Rocky Mountain Tracking

By Harriette Halepis

All across the nation, state departments have been toying with the idea of installing GPS trackers inside of state owned vehicles. In some states, these trackers have been implemented, and in all cases the trackers have been proven highly effective. State employers have learned that employees aren’t always “on the job” when they are “on the clock.” In addition, employees have begun using work time to, well, work (for fear of being caught not working).

Tracking Employees

The same reasons for tracking state employees can easily apply to private employees. If you are one of the many people who hire various employees on a private level, then you may want to consider GPS tracking bracelets and other devices. Even though you can’t place a GPS tracker on an employee without written consent, you can ask all new hires to consider wearing a GPS tracker. Why would you even ponder this idea?

Well, the old adage that “time is money” is as true today as it ever was. When you hire an employee on an hourly basis, you expect that employee to work during those hours. However, some people may not actually be working, even though you are paying them to work. Consider how upset you would be if you found out that your housekeeper took a nap for three hours during the afternoon. Or, think about what your reaction might be if you discovered that your babysitter took your children to her boyfriend’s house while you were away.

From cleaning crews to childcare providers, asking an employee to wear or carry a GPS tracking device may save you money. In the same manner that various state departments found out that numerous state employees were attending to personal affairs on state time, you may also discover that you are paying someone an hourly wage, so that they can take advantage of your trust.

Does this notion ruin the trust that’s supposed to exist between an employee and an employer? Not necessarily. Any employee who is trustworthy would not have a problem carrying or wearing a GPS tracking device. While you may want to trust everyone you hire, this isn’t always a possibility. GPS technology makes it possible to keep tabs on your children, elderly family members, pets, and employees - tracking a private employee is no different.

If you want to make sure that you are paying someone who’s actually working, think about using a GPS tracker. Hiring someone on an hourly basis can be a great thing, but this arrangement only works if you can ensure that the person you’re hiring is completing the tasks at hand. With GPS technology, this kind of assurance has become a reality, and it’s a reality that makes a lot of financial sense.

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.

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.

Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc. has an immediate opening for a Software Programmer and Technical Support Specialist. To apply for the position, please fax your resume to 970-493-5255 or email it to us.

Job Description:
Level 1 Tech Support Specialist / Programmer

Tech Support Responsibilities:
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Summary:

Provides technical assistance and training to customers by performing the following duties.

• Provide client support and technical issue resolution via E-Mail, phone and other electronic medium.
• Configuration of client’s equipment to connect to the Internet via modem/DSL Router (Dialup/DSL customers only).
• Configure software to connect to Internet application servers.
• Provide training to clients in the use of system and applications as related to Internet.
• Obtain general understanding of OS and application operations related to company offered services.
• Identify and correct or advise, on operational issues in client computer systems.
• Perform light lifting 25lbs.
• Perform creation of new accounts using company provided software tools.

Programmer Responsibilities:

Summary: Perform a variety of programming assignments requiring knowledge of established programming procedures and data processing requirements. Maintain and modify programs.

• Code, test and troubleshoot programs utilizing the appropriate hardware, database, and programming technology.
• Maintain and modify programs; make approved changes by amending flow charts, develop detailed programming logic, and coding changes.
• Test and develop programming modifications.
• Write new program code using prescribed specifications.
• Evaluate simple interrelationships between programs such as whether a contemplated change in one part of a program would cause unwanted results in a related part.
• Analyze performance of programs and take action to correct deficiencies based on consultation with users and approval of supervisor.
• Confer with users to gain understanding of needed changes or modifications of existing programs. Resolve questions of program intent, data input, output requirements, and inclusion of internal checks and controls.
• Write and maintain programming documentation.
• Analyze software solutions compatibility with company requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality with regard to the information being processed, stored or accessed.
• Document programming problems and resolutions for future reference.
• Assist personnel of other departments as a computer resource.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Ideal candidate will also possess the following skills:

• Able to work independently and efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Able to promptly answer support related email, phone calls and other electronic communications.
• Self motivated, detail-oriented and organized.
• Experience with hardware and software issues.
• Knowledge of and experience with GPS tracking devices and related technologies.
• Proficient in Internet related applications such as E-Mail clients, FTP clients and Web Browsers.
• Excellent communication (oral and written), interpersonal, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Typing proficiency: 40-60 wpm.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience:

One year certificate from college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of GPS tracking devices; GPS/GIS technology; Database software; Internet software and Development tools; Active Server Pages; and Word Processing software.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.