GPS Systems Basics

GPS tracking systems are an economical way to assist businesses with fleet management

A Global Positioning System is a navigation system which utilizes a constellation of 24 to 32 satellites, located 12,000 miles above the earth, that transmit signals to the earth’s surface where they are received by GPS receivers. When the GPS receiver acquires the signal, you can see geographic location through triangulation.

While a common use of Global Positioning Systems is to provide directions from Point A to Point B, businesses can equip their fleet with GPS tracking systems to assist with fleet management operations. Real time GPS tracking systems provide logs that assist customer service departments in providing clients information about their delivery or help resolve any disputes as to whether a delivery actually occurred.

GPS systems basics to consider and assist with your decision making include:

1. How much can I afford to spend on a GPS device and monthly fees?

2. Does my current cellular provider and existing cell phones offer GPS features that I can activate to provide me with the tracking features I desire?

3. Is there another business in the area that utilizes real time GPS tracking? If so, what do they like and dislike about the GPS system they selected?

 

Contact GPS suppliers and distributors to assist you in finding a GPS device that suits your needs

GPS suppliers and distributors can prevent one from feeling overwhelmed by reviewing the aforementioned GPS systems basics with you. Providing them this information will enable them to provide better assistance to you in identifying specific GPS tracking systems that contain the features you desire.
Try: ATTI's Shadow Tracker ® tracking system provides customers a variety of vehicle tracking programs to accommodate fleets of all sizes. GPS North America is a web-based vehicle tracking system that allows the ability for one to create and edit routes.

Research online GPS system product testimonials regarding the products that interest you

Online product testimonials are an invaluable resource in determining whether a product will suit your company's needs. Existing users can provide insight as to how they use the product and what they wish they had done differently or will do differently when they upgrade their vehicle tracking system.
Try: GPS Fleet Solutions, ATTI and Fleet Tracking Solutions list product testimonials from clients on their websites.

Verify when opting for cellular GPS tracking system that the carrier's network provides coverage

GPS enabled cell phones are a simple and affordable GPS tracking solution. However, one should bear in mind that they lose tracking capabilities should the vehicle leave their network coverage area.
Try: Nextel, AT&T/Cingular and Sprint are popular cellular providers that provide their network coverage areas online.

 

• Inquire as to whether your insurance company offers discounts on GPS navigation systems. Several insurance companies consider GPS devices an anti-theft device and you may be able to receive a discount on your premium.
• Management can utilize GPS tracking systems to observe drivers to ensure they are making their deliveries in a geographically logical, systematic manner instead of making random, unorganized deliveries within their sector. Other GPS solutions provided to managers include the ability to monitor the speed that drivers are traveling, how long they spend at each delivery location, and if they travel outside of their delivery area without authorization.

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