Rocky Mountain Tracking

GPS tracking technology continues to help us make important strides in the area of personal safety and in an indirect way, the area of health as well. Because car tracking systems allow emergency services to reach those in distress much faster, people can get medical attention much faster and lives can be saved. Shaving minutes because a GPS device points the way response time can make all the difference.

There was a time when people would say that if you needed to call 911 in an emergency, the first think to do was immediately give your address so that the dispatcher would know your location. If for some reason you were unable to finish the call, the call center would still be able to tell emergency services where to go.

This is still good advice, however, a New Jersey jurisdiction recently decided on an upgrade valued at over half a million dollars to make use of cell phone tracking for emergency situations. This equipment upgrade means that when someone calls in an emergency from a cell phone, the call center will be able to locate that person as long as their cell phone is set up with GPS tracking technology.

The Automated Vehicle Location system will be up and running in several New Jersey municipalities by the beginning of 2009.

Even if your area does not make use of a system such as this, you can still use GPS tracking to give you an advantage. Installing a GPS tracking device on your car means that you or a family member who is driving that car can be located in case of an emergency.

And those you who run businesses where multiple employees are out driving company vehicles may want to install GPS tracking devices on your vehicles to keep track of your employees so that you can be on the lookout for their safety. Your employees are responsible to you, but you are also responsible for them. When you have employees and equipment under your charge, you certainly don’t want anything to happen to them. By using GPS tracking devices as part of your fleet management system, you can feel more assured that you would be able to assist an employee should that person be in distress. And if you live in an area that does not yet have an automated system for locating vehicles, then you will be able to help authorities to locate an employee of yours who needs help.

Thumbing through a magazine the other day, I saw an interview with a pet therapist. Some of you reading this may think that this is a very necessary profession and some of you may not. Either way, you surely have noticed that people are putting a lot more efforts to take care of their pets these days. Animals are not just left in the backyard, chained to a fence anymore.

If yours is a family that allows your pet to roam the neighborhood a bit or if you take your pet with you on hikes and family vacations, then you have to have some concern over your pet’s potential to get lost. Sometimes just yelling a pet’s name is enough for them to come running. This may work as long as your pet has not wandered too far out of eyesight and earshot. But what do you do when a pet simply cannot be found?

When an animal goes missing, it can be very difficult to find. Animals are often disoriented and frightened and can’t find their way home.

This is where GPS tracker technology can be very helpful. You can track your pet’s movements using a GPS tracking devices that is transported in a pouch that was specially designed to be attached to an animal collar, so it goes wherever your pet goes. Rocky Mountain Tracking has one such tracking devices in its product lineup–the PT-200 for Pet Tracking.

Some people have opted to put have microchips implanted into some part of their pet’s body, but as RMT’s president Brad Borst points out, that may not be very helpful when it comes to finding your pet.

“Our goal with the PT-200 is to provide pet owners with peace of mind to ensure the safety of all animals. Microchips are being implanted in animals, but the microchips are only used to identify the animal. Microchips are not GPS locating devices, said Borst.” The PT-200 is most common for dog tracking, but it can be used to track small and large animals of all sizes.

Multiple PT-200 GPS tracking devices can be managed from one tracking account. So if you already have a PT-200 GPS tracking device, you can just add a device for your pet to the service that you already have.

One parent, who also writes for his local newspaper, penned a column stating that as a journalist he has written too many articles about young people having their lives cut short by car accidents. So when one of his teenaged children was recently given a driver’s license he could not help but think on all of those stories he had done on teens behind the wheel in car crashes. As he continued to think, he also remembered all of the times he had driven recklessly when he was a teenager.

All of this thinking about what can when teenager get behind the wheel, led this father to action: he decided to make use of a GPS tracking device to keep track of his son’s driving habits and whereabouts. Don’t get us wrong, we know that getting a driver’s license is a very important rite of passage for teenagers. And they do need to get driving experience under their belts—how else will they learn? At the same time, parents cannot help but be nervous. Teens are fun and energetic, but they also tend to take more risks than adults do. Still, the way the world works, people cannot wait until they are past the teen years to start to learn to drive. This is why parents often decide to use a precautionary measure, such as a GPS tracking device, when they let their teens out on the road.

