Rocky Mountain Tracking

By Greg Bartlett

For many people, vehicles are their livelihood.  Perhaps you own a car dealership.  Your cars are your “babies,” and you don’t want them out of your sight for long.  Perhaps you have a work truck that carries equipment that is vital to your career-such as construction, plumbing, or landscaping equipment.  Or perhaps you have a have a taste for expensive cars like Porsches, Ferraris, or Lamborghinis, and you want to keep a very close eye on them.  In any of these cases, vehicle tracking devices can give you the security and peace of mind that you need.

Vehicle Tracking Uses

At one time, vehicle tracking systems were a luxury.  Now, however, they are a necessity.  Vehicle tracking systems are GPS (Global Positioning Systems) that operate by receiving reliable positioning and navigational information and transmitting it to anyone with a receiver.  The receiver’s owner can put the receiver anywhere he chooses to track things that are important to him-such as a vehicle.  So, for example, let’s say that the owner of the GPS is also the owner of a car dealership.  He could place a vehicle tracking device on a car that is on his dealership lot.  When someone takes one of his cars out for a test drive, he can use the GPS to track that car.  The vehicle tracking device sends information to the owner’s computer, and he can monitor its location, speed, stops, and route of travel.  No car is ever really out of his sight.

Vehicle tracking devices also come in very handy in protecting your car, even if you don’t own a dealership.  On Friday, March 5, 2010, it was reported on a local Canadian news channel that a man’s work truck was recovered on the same day it was stolen because his boss had, unbeknownst to him, installed a vehicle tracking device just ten days earlier.  When the truck’s owner went out to get in his truck for his day of work, he discovered it missing.  He contacted his boss, and together they were able to use the computer to locate the truck.  Because of this tracking device, the truck’s owner, his boss, and the police all arrived to the stolen truck at the same time.  The truck was returned to the owner, and he was able to resume his day’s work without missing a beat-all thanks to the vehicle tracking device.

By Greg Bartlett

Business owners whose services include types of delivery using company vehicles should consider a GPS fleet tracking system.  Whether you manage a pizza delivery business, a floral delivery business, or appliance delivery business, GPS fleet tracking devices can help you make sure you and your employees are making the most effective use of time and resources.

GPS Fleet Tracking

Any business that requires employees to be out from under the direct supervision of a manager may consider such an investment to be worthwhile.   In most states, employee surveillance is considered to be illegal if the employee has not been informed, and many types of employee monitoring devices (hidden cameras, e-mail and internet monitoring, etc.) have at times been called into question.

GPS devices are not considered to be as invasive and have even been upheld as legitimate by legal authorities.  The benefits of GPS navigation systems are clear for companies and small businesses where employee driving and delivery is necessary.  Home repair businesses, home health care services, maid services, plumbers-many types of jobs require employee travel.  Navigation devices can help companies cut costs by determining the most direct routes, safest routes, routes with only right turns, etc.  GPS fleet tracking devices are just as beneficial for these companies and small businesses.

In an ideal world, every employee is honest and efficient with company time and resources.  Sometimes, however, the temptation to stop on a personal errand on an official work delivery might be too great.  Using the company car or gasoline for personal errands en route (or maybe a little more out of the way) can be a problem.  GPS will help you keep your employees accountable and honest and will conserve your company’s valuable resources.

The way GPS tracking devices work is through a series of satellites orbiting in outer space.  The satellites determine latitude and longitude of the individual or vehicle wearing the receiver.  There are active systems that constantly download the location of the receiver to the internet or mobile device.  There are passive systems that give a detailed log of where the receiver has been.  Either system would be ideal for fleet tracking.  If you can’t monitor the moment-by-moment activities of your employees, then the passive system will give you a recorded log for you to examine at your convenience.  If you are the owner or manager of a business that requires employee travel, then consider an investment in a GPS fleet tracking system.

