Vehicle Tracking Key Terms

Learn about vehicle tracking through a solid foundation in industry key terms

By Christine Foley

Vehicle tracking allows businesses and entities to keep detailed control over the vehicles they have in operation. This can include cars, trucks and vans for all different purposes, ranging from deliveries to fleet cars for staff to transportation to and from business functions and meetings. Vehicle tracking is also beneficial when it comes to monitoring gas use, speeding and idling. However, to make the most of such an industry and truly understand the benefits of vehicle tracking, it is important to establish a foundation by learning the key concepts and key terms of vehicle tracking and its industry.

Vehicle tracking device

A vehicle tracking device is the piece of hardware used in tracking systems to monitor vehicle locations. In the current market, the leading vehicle tracking device systems include those which operate in real-time and on web-based systems.
Try: Popular options for vehicle tracking devices are explored at GPSonSale.com, as well as LoJack.com.

Real time

Real time is the phrase used to describe vehicle tracking devices and systems which monitor vehicle transit and positioning as it occurs, in "real time" or actual time.
Try: For additional information and images of real time vehicle tracking devices, visit SpyGadgets.com or Vehicle-Tracking-USA.com.

Automatic vehicle location

Automatic vehicle location is a vehicle tracking key term which is abbreviated by the acronym AVL. The AVL allows users to determine the geographic location of a specific and identified vehicle being tracked and the information is transmitted to a point when the concepts and statistics can be utilized.
Try: Detailed information regarding AVL can be found at Calccit.org.

Container tracking and security

Container tracking and security is a vehicle tracking concept abbreviated as CTS. CTS is a technology which allows the intermodal tracking of specific and individually identified containers or goods. Specifics which are monitored include not just the location of the container, but accurate and important variable information such as the temperature of the container and the percentage of moisture, as well as whether or not it has been tampered with, which provides additional security for the tracking of such vehicles and items.
Try: Information regarding container tracking and security, as well as aspects of reports available to illustrate such statuses, can be found at ABIResearch.com.

Fleet management system

FMS, or the Fleet Management System, is the vehicle combined use of telecommunications and informatics which occurs to monitor a company's fleet of vehicle. FMS information can include Global Positioning System tracking and diagnostics, driver management, fuel management and emissions management.
Try: Fleet management system solutions are discussed at FleetBoss.com, while BrickHouseSecurity.com offers an illustration of a fleet management system device, as well as pertinent information.

Mobile data terminal

A mobile data terminal is the term used to describe the computer device on or in a vehicle which communicated with a central dispatch office. Most mobile data terminals do not just transmit information, they also offer information, as well as a keyboard or keypad for the input of important or relevant data. In many instances, mobile data terminals are attached to peripheral devices to improve their capabilities and attributes.
Try: Mobile data terminal devices and equipment, as well as information, can be found at WiPath.com and OrbitalTMS.com.