Auto accidents are the number one killer of teens. Almost 6,000 teens die every year in auto accidents. Teens account for 14% of all motor vehicle accident deaths. 5,288 teens died in motor vehicle accidents in 2005 in the U.S. Crashes are the leading cause of death among teens, accounting for more than one-third of all deaths of 16 to 18 year-olds.

While your teen certainly does not have to be one of these statistics, you do need to recognize the risks involved. Teens often make poor decisions and deliberately seek thrills. And they are even more likely to engage is dangerous behavior like speeding when they have passengers in the vehicle.

Getting a teen tracking device not only helps you to look out for one of your most precious assets–your teen–it also means that you are taking precautions to prevent other drivers from being injured as well.

A GPS tracking device can alert you to unsafe driving behaviors so that you can talk to your teen and take whatever other action you think is necessary.

We’ve discussed before how Rocky Mountain Tracking (RMT) spends time testing and evaluating a number of potential products, subjecting them to rigorous standards. We want to make sure that our customers get products that really work and we reject a high percentage of the devices we test. We don’t take for granted that a GPS tracking device really works, we test it so that you don’t have to be a guinea pig. You want GPS tracking to work for you when you need it .

Well, RMT applies those same standards to the technology that is used to power our top quality GPS tracking products.

Earlier this month, Rocky Mountain Tracking announced that the company has decided to partner with KORE Telematics to power its full suite of vehicles and asset tracking solutions. KORE Telematics is the world’s largest digital wireless service provider. KORE Telematics is a leader in machine-to-machine communications, so they are more than equipped to aid Rocky Mountain Tracking. As a pioneer in the M2M industry, KORE is focused on helping its partners reduce real business costs and drive profitable growth in today’s competitive business environment.

Although people make machines, machines do not always talk to each other in the exact same way that people do. With KORE’s help, Rocky Mountain Tracking can be certain that your GPS tracking device is speaking to your cell phone or your desktop computer in a such a way that these devices give you a clear message about the people and/or assets that you are tracking.

Alex Brisbourne, president and COO, KORE Telematics, said “We are extremely pleased to see Rocky Mountain Tracking utilizing the KORE network to provide reliable wireless connectivity to their customers. This is another example of the value-added, revenue-generating services made possible by the KORE network for companies in the M2M asset tracking applications industry.”

With KORE, Rocky Mountain Tracking can now enhance its leading GPS-based tracking solutions with the wireless connectivity required to offer additional services, such as vehicle speed, direction and fuel capacity, among others.

“During the past five years, we have worked with a number of wireless network providers and none of them have been able to match the reliability and performance of the KORE network,” said Brad Borst, founder and president of Rocky Mountain Tracking.

Borst noted that the KORE network has the capabilities needed to differentiate among RMT’s application offerings and transmit time-sensitive date with the speed and accuracy the consumers of GPS tracking technology expect.

When it comes to keeping up with loved ones, nothing can give you added security like a GPS tracking device. You can implement personal GPS tracking to give yourself more peace of mind about the welfare of children or elderly relatives. A GPS tracking device can give you up to the minute information about someone’s whereabouts and keep you informed of their movements.

But have you ever thought about using a GPS tracking device to keep track of yourself? Are you not just as important, valuable and in need to protection as the rest of your family and friends? If you are a person who travels a lot, you may want to use a GPS tracking device to allow your loved ones back home to keep track of you.

Whether you find that you do a lot of travel for fun or for work, you could benefit from personal GPS tracking. You know how they say that you should always tell someone where you are going? Well, for some people that is not possible. Plus, if you like to explore a little, you may veer away from your planned route. And there is nothing wrong with that, but it can’t hurt to have an extra layer of security should you end up lost, ill or hurt somehow. Someone who had your itinerary will know that you have not made your next planned stop. That person can call you to see if you are okay. If you do not answer the phone or return that call within a certain amount of time, they may send help your way.

Those of you who like to hike and have all sorts of outdoor adventures, have probably had enough close calls to know how valuable it can be to have someone who knows how to reach you in case of an emergency.

Many of us who care for others, seldom think of our own safety. We are too busy worrying about everyone else. But it would be a mistake to not put the same protective measures in place for yourself that you have implemented for the other people in your life. So many of us think we are invincible, and while we are quite capable and quite strong, we are not super-human. A GPS tracking device can provide the safety net we need.

