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Trumbull County, Ohio, used GPS tracking to determine whether two employees were really doing their jobs. It turns out they weren’t. Whenever employees are away from the office for most of their work day, employers can find it a difficult task to keep them accountable. Within a limited area, it’s easier to keep people from wasting time on the clock, but when the employee is out of eyesight, he has a lot more options for cheating on work time. Employers can spend a lot of time and energy trying to keep tabs on their workers, and they can unknowingly be wasting financial resources by paying employees who don’t actually work. Even if they have reason to think that their employee is doing unauthorized personal business on the clock, their suspicions can often be difficult to prove.

How to Keep Tabs on Employees

A GPS tracking device attached to a company car is a simple way for employers to verify that their workers are doing what they are supposed to do. The device uses technology and satellite communication to show where the vehicle is at the moment or track the history of its movements. The device does all the leg-work for the boss, saving him the effort and time required to gather this data in other ways.

In the Trumbull incident, someone called in a tip that two sanitation department inspectors weren’t doing what they were supposed to do. Department supervisors decided to look into it by placing GPS trackers on the county cars that the inspectors drove. For three weeks, they followed workers’ movements, and then they used this concrete data to make their decision. One of the employees, David Harper, spent over 50% of his work hours during those three weeks engaged in other activities. In one three-day period, Lori Graham spent only an hour per day on work-related business. The rest of the time, the employees were each at their own homes, at other homes, or in shopping centers.

Based on all this information, the county commissioners voted to fire both of the employees.
While the two fired employees can request arbitration, their supervisors have a lot less to worry about with the solid data they received from the GPS. Uncovering the problem effectively ended the financial losses it was causing and will also serve as a deterrent for other employees who may be considering or engaged in similar actions. The county is now considering using GPS to check up regularly on their workers and hold them all responsible for their jobs.

Article Written By Greg Bartlett

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An Efficient Way for Transportation Companies to Save Money

As the economy continues to flounder, more and more companies that maintain a fleet of vehicles have started looking to GPS tracking to help them reduce expenditures. The cost of fuel, man hours worked, and wear and tear on the vehicle all add up over time, and most managers feel the squeeze as prices continue to fluctuate. When it becomes possible to monitor the use of each vehicle closely (and make adjustments to routes and driver habits as needed), many managers report impressive cost savings.

GPS Reduces Fleet Tracking Costs

A GPS tracking device attached to a vehicle can monitor that vehicle in one of two ways. Active tracking involves sending a signal directly to the Internet, which enables someone to view information in real time. Passive tracking includes stored information that can be downloaded to a computer at a later time.

Either way, managers can use this information to determine where their drivers are at any given time. With GPS technology, it becomes possible to track:

• Routes: is a driver taking the most efficient route?
• Speed: how fast is a driver traveling?
• Stop Time: is a driver making unauthorized stops?
• Idle Time: is the engine running while a driver unloads or eats lunch?

With this information in hand, companies can teach employees how to make better use of a vehicle, and of company time, resulting in reduced fuel costs and a reduction in employee working hours.

GPS Tracking Devices Equal Efficiency

As the economic recession drags on, companies who use GPS  to monitor their fleet vehicles have been able to continue operating efficiently by reducing the amount of fuel they use and the miles they cover. Even after employees understand how to find the most efficient routes and how to conserve fuel while they’re out on the road, the devices can still make a difference by enabling the company as a whole to operate more efficiently.

For instance, if a driver contacts dispatch in need of a repair, a fleet manager can pinpoint a vehicle’s exact location. This allows dispatch to send the nearest service person to a driver’s location, which, in turn, can save a company time and money. The vast majority of fleet managers who have implemented GPS tracking have reported satisfaction with this decision –  as well as saving thousands of dollars.

As businesses large and small continue to recognize the need for efficiency wherever possible, tracking devices prove cost effective. Efficient personnel, vast reductions in company costs, and a decrease in employee overtime are all viable results of GPS tracking technology.

Article Written By Greg Bartlett for Rocky Mountain Tracking

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Article Written by Greg Bartlett

When you hear of a car dealership advertising “no credit checks” or “no one is turned down”, you can bet that the dealership is appealing to high risk customers. Many of these customers are unemployed, but require a car to secure a job. While offering car loans to high risk customers may seem somewhat foolish, though GPS tracking technology can now make this process a whole lot easier for car dealerships.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported on a woman  from Illinois whose Buick had been giving her GPS-based late payment warnings for days. Red and yellow flashing lights informed the woman that her car payment was late. She ignored these warnings until she  heard the last chance warning — an incessant beeping that told her to make her car payment that day or the car would be disabled.