By DONNA SANTI / guest columnist

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-          Donna Santi is a creative writer for LandAirSea Systems, a Woodstock, IL-based manufacturer and distributor of expertly-engineered GPS tracking systems, software and accessories. For information about LandAirSea, visit www.landairsea.com. To contact the writer, email donna.santi@landairsea.com

Vehicle Tracking is finding great success in the business world. It might have even turned a corner, from being a benefit, to a necessity.

Globally, there is about $2.5 billion spent on GPS receivers and software, and by 2013, that spending will jump to about $13 billion annually, according to ABI Research in London, a marketing and consulting firm.

Now a new poll seems to back that bold prediction. A 2010 survey of transportation, service, utility and construction companies revealed that more than half of those businesses are now using GPS tracking systems; with the largest reported benefit being more efficient operations.

GPS Tracking and Business

The news should bring smiles to the faces of the many manufacturers and dealers of vehicle tracking technology. Also widely encouraging is the poll’s look at the future market: Among those companies who do not yet utilize GPS tracking systems, almost 90 percent of them said they were aware of the technology’s benefits and were considering investing in it.

One out of every two businesses is using GPS tracking in its fleet management department, and the majority of the others want it. What could be better news?

The survey was conducted by a vehicle tracking and fleet management organization in the United Kingdom. One hundred and fifty companies were surveyed with fleet management supervisors or top administrators being the respondents. The sizes of the companies’ fleets ranged from 10 vehicles, to more than 1,000; the average being less than 100 vehicles.

Fuel prices are creeping up once again, everyone’s looking for a greener way of living, and the economy is forcing many business people to make the most of the resources they have, or buckle under. GPS tracking system solutions help in all three areas.

Following is a breakdown of some of the survey responses.

What Current GPS Tracking Users Had To Say:

• 9 in 10 said they were satisfied with their choice of GPS tracking system.
• 8 of 10 said vehicle tracking helped them reduce operational costs.
• 6 of 10 said the tracking system increased productivity.
• 5 in 10 said employee performance improved.
• 5 in 10 said their tracking system resulted in better security.

What Those NOT Using Vehicle Tracking Are Saying:

• 6 of 10 thought GPS tracking would offer a good return on investment (ROI), meaning it is money well-spent.
• Four in 10 said vehicle tracking did not fit the needs of their particular business.
• Four in 10 perceived GPS tracking systems to be too cost-prohibitive to their budgets.

The surveyor conducts its poll every other year. The 2008 poll revealed that one in four businesses was using vehicle tracking technology. Theoretically, the number of GPS tracking users doubled in just two years.

Source: FleetDirectory.co.uk , CNNMoney.com

By Harriette Halepis

For months now, various states within the United States have been using GPS tracking systems to track the whereabouts of state vehicles and employees during business hours. Time and again, the data gathered from these tracking systems has shown that installing fleet tracking systems is a worthwhile investment. Not only are government and state employees spending less time slacking off on the job, but rescue and police vehicles are now able to reach emergency scenes faster than ever before.

Government Equipment & GPS Tracking

The news about the effectiveness of GPS trackers has begun to spread across the globe as various other countries look towards adopting GPS vehicle trackers. Fiji’s Transport Ministry has begun looking into GPS tracking devices as a way to “…crackdown on vehicle abuse.” The head of the Transport Ministry, Timoci Natuva, believes that GPS tracking devices could “…save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in the long term.”

Presently, the Transport Ministry is in the process of studying similar fleet tracking cases from around the world, but the outcome looks positive. If it can be proven that GPS trackers can save the Transport Ministry money, then they “would like to install the system because vehicle abuse is an ongoing issue that goes back to previous governments.”

The idea of installing GPS trackers on government vehicles has been met with some resistance (as it has all around the world), but the bottom line is that a simple fleet tracking system can save a government a great deal of time and money. Presently, the Transport Ministry in Fiji has not decided to install the GPS trackers, but it looks as though GPS-equipped government cars will quickly become a reality throughout Fiji.

