Vehicle tracking devices – which system is best for you

With rapid advances in modern technology, and new products constantly appearing on the market, there is so much choice for vehicle tracking devices. Whether for personal or business use, how do you know you are making the right choice?

Well, if you want regular, up to date reports and feedback on a fleet of vehicles used in your business, then it makes sense to get a reliable tracking device. The device will check idling, mileage, employee working time and be of invaluable help if a vehicle is lost or stolen.

Although a good dealer will recommend for your individual needs,  these are just some of the uses which may help you:

• fleet management
• asset tracking
• field service management
• field sales management
• trailer tracking

GPS Tracking devices

Often these devices are referred to as global positioning systems or GPS.  The great thing is they are usually accurate and a brilliant way to literally keep a track on your vehicles in the most cost-effective way. Even smaller companies with less than 5 vehicles in the fleet can now afford a tracking unit; portable systems are also available to simply place in the cab and go.

Questions to ask when deciding on a GPS tracking device

After many years building up Auto Alert I have compiled a list of some questions to ask yourself prior to purchase, which I thought might be beneficial:

• what are your reasons for getting a vehicle tracking device?
• what type of conditions will your employees be working in?
• do you mainly just want to see improvement in your company productivity?
• will you be tracking the vehicles for speed monitoring?
• does the safety of your employees concern you in a particular environment?
• will your drivers spend most of their working day on the road?
• do you want to cut your fuel costs as a main priority?
• are you concerned about keeping maintenance costs under control?
• would a more direct navigation system for your drivers help in re-routing?
• do you want to know where your employees are at any given time of the day?

Well, once you are armed with the answers to these fairly basic questions, you can ascertain your GPS needs. You can track drivers on site calls, rest stops, at airports, or on the road, almost anywhere. You can be kept reliably informed who is driving a vehicle, send and receive alerts to a head office or base and naturally aid police if a vehicle is stolen. Once your vehicle is rapidly traced and recovered you also save on insurance premiums, cost of recovery, and the interruption in working time to replace stolen goods.

Be good to hear your tracking device stories or difficulties…