The Brains and Cogs behind GPS
The Global Positioning System (GPS) consists of 27 satellites that transmit signals to GPS receiver’s world wide
By accurately measuring the time in which a signal is relayed from a receiver to a satellite, the distance from a satellite and the GPS device.
By doing this with this with 3 or 4 satellites, in different orbits the location, direction; speed of the GPS device can be identified.
This Location Data is useful when a fleet operator has all their vehicles displayed live on a screen or the data is sent in the form of reports.
ACTIVE VS PASSIVE TRACKING
Active: the data from the GPS receiver is transmitted over seconds to a user at regular intervals. This gives you real-time location information.
Passive: all the GPS tracking data is stored and must be downloaded to get the data off of the device.
Real time tracking is by far the most popular choice as it allows the user to see where their assets are in real time giving them many more benefits in the field so they can make informed decisions.
To show or not to show?
Some trackers are able to be discreetly installed in a vehicle so the only the installer and operator know that the vehicle has been installed with a tracking device the plus side to this is that the operator has a better picture of how his/her drivers operate on a day to day basis and its harder for thieves to detect.
Another option is to display the tracking device in the open for all to see, this lets the drivers know that they are being kept in check and can act as a deterrent for potential thieves.
Either way we can offer some tips on how to accept tracking with your team.
Where GPS can be used in Fleet tracking
Construction/Landscaping, Plumbers/Electricians, Wholesaler/Supplier/Distributors, Emergency Services, Transportation, Roofing/Garage Installation, Taxi Cabs, Ambulances, Buses, Boats, Trains, Lawn Mowers, Heavy Equipment, Mobile Medical Units, Street sweepers, HGV, Plant Machinery, Trailers, Vans, Cars, Semis, Forklifts, Cranes, Tractors, Harvesters, Lorries, Campervans, Motor bikes, Quad bikes the list goes on.
They All can experience the same benefits:
Overtime Reduction, Improved Customer Service, Timesheet Verification, Increased Productivity, Fuel Reduction, Vehicle Mileage Reduction and increased security.
with literally hundreds on configurations and tracking possibilities its sometimes best to have an informal conversation with us, so that we can let you know what may be useful for you and so that you are not buying a solution that’s not catered to your industry like any off the shelf tracking providers.
Our tracking platform provides the data securely over the Internet. As long as you know the login and password, you can access your system from computer or Smartphone. This is accessible day and night and no matter where you are located in the world.
What is GPS fleet tracking?
GPS fleet tracking is a way to monitor and track vehicles; normally a GPS device is installed in each vehicle to track the vehicles exact location in real time.
The devices can also monitor other information relating to the vehicle including speed, engine start up and shut down, impact detection and mileage completed.
The information from each and every vehicle is then transmitted to a remote user.
Depending on the GPS tracking platform used, remote users can view maps with vehicle locations, access specific reports on vehicles or set security parameters.
Fleet operators can use GPS fleet tracking to improve overall performance of a fleet by monitoring unwanted driver behavior, reducing fuel consumption, preventing thefts and provide other improvements.
Many operators can save by using the system effectively and out way the initial cost very quickly
GPS tracking is gaining traction in many industry from protecting 1/2 million pound plant machinery to lowering insurance premiums, we understand this at Plant-i and have developed many unique and bespoke solutions in order to cater for clients from temperature reports to knowing when a vehicle has a flat battery, giving you the operator the ability to make informed management level decisions to drive productivity.
Reducing breakdowns with GPS Tracking
Hang on one sec you might be thinking, how can GPS tracker prevent my vehicle from breaking down?
At Plant-i we know (from experience) break downs cost, but it costs much more than just a repair bill. You have to take into account lost vehicle time, lost driver hours, upset customers, overtime pay needed to compensate for the broken down vehicle, plus extras.
How to reduce the risk
one proven way to reduce the risk of a vehicle breaking down is to make sure that a vehicle is serviced and maintained, but we know this is no easy feat with some fleets being 300+ strong it’s likely services will get missed as it can be a operation nightmare to organize and keep on top of.
However what if you could have your GPS tracking device remind you of when a vehicle needs a service?
The Plant-i telematics can send alerts when a vehicle is due for a service based on calender time, engine hour’s on-time, or mileage depending on what is best suited for that vehicle ensuring that services are kept in order, improving the reliability of the fleet.
In the event a breakdown, live GPS tracking can help decrease the time spent recovering the vehicle, by knowing exactly where the vehicle is, this information can be shared with the relevant party and if using the app a colleague can even get sat nav directions to the broken down vehicle.
So with all this included in the Plant-i telematics system can effectively maintain your fleets vehicles, making it more reliable, improving productively and even improving the resale value of a vehicle whilst avoiding hefty repair bills.
One new feature we can also include is with the scrapping of the paper tax disc we can now set reminder for each vehicle, notifying you when the tax is due to be renewed.
So what is telematics?
“The branch of information technology which deals with the long-distance transmission of computerized information as defined by Google”
Telematics combines the use of information and communication to give users accurate usable data that is that can be used in many different scenarios. The data is often transmitted using GSM, GPRS and 3G data, the same technology that is used in mobile phones.
How do telematics and GPS work together?
Under the term “telematics” includes the integration of GPS technology and computers and mobile devices.
Telematics has realistically become the known word for the integration of GPS and information in the vehicle industry across all sectors
The perks of vehicle telematics
Using telematics gives the user an extensive array of useful data; including vehicle location, the driver’s behavior, and current speed even show all your fleet on one map in real time. You’ll know when a vehicle is this information gives you a perfect overview of what your fleet is doing in real time allowing you to make crucial decisions when they arise.
Some of the perks a user may benefit for also include.
Fleet and asset security, Better time management of staff, Reduce and control fuel costs, improved workforce productivity, reduced paperwork, customer service improvements, monitoring of CO2 emissions.
Plant-i provides the information securely over the Internet. As long as you know the login and password, you can access your system whether you are at the office of in the middle of a construction site on your Smartphone.
Why choose fleet tracking?
Do you remember when you were learning to drive, and how correctly you did every maneuver to ensure you passed your test and if you didn’t you were told off?
What if there was a way for you to be the driver instructor in every single vehicle in your business.
well using a GPS tracking device is just like that, it lets your drivers that you are in the car with them at all times but also with the added security that once they have finished driving you are keeping a watchful eye on the vehicle while its unattended.