As with Fiji, many other countries around the world are beginning to look towards GPS trackers as a way to keep tabs on government employees. Prior to the invention of the GPS tracker, governments had no way of making sure that employees were using state or government time wisely. While some view these trackers as virtual “watch dogs,” others believe that tracking government employees is a necessary way to find out how tax dollars are being spent.

All eyes will be on Fiji as the country decides whether or not to crack down on government vehicle abuse. If Fiji goes ahead with this GPS tracking system, there’s no doubt that various other countries around the globe will soon follow suit.

By Greg Bartlett

Fleet vehicle theft can provide huge payoffs for the criminals who make it their business. When tractor trailers and their contents are stolen, it’s difficult for police to recover them, and traditionally the rate of returned vehicles has been low. That is, until the advent of GPS vehicle tracking. Fleet vehicles that have been equipped with GPS tracking devices can be monitored from a company computer and their whereabouts determined at any time. That means that as soon as a theft occurs, police have access to data that will show them the exact location of the missing vehicle, enabling them to find not only the vehicle but usually the perpetrator as well.

GPS Vehicle Tracking & Businesses

Companies who have installed GPS vehicle tracking in their fleet vehicles have reported an excellent return on their investment. When dealing with large, expensive vehicles that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each, the savings of recovering just one stolen vehicle can make the purchase of GPS tracking devices worth it, since that’s one less vehicle that has to be replaced. If employers suspect their drivers of performing personal business on company time, they can monitor individual drivers as well. Whether the employees are selling company products for personal gain, operating a personal side business on company time, or simply using the company vehicle for personal driving, managers can nip these behaviors in the bud by having the information they need to confront employees with specifics.

As GPS vehicle tracking technology improves, transmitters are being built smaller, enabling discreet placement so that the devices cannot be easily detected or removed. The transmitter sends signals to a computer detailing the vehicle’s movements over time and this information can be viewed either in real time or as a report of activities over a given time span. Real time information helps track down stolen vehicles in as little as an hour from the time they were stolen, while data reports can help employers confront workers with hard facts if they deny misbehavior.  Some cities have begun using the devices to ensure that employees are performing their jobs as expected as well.

Businesses that have asked themselves whether GPS vehicle tracking could help improve their bottom line will be pleased with the cost saving efficiency that can be encouraged with the help of the tracking devices. It’s an excellent way to keep tabs on both employees and vehicles, while making sure they make the most of limited resources.

By Greg Bartlett

Vehicle tracking systems can be used in a variety of ways. One of the most common ways is for a fleet of vehicle, usually for a car rental service or for a business that provides house calls for its customers. When a car rental uses GPS tracking on their vehicles, it is usually to protect against vehicles being stolen or lost. A business may use the vehicle tracking system to determine the amount of time its workers are spending at each house call, how much extra gas mileage they are expending, and how long they leave their vehicle running on the side of the road. Whatever the case may be, a vehicle tracking system can save you time and money in regards to your vehicle.

Vehicle Tracking Systems

GPS systems have recently become more popular as their uses have become more well-known. A GPS system is very easy to understand, but requires a few basic objects. First of all, you need a GPS tracking device. This item is attached to a car or a person either in secret or openly. Next, you must turn on the object so that it can begin recording or transmitting data. Once it has been activated, the GPS begins sending data to a series of satellites located in outer space, that then transfer the information to a central computer. This computer can analyze the data it receives and then place it in separate files as needed. Technicians will then take the data and pass it along to those that require it.

A vehicle tracking system can help in a variety of ways. Many companies have saved thousands of dollars as a result of their investment in this program. One company created a RFID GPS system that attaches to the car and records the time that a vehicle enters and exits certain vicinities. This helps officials to know whether someone has gone over a time limit or whether he or she was there during an event. A popular use of the vehicle tracking system is during Olympics or major public events. Authorities can track the cars, planes, or trains on which athletes or other famous people are located.

A vehicle tracking system could be just the thing that you need to help your company save money more efficiently. In just a short period of time, you will be able to see the results of your investment.

