were positioned in specific and accurate orbits. The GPS device core is a receiver and an antenna. Old GPS devices needed a large antenna to receive the satellite but with improvements in electronics resulting in more sensitive receivers the new GPS devices antennas are small and in most cases are simply built into the device.
The GPS device receives a signal from a few satellites concurrently. The GPS knows at any given point in time where each satellite is positioned and the distance to that satellite. By calculating the intersection between the different satellite spheres the GPS can know the exact position altitude, longitude and latitude. By correlating this information with detailed map files and the GPS its location on a map. And add some sophisticated software and the GPS can calculate directions and continually track where it is and correct the directions as its position changes.
GPS devices can also calculate speed by simple measuring the time passed to move from one location to another. GPS devices are a commodity today and they are used both by consumers in cars or handheld but also in commercial systems like airplanes and ships. GPS works in any weather condition and needs very little energy to operate.
Some GPS devices today are so small that they can fit in a wristwatch or a cell phone. Many people confuse between the GPS ability to determine its location to all the other goodies like color maps and driving directions. In fact the only thing the global positioning system does is calculate a location on earth. Once that was calculated the rest is a specific application that uses this information together with routing software and maps to provide driving directions. But there are many other applications for example GPS devices are placed in strategic places on the north pole to measure icebergs movements or GPS devices. Other GPS devices are used on vehicle fleets to manage where each truck is or on taxi cabs allowing a central reservation system to find the closest taxi to the passenger order one.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Some-facts-about-the-global-positioning-system/147444