Selecting an efficient vehicle tracking system to improve on fleet management, the efficient running of complex systems and to reduce overall fleet costs is now becoming a far more popular option. Effective GPS tracking systems that incorporate not only vehicle tracking but data analysis as well are now one of the most effective tools in running a fleet successfully and efficiently.

However, the sheer choice of vehicle tracking systems available to fleet managers can be baffling. There are free options available on the Internet, so why would you want to spend money on a system that theoretically you can get for free off the Web?

The simple answer is that the free options do not deliver the same amount or quality of information that vehicle tracking systems supplied by manufacturers deliver. There are two tracker systems freely available – Google’s Latitude and the alternative independent system, Locatea.net.

Google’s ‘Latitude’ is a free access system that shows people using the software their location to within a few metres anywhere on the planet, as well as the location of any friends and family who are also signed up to the system. An extension of the immensely successful ‘Google Earth’ application, Latitude is a fun way of keeping in touch with friends and family. However, it does not really have a practical business application or use in fleet management as the data supplied is limited only to location.

Locatea.net is similar to Latitude, giving locations of everyone who signs up to the system but again doesn’t really have a practical business application. The other major drawback of the free systems is that they are voluntary systems, making it very easy to opt out should a driver wish to.

This factor makes the free services almost useless as effective commercial vehicle tracking systems and the data is limited to location only. No other additional information is given, such as speed, diagnostics or any piggyback function connected to the vehicle’s immobilization system in the event of a vehicle theft.

Vehicle Tracking Software

There are a few points to consider when choosing a vehicle tracking system that may help make the decision a little easier. Vehicle trackers fall into two camps, passive and active. Both gather GPS device location information, speed, heading and other diagnostic information.
Vehicle Tracking Software
Active devices differ from passive ones in that they transmit this data in real-time to a central location, enabling the fleet management team to use this data to optimise routes, priorities pick-ups or deliveries or act in the event of an emergency or theft. Passive vehicle tracking systems store the data and download it at a given point, usually the end of the day or even once a week.

When choosing a GPS tracking system, consider exactly what you want the system to do for you. Learn as much as you can about the different systems and what coverage, data and diagnostics are included – even areas such as upgraded software patches, warranties or after-sales service the provider offers. Ask questions such as what happens to the data if the GPS tracking device goes into a ‘black spot’ where there is no coverage. Does the unit store the location updates and if so how many and for how long?

If you are only looking for a vehicle tracking system to improve security or you only want a tracking report once a week, make sure the vehicle tracker you buy delivers what you want and you don’t end up paying for more features than you require. Alternatively, if you are looking for a system that gives you detailed information and diagnostics on each vehicle as well as a GPS tracking function, ensure that the package you buy is a comprehensive one.

Finally, make sure that the vehicle tracking system you purchase does not have any nasty ‘hidden extra’ costs such as additional ‘monthly airtime’ charges and that the supplier offers a Service Level Agreement or full warranty that includes updates, maintenance and replacement of any parts that may fail. For effective fleet management, vehicle tracking systems and GPS tracking are essential tools that make the complex and costly operation of running a fleet efficiently much easier.