Most Popular GPS Trackers

Q: Is live vehicle tracking really “live”?
A: Almost, in some cases. There is a cost for every GPS coordinate transmitted for live tracking systems. The higher the track resolution, the more expensive the yearly subscription service.
Most fleet management systems report a position about every 60 seconds. Some systems log GPS data based on driving behavior, not a set time interval. This tends to provide a higher resolution of the actual vehicle path traveled but at the standard market rate. This service is very affordable when this level of resolution is needed.

Q: What is involved in the GPS installation process?
A: Installation is a very important component of a successful deployment, especially for large fleets. This is a step that is often glossed over during the sales process. A good partner will discuss the GPS install plan in detail and demonstrate 1. experience 2. an organized plan. Simply saying it is not an issue is not good enough. As with everything, there are limitations and requirements that impact you. Additionally, you need to know how service work is done and what happens when you move a device to a new vehicle.

Q: What is the difference between live and passive GPS tracking systems?
A: The data collected is generally the same for both types of systems. Live vehicle tracking transmits the GPS data collected to cellular networks which route it to a website where you view the data. It’s considered live tracking because it is visible shortly after being logged.
Passive GPS trackers store the GPS information on the tracker until the truck returns to a central location or office. When the truck is within range of a wireless base station, usually under 500 yards, the GPS tracker will transfer the GPS tracking data. The GPS data is then put in a database which is connected to fleet management software where you can view it online. Passive technology is no longer readily available.

Q: What are the pros and cons of live truck tracking systems?
A: Since the GPS data collected is generally the same, the speed at which you can access the vehicle’s location provides one benefit. You can make better dispatching and scheduling decisions when you have good live data. Live tracking systems don’t require any installation of a local antenna on your building, computers to store the data or tracking software on a server. Live truck trackers generally are viewed through a convenient website.
Another benefit to live vehicle tracking is that vehicles don’t have to return to a central location to get the data. Many fleet managers need live data to make decisions but the trucks don’t return to a central location often enough to make transportation and logistics decisions. GPS data that is over 2 weeks old is really not of significant value to most fleet managers.
The price of live tracking systems is subsidized by the monthly fee that goes with them. This keeps the capital investment lower.
The primary disadvantage to live GPS trackers is that there must be a monthly service fee. The monthly fee is used to cover the cost of moving the GPS track and telematics data across the cellular network, subsidizing the equipment investment, development, customer service, and profit for the service provider. Because there is a monthly subscription service, vendors are motivated to support your account and address needs.
A second disadvantage is that there is no cellular coverage in all areas. At times you will be paying a monthly subscription fee and not be able to track your vehicles in real time. This is just part of how the technology works, very much like a cell phone.

Q: Which cellular network is best?
A: Think about where your vehicles operate, not where your office is located. The goal is to move as much data in real-time as possible. Most GPS trackers will store data when outside cellular network coverage and upload later to prevent data loss.
The more real time vehicle location information you have the better the dispatching decisions you can make. You also need to understand voice network coverage is different than data. By testing a device before you invest you can better understand the coverage in your area of operation.

Q: Why do prices vary?
A: The old adage of “you get what you pay for” holds true in the GPS tracking industry. With lower prices come fewer services, features, and options. Low price leaders typically don’t have as many staff members or resources to support you after the sale. They may have a great salesperson or a cool application but ROI is achieved after the honeymoon period is over. Knowing your partner is charging you enough to provide the resources you need shows you that they have a good business model. A win-win relationship is required to be successful; just like you have with your customers. Pay more, get more, and expect more ROI.

Q: What should I look for in a fleet management partner?
A: This is really determined by your needs. If you don’t know your top 3 issues and the GPS provider doesn’t try to learn them from you, keep looking. How can a solution to a problem be provided if the problem is not defined? The more work you do to define and articulate your needs, the more likely you are of achieving or exceeding them. If you cannot do this step, ask yourself if you are ready to collect data to make business decisions.
Experience counts. Industry experience is at the top of the list. If your account manager is new, do you want to entrust your job to them when you make a recommendation to your boss. If the consultant is new, do they have a company behind them with experience and training.
Does the GPS solution recommend resolve my top 3 “must-have” issues? If the solution does not resolve the “must have” issues, you have to keep looking. You want a solution for your “must have” issues and as many of your “like to have” issues as possible. If you are willing to forgo your “must have” issues you have not properly defined your criteria. What happens after the sale is where you make your money back. Get comfortable with the people and resources available to help you drive your ROI. It will take up to two years to fully understand and implement all the potential savings available.
In recent years there have been more online only vendors entering the market. Online only means no people to talk to when you have an issue. Their solution to your problems is limited to an FAQ page, chat or email. Having human interaction readily available increases the efficiency of resolving issues that always come up with technology. Confirm they have technical support on staff and there is more than one person you can access. Having a larger trained staff means you are not depending on one person being available when you need help fast.