Some car owners who would not qualify for any purchase without a high risk loan feel that the trade off of having a GPS tracking device on their vehicle is fair: they are able to purchase a car but if they don’t pay, at some point the car will not start. Dealers who have installed the devices say they now have a way of encouraging on-time payments. These GPS devices also provide an easy way to locate the vehicle if necessary.

Car dealers benefit from better cash flow and, in turn, are able to offer better cars to their customers. Most car dealers don’t feel that the GPS tracking on the cars is a danger to the customer as it cannot switch the car off while it is running, and it gives ample warnings before disabling the car.

Remote disabling and tracking of automobiles is well worth the investment for car dealerships as it will increase sales, dramatically reduce late payments, help recover stolen vehicles, and serve the consumer better.  Not everyone buying a car from the “buy-here-pay-here” market is a deadbeat. Some just need a helping hand to get back on their feet, and this includes reliable transportation. The installation of a GPS tracking device allows dealerships to give those in need a helping hand.

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You know how you immediately change your driving habits when you are being followed by a police car? You are so careful in making sure that each movement is within the law. This is also true when it comes to your work. Employees who are closely watched tend to work better and with more productivity than those who are not monitored. GPS Tracking works in the same manner. Verification of activities is one of the strongest reasons to obtain and implement a system.

Location monitoring is the most valuable of benefits. When assets are outfitted with GPS Tracking devices, monitoring location helps owners keep track of where they are at all times. For employees this means that they must make sure that they are where they should be at all times when using company cars and trucks. Personal use is no longer acceptable and long distance driving to favorite restaurants can be discovered during lunch hours.

If employees use their vehicles in compliance to rules and regulations of the company, there will be no problems, but if they deviate even a little bit, it can be discovered. Company managers can watch to make sure that drivers are doing what they are supposed to be doing. Important tasks like running efficient routes and even monitoring engine idling are now possible. Verifying employee activity keeps them in check.

Along with the implementation of a GPS Tracking system must come an employee meeting so that they know what is coming and what will be expected of them when a system is up and running. What businesses will find is that the greater part of their employees will be compliant and will live within the policies that are set forth. Then, the few that are not will find themselves without a job. And, the other benefit is that profitability will be maintained for the business (if not increased). Being able to better manage assets is a valuable exercise for any business these days, and GPS Tracking delivers. That is, especially when coupled with employee compliance and involvement. It only takes a small amount of time and effort to make this happen.

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By Greg Bartlett

Although many people may think that fleet tracking could never apply to them, they could never be further from the truth. While fleet tracking is usually provided to companies that have a large number of vehicles in distribution, this is not always the case. Also, if you choose to use one of the vehicles that come from these companies, it will be good for you to know how your actions are being monitored, so that you can drive safely and carefully. Many rental car companies have lost vehicles through bad drivers or thieves that manipulate the system. Often, these businesses are unable to find the lost machinery and they lose a lot of money. Fleet tracking is the answer, to help you know where your vehicles are at all times.

GPS & Fleet Tracking

GPS tracking is a relatively new technology that is continuing to see more uses as more individuals understand the science behind it. Basically, you start with a small device that you can attach to your car, plug into your computer, or even just carry with you in a pocket. That device, when turned on, emits waves that transmit to a series of satellites that circulate the earth. These satellites are able to determine the location, the time, and often even the speed of the item that is being monitored. This information is sent to a set of computers that are then analyzed by technicians, who then pass this information on to the necessary parties.

One of the most recent high-profile uses of this technology was during the World Olympics, where the locations of all the athletes were processed and recorded. This was done to make sure that they arrived at their destinations safely and on time, and was often completed by attaching the tracking device to the vehicle of use. This allowed the technicians to monitor the distance that each athlete needed to travel, to verify that they would make their events on time. This also gave the police the opportunity to keep an eye on each of these important individuals.

Fleet tracking will continue to grow in importance as its uses become more profound. Whether it is used to track high-profile criminals, or important businessmen, this type of GPS technology will never be the same as it once was. You can consider using GPS and this new tracking technology to keep your vehicles safe and on time.

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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.

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