What is Vehicle Tracking?
Whether it’s for security solutions or fleet
management , being able to monitor a vehicle’s location in real time is
extremely useful. By leveraging GPS technology and cellular
mobile networks , Vehicle Tracking systems can provide
current location and other data, such as speed, direction and so on to a central control center, providing highly
accurate, real-time information about each vehicle in the system.
This data can be used to provide theft alerts for owners as well as support a variety of uses for fleet managers and
vehicle operators. The key is in the simplicity of use, with a small tracking device installed on the vehicle that
connects to the GPS network to constantly monitor location. This is then sent to a data server, where it is accessed
by fleet managers or owners through dedicated applications or a web-based interface, e.g., The AutoPi Cloud .
How Does Vehicle Tracking Work to Record Vehicle Locations?
There are three parts to the vehicle tracking system in your vehicle, these are the tracking device itself (e.g., AutoPi Mini ), the GPS
satellite it connects to, and the system that displays the location data. Its not just location data that can be
displayed, GPS information allows vehicle speed, direction and other vehicle data to be displayed as well.
A great example of how this works is the AutoPi
Device , which not only provides vehicle tracking functionality, but
has a number of advanced telematics features that can
enhance vehicle operations.
By using the AutoPi Cloud platform to access the data generated by the device, we can use a number of features to
enhance monitoring of our vehicles. This includes the ability to create a geofence , so the system can alert us if
the vehicle enters or leaves that specific area, great as an anti-theft measure or for warning about congestion
charges and other issues. It can also monitor
vehicle health , making it great for both individuals and fleet
managers alike, providing accurate, real time data for any vehicle.
Benefits of using a Vehicle Tracker
While the obvious benefit is for vehicle location data, the combination of on board monitoring and GPS technology
means that we can use vehicle trackers in a number of beneficial ways. How we use the real-time data does depend on
whether we are looking for a solution for an individual vehicle
owner or for management of a larger fleet .
Benefits for an Individual Vehicle Owner:
Theft Protection — With a vehicle tracker fitted, you can be notified the instant your vehicle
moves, allowing you to contact relevant authorities quickly. It can then allow law enforcement to track the
vehicle for recovery.
Safety — Because the system monitors vehicle speed and other factors as well as location, it
can highlight any sort of erratic driving, odd braking patterns and so on to ensure your vehicle is operated
with care.
Benefits for Businesses and Fleet Managers:
Effective Fleet Management — With location and movement data provided in real time, fleet
managers can adjust operations on the fly to maximize efficiency and maintain safety.
Improved Customer Service — With real-time data, customers can access much more detailed
delivery information, enhancing the experience and boosting customer satisfaction.
Accurate Reporting — With vehicle movement and other data all automatically recorded, reporting
for mileage, maintenance and other factors are simplified.
Geofencing — Easily set up geofences for critical areas and routes, allowing for more accurate
monitoring and superior fleet control.
With vehicle tracking, fleet management is
simpler, faster and provides a level of control and oversight that cannot
be achieved with other technology.
Conclusion
With dedicated devices such as the AutoPi device and others, vehicle tracking systems give us a new level of
monitoring and management of our vehicles. Whether its for private individuals or large fleet vehicle management, we
get at-a-glance, real-time information about each vehicle that enhances safety and security, while also powering
more efficient transport for businesses.