By Harriette Halepis

WKBW, February, 11, 2010, Buffalo, New York - When snow falls in any city, the first thing that city-dwellers want to know is: how quickly will snow be removed from city streets? In the past, this question was met with a bit of fumbling and a lot of guesses. This is no longer the case in Buffalo, New York, where more than 80 city snow removal trucks have been outfitted with GPS tracking technology.

Snow Removal & GPS Tracking

Salt trucks and snowplows alike are now equipped with GPS trackers that tell the Buffalo Public Works Department how much snow has been removed, what streets have been plowed, and whether or not streets have been salted. Steve Stepniak told WKBW news that the new GPS trackers give the city “…tracking ability, vehicle information ability, whether the plow is down up, spreading salt (WKBW).”

A federal grant paid for Buffalo’s $175,000 GPS tracking system. The system has already proved its worth, and the city believe that snow removal will be even more efficient next year. Stepniak promises citizens that they will “…see better services and more efficient services…when we miss a dead end we’ll know and we’ll be able to make adjustments, so you don’t see those chronic mistakes (WKBW).”

Not only are the GPS trackers ideal for tracking snow plows and salt trucks, trash trucks and street sweepers will also be outfitted with the trackers during the warmer months. This will help street crews to keep track of roads that have already been cleaned, while paying more attention to those roads that need cleaning. While the street sweepers and trash vehicles aren’t equipped with GPS trackers yet, Buffalo has applied for an additional federal grant.

The city of Buffalo hopes to place GPS trackers on nearly 545 different city vehicles within the near future. Other cities that have received a lot of snowfall in the past are currently looking towards Buffalo’s experimental GPS tracking program. So far, the program proves to be worth every penny, and residents of other cold climate cities can expect to see similar programs implemented within the next few years.

GPS tracking devices are really beginning to change the way that public employees and vehicles operate. From tracking the whereabouts of city employees to tracking the effectiveness of snow removal, GPS technology has made it possible to manage seemingly unmanageable public works departments across the nation.

By Greg Bartlett

When you came into work this morning, your first task - after getting coffee - was to find out where your drivers are.  You do that every morning, and every morning your assistant tells you the same thing.  These drivers checked in with their location, these forgot, and these said they were somewhere but based on their schedule, they should be somewhere else.

GPS Monitoring & Fleet Vehicles

For a company whose primary purpose consists of getting vehicles to different places, whether for delivering goods or people, knowing where each driver and vehicle is located is vitally important.  You need to know whether your driver will get to a stop on time, or if by taking too long at previous stops the driver will get there late and will disappoint the customer yet again.  Furthermore, knowing the location of your vehicles means you can better manage company time, resources, and expenses.

Fortunately, GPS monitoring can keep track of your fleet for you.  When you come in work in the morning, you can just check the computer and see exactly where your drivers are.  For instance, you’ll know when a driver is late because he spent three hours at lunch the day before.  Because it records any movement the vehicle makes, GPS tracking will also let you know if employees use company vehicles for personal usage.  Some companies have found that their employees used company vehicles to take a boat to a lake or to play poker instead of mending roads.

GPS monitoring even has more advantages than just locating each of your vehicles and informing you about their location, speed, and any stops made.  For instance, some GPS tracking systems allow the user to remotely lock the doors and shut off the car if it is stolen.  One company was able to recover $300,000 worth in stolen vehicles in less than an hour because of the GPS monitoring devices they had installed in the vehicles.  You will also be able to find out if your drivers accidentally missed a stop or if they are taking less efficient routes, which translate into wasted gas and time.  GPS tracking has repeatedly saved companies money and time by helping them determine the best routes, which improves mileage, increases customer relations, and saves the company money.

Instead of guessing that your vehicles are in a particular spot, you can know exactly where they are and what stops they’ve made.  Managing your fleet effectively is possible - and much easier - with GPS monitoring.