The fleet safety team is a crucial part of the overall management team in any company that’s serious about fleet safety. That team basically sets the overall atmosphere in terms of safe driving expectations. That means that a strong team creates a positive environment for fleet safety from the CEO down. In fact, the CEO should fully support the team’s effort and should be one of its strongest proponents by providing a suitable budget to implement a successful program. That program should include the following players.

The fleet safety manager
The fleet safety manager is the backbone of a fleet safety program. His vision should guide the overall fleet safety plan and he should be responsible for motivating the company’s employees to “buy-in” to the fleet safety program. Usually, the more dynamic and inspiring that the fleet safety manager is, the more successful a program will usually be.

As far actual responsibilities, the fleet manager usually sets the program’s overall policies, whether it’s pre-screening procedures, on-going employee screening, setting up vehicle maintenance schedules, or continuing education. For example, the fleet safety manager might schedule and set-up guest speaking engagements for quarterly training on such topics as “safe driving tips” and “what do to in emergency situations.”

The fleet safety officer (or the fleet safety’s assistant)
The fleet safety officer basically acts like the fleet safety manager’s right hand person. He helps insure that policies and procedures are followed and works directly with department heads in ensuring compliance. The fleet safety officer is usually responsible for investigating any accidents that occur (especially in a company with over 50 employees), and reports those findings to the fleet safety manager. In addition, he’s an integral part in keeping safety awareness a top priority in a company.

Department heads/supervisors
Even though department heads still have their usual job duties, they are the actual backbone of any successful fleet safety program. That’s because they are responsible for instilling safety awareness on a daily basis to their employees and maintaining overall safety standards within their department. If an employee reports that a vehicle’s brakes sound noisy, then that department head needs to request a vehicle inspection as soon as possible. With his immediate intervention, he can be directly responsible for maintaining the highest level of fleet safety.

Advanced warning systems such as adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning systems can greatly improve a company’s overall fleet safety.

All of us need to be concerned with doing what we can do preserve our planet and the environment, but if you operate a business that is specifically tied to environmental issues, you have to be even more concerned.

Yes, the idea of being “green” gets tossed around so much it is in danger of becoming a cliche, but you shouldn’t let this stop you from doing all that you can to be energy efficient. The cars and trucks that we drive do use a lot of fuel and emit a lot of toxins into the air.

No one is asking you to give up cars altogether or that you make your employees walk everywhere they need to go to conduce business, but you can make better use of your company’s vehicles. By using GPS vehicle tracking, you can streamline routes and make sure that your company vehicles are not being used wastefully.

Any driving habits that waste gas also waste money and can contribute to environmental damage.. A GPS tracking device can alert you to the amount of time your drivers spend idling and speeding and to the number of sudden stops they make. Granted, they may be doing some of these things with the idea that they are being efficient and getting the job done. And if tasks are being completed within a reasonable time frame, you may never be aware of the fuel being wasted or the amount of carbons being emitted. And just think: the wasteful habits of one driver are multiplied many times over if you have a large fleet of vehicles. Installing GPS tracking devices on the vehicles that you and others in your business or household drive could really be an eye-opener.

It is hard to count your footsteps if you don’t know where you are going. A GPS tracking device can provide a comprehensive record of where your employees are going and when. There are times when you think that you are sending people out on the most expedient routes and really you are not. It is not just the roads they take that matter, but also the time. There are certain times of the day when it doesn’t make sense to take certain highways. GPS tracking devices  can give you the information you need to make changes that will not only be better for the environment, but better for your bottom line as well.

Earlier this week we talked about how GPS can help improve customer service. But you may have other questions, such as, “How can GPS tracking help me make the most of my resources?”

Well, we at Rocky Mountain Tracking (RMT) are so glad that you asked that question.

GPS tracking can increase productivity
With GPS tracking, drivers and dispatchers can communicate with ease. If your dispatchers know where a driver is, they can easily give that person additional instructions, if needed. Dispatchers will not have to call around to figure out who is where, they will already know. This can be a great help when you find that you need someone to make an extra pick up.

GPS tracking can save you money on fuel
Even with the slight dip that we have seen in gas prices, we are becoming all too accustomed to paying rather high prices for gasoline. When you insall GPS tracking devices on your company vehicles, you will be able to monitor your drivers’ habits on the road. Then you can figure out how they can drive in ways that use less gas if they have wasteful driving habits. Plus, GPS tracking allows for more efficient route planning. Your vehicles will use less gas because there will be no guessing or making unecessary turns.