As businesses large and small prepare for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, many people are working behind the scenes to make sure the logistics for the games come together correctly. As athletes, fans, and truckloads of equipment prepare to converge on Vancouver, security measures will need to be heightened in order to ensure the safety and protection of all involved. For athletes, their equipment, and their vehicles, that means the implementation of GPS vehicle tracking to ensure that they reach their destination safely.

GPS & the Olympics

GPS vehicle tracking devices can be placed discreetly in a vehicle and once in place can provide accurate location information to those monitoring the devices, even if they’re hundreds of miles away. Signals sent at specified intervals from the transmitter allow each vehicle to be monitored continuously and enable immediate intervention if something goes amiss. Similar technology will be used for the Super Bowl this year as well. When high profile athletes and their entourages travel, they can be easily targeted for theft or other crimes. With GPS vehicle tracking, their safety can be assured at any point along their travel route, before problems arise.

While GPS vehicle tracking has gotten some high profile coverage this season, it is most often used to help businesses and individuals keep track of their fleet vehicles or personal automobiles. Some companies report significant savings by keeping an eye on routes that drivers take, how they conserve (or don’t conserve) fuel, and what their driving habits are. Companies with vehicles that tend to be targeted for theft such as construction companies with heavy equipment can protect their vehicle investment by placing a transmitter in each machine. Managers can also determine whether employees are wasting time on the job and whether they are using company vehicles for personal business, both of which can lead to significant monetary outlays. If a manager suspects that an employee is driving the company delivery truck over the weekend, he can use the vehicle tracking technology to verify his suspicions and stop the misuse before it costs the company too much.

GPS vehicle tracking can provide safety and cost savings solutions to any company that maintains vehicles. Although the up-front investment may seem significant, most businesses report that the system pays for itself within a matter of months by saving on fuel costs and man hours. In an economy where each business needs to invest each dollar wisely and reduce costs wherever possible, GPS vehicle tracking could be the decision that helps your company outlast the competition.

by James Neely, freelance writer: click | HERE | to check out GPS products from Rocky Mountain Tracking

The tables have been turned on police agencies as more and more municipalities are implementing GPS Tracking systems and deploying them into their squad cars.  Recently, Lowell Massachusetts did the same and experienced a backlash reaction from the majority of the police officers on the force.

GPS Tracking & Police Cars

Their reason for protesting is that these devices encroach upon their privacy.  But the facts behind putting GPS Tracking systems into place are too strong to ignore.  These include:

Employee monitoring

Even police officers are tempted to use company time and their cruisers for personal business.  While it is necessary and proper for police vehicles to be seen out in the public, it is not alright for officers to use them for personal purposes while they are on patrol.  This diverts their attention away from their jobs and can have serious consequences when it comes time to respond to calls for emergency assistance.

Look, no employee likes to be watched over their shoulder, but the simple truth is that if a person is not violating regulations or laws, there should be no objection to this type of monitoring.  Besides, the majority of citizens in the communities in which these systems are being put into place agree with their use.  What is good for other applications of GPS Tracking systems is just as good in this scenario as well.

Location monitoring

Dispatchers who can view a vehicle location on a map without making a radio call, can route the nearest officer to a call with better accuracy which equals better response.  This alone is worth the cost of implementation.  When the issue of public safety arises, most other issues take a back seat in importance.

Maintenance monitoring

Police cars are some of the most abused assets in use today.  And, it stands to reason that any system designed to help monitor maintenance schedules of these vehicles in a closer manner will help them last longer by insuring that they get proper maintenance.  These maintenance schedules can be adjusted based upon not just the number of miles drive, but the terrain as well.

It is only a matter of time until GPS Tracking systems are implemented in a police organization near you.  The benefits are too good to pass up.

Rocking Mountain Tracking has the best line-up of GPS Tracking devices to meet any need.  Take a look at their products and options for the best fit for your business.  You will find knowledgeable sales persons in helping you get the best unit to meet your requirements.