GPS tracking can help you watch out for your employees
If for some reason, one of your drivers is in danger, GPS tracking technology will help you locate that person quickly. Should an employee become ill, you can dispatch help immediately. Being able to monitor the location of your vehicles with GPS tracking means that you will be aware if something goes awry with a routine delivery of pick up.

GPS tracking can help reduce the wear and tear on your vehicles
When you install GPS tracking devices to help you plan routes, save fuel, and monitor driving habits, you are taking a step to protect the investment you have made in your vehicles. Making sure that your drivers use less fuel and driving more efficiently are two ways that you can make certain that your vehicles last longer and need fewer repairs. But it would be hard to monitor driving habits and maximize route planning all on your own. And this is where GPS tracking and RMT come in to the picture.

No doubt you do a great job managing your fleet and your employees, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need a little extra help. You can visit the RMT website from information and then call Rocky Mountain Tracking toll free (877) 477-9668 to speak to someone who can help you decide with GPS tracking product will work best for you.

If you run a small business, you may have noticed that some of your colleagues have put up ‘Out of Business’ signs and you certainly don’t want to join their ranks. There are things you can do to make sure that you do not have to take this step.

People often speak about cutting costs, but sometimes what they are referring to are one-time drastic measures. Truly effective cost-cutting is a sustained effort. If you are continually keeping the budget in balance, it is possible to avoid have to slash it in big ways because the ends won’t meet.

One respected research firm has recently released a report about what businesses are doing to stay afloat. The firm’s research found that more and more companies are turning to GPS tracking as a way to stay in the black. Using GPS vehicle tracking technology is an example of one way for an organization to enact a continuous cost-cutting measure. And this makes perfect sense. If you are making sure that your vehicles are used in the most efficient way possible, you will save money on a constant basis. In fact, one operations manager interviewed for an article about the report said that his company saved tens of thousands of dollars the very first year that they installed GPS tracking devices on their vehicles.

A tracking device not only helps you cut costs, it also will help you improve your response time and enhance your customer service By knowing where your vehicles at all times on a real time map, dispatchers can easily send the nearest vehicle when a new job arises.  This saves both money and time.

Good customer service is always important, even more so now that people are holding onto their money. Customers will be reluctant to give you their dollars if they are not going to get their money’s worth. You want to make sure you give them a reason to keep coming back. You also want their experience with your company to be a smooth one so they will recommend you to others.

Rocky Mountain Tracking takes this approach. This is why we offer comprehensive customer support for all of the products that we sell. If you have questions about using one of our GPS tracking devices, do not hesitate to give us a call. We don’t just sell you a tracking device and wish you well. We’re there for you if you need assistance.

With its potentially high costs to a business, fleet safety should be a number one concern for any company hoping to reduce its overall expenses. These expenses come mainly in the form of increased auto insurance and worker’s compensation rates, something that can almost be entirely controlled by a solid and effective fleet safety program. So how does a business develop and enforce a successful program? The first step in any successful program starts with proper pre-screening policy and procedures that addresses a proper and thorough authorization and screening process of all applicants whose job includes driving a company car.

Authorization process
All applicants that apply for a job position that requires use of a company car should be fully screened prior to hire. That means running Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks on each and every serious candidate. These MVR checks will show if a driver has any D.U.I convictions, as well as any other driving offenses or traffic violations. As a side benefit, it also verifies the applicant’s identity. In addition, if a driver is applying for position that requires a certain “class” of license, that can also be verified through the MVR check.

To further strengthen the pre-employment check, the job application should include questions that the MVR may not pick up, such as any unreported accidents or hit and runs, or operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license.

Selection process
Obtaining the MVR checks is the first line of defense for ensuring a successful fleet safety program. However, those MVR checks are useless unless a company establishes hiring guidelines based upon those checks. A sample of those hiring guidelines is shown below:

An applicant applying for a position that requires use of a company car must meet the following requirements:

It doesn’t guarantee success, but it sure helps
Performing these simple pre-screening recommendations doesn’t mean that non-qualified employees won’t slip through the cracks, but it will certainly deter most poor drivers from being hired.

Advanced warning systems such as adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning systems can greatly improve a company’s overall fleet safety.