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Have you ever been responsible for picking up relatives at the airport or bus station?  You carefully planned your schedule around the airplane or bus scheduled arrival time. Maybe you even got off work early or missed lunch in order to be ready at the airport or station, only to find when you arrived that things had been delayed and your passenger wouldn’t arrive for another forty-five minutes. You know the frustration that scenarios like this can cause and the kink it can cause in a carefully planned schedule. Bus drivers, understand this because bus companies have begun to use GPS tracking devices on their buses.

This utilizes the normal GPS tracking system, which consists of a series of twenty-four satellites orbiting outer space (plus a few extras in case of technical failure). These satellites work together in groups of twos or threes to determine the latitude and longitude (otherwise known as location) of the receiver on earth.  The receiver is attached to an individual, a pet, a car, or in this case, a bus. The information downloads to the internet or a mobile device.  Active tracking gives real-time information whereas passive logs simply record the data for later review. GPS tracking has many capabilities, including geofencing, routes, speeds, and many more.

This idea is a variation on fleet tracking devices already used by companies like UPS.  Managers use GPS tracking to determine if their drivers are following the most efficient routes, if any delays or problems arise, and if the vehicle travels off route. A gps tracking system reports the information on location as well as delays and other alerts.  The estimated arrival time will update to reflect information on delays.  One example of how this works is at MIT.  MIT has implemented this system on their campus buses in order to prevent long waits by students during inclement weather or during nighttime hours.  The students are able to see exactly where the bus is on a map and when it will arrive. The information downloads to the internet where students can check the information in real-time.  While it may seem like overkill to use this type of tracking system just to save a few minutes, those minutes can be priceless to a busy college student. More studying at the library could mean a better grade on that exam. Efficient students make every hour count so that jobs and socializing can fit on their schedules.  Even for non-college students, saving a few minutes and avoiding the inconvenience of delay is beneficial and well worth the investment for transport vehicles. After all, if your customers are inconvenienced – they will not use the system and resort to alternate modes of transport. It’s best to make every hour in the day count! Gps tracking can help you discover your inefficiencies and tighten them up for better customer satisfaction.

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The business activity known as global supply chain management has at its core the managing and monitoring of goods and products as they move through the manufacturing process to the end customer.

GPS & Supply Chain Management

This business activity is being integrated with real-time ERP processes more and more.  What this means is that Enterprise Resource Planning at the business is chopping the processes down into small parts so that it can be monitored at more places along the line.  This system of checks helps in many ways.

Quality

First, and maybe foremost is quality.  Not only can the manufacturing process be watched closer, quality standards can be monitored better, too.  This helps manufacturers find and fix issues with quality it turns into even larger problems later on after the product has been made.  Giving quality a preeminent position like this is good for customer satisfaction.

Speed of Manufacturing

Most businesses build to order.  There are very few warehousing operations that hold finished goods that are waiting to be ordered by end customers.  Because of the emphasis on real-time processes, the speed at which products are produced can increase (all things being equal).  Being able to maintain quality at the same time helps businesses get products into the hands of customers sooner.

Customer Service

Customers can now be kept in closer touch with the manufacturing of the products that they order.  Some companies even provide a portal from which a customer can monitor product manufacturing and their specific order as it moves along the way.  This can be both good and bad in that the customer can see stops in the process which raises concerns about delivery dates, etc.  Strong communications must exists between the two so that this does not turn into a disaster.

It does not end there, however.  Once the manufacturing process is completed, then the deliver process begins.  But, it is a seamless operation in that GPS Tracking takes up where RFID left off in the monitoring of the logistics process.

Semi trucks and trailers are the first step in the monitoring process.  Trucks and trailers both include GPS Tracking systems to help monitor their progress.  And, it is helpful to be able to track these units should they become the targets of thieves (which is happening in greater numbers these days).

Cargo containers are also being outfitted with GPS Tracking so that they can be tracked separately from the trucks and trailers.

Finally, many products that are banded together in the shipping process have a GPS Tracking device hidden among the boxes.

Not only is this good insurance for getting products where they need to be, but it allows for minute tracking which keeps the end customer and the shipper aware of the precise location of important deliveries.  Schedules can be coordinated and marketing plans can be shifted to accommodate any delays or advances in shipping time lines.  GPS tracking is a “must-have” item in the supply chain managers arsenal of customer service tools.

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by Greg Bartlett

As technology continues to advance, GPS tracking devices continue to improve and evolve. Systems that were once somewhat bulky are now a very small and manageable size. And they continue to shrink, but at the same time, their applications and power continue to expand. What changes have taken place lately in GPS tracking systems?

Smaller and Better Devices

GPS tracking units are continually getting smaller. More powerful, yet smaller, batteries are also being used in tracking devices. Advanced, powerful batteries can send more frequent signals for longer periods of time. This is very important to many consumers, because it eliminates the need to continually retrieve and charge the tracking units.

There are several reasons that smaller GPS tracking devices are in high demand: for easy concealment, for use with other devices, and for privacy.

As there is a higher demand for GPS trackers that can be easily concealed, developers are making smaller and smaller tracking units. It is very important that companies who protect their shipments and equipment with GPS tracking devices have small unobtrusive devices to make sure that they are not discovered. The smaller the device is, the easier it is to hide, because it fits in more places. There is only so much room inside of a GPS tracking watch or in a thin GPS tracking bracelet. The makers of these devices know that a small size is crucial.

Although many people use GPS tracking devices for various purposes, they might not want those purposes to be widely known. Although some might think it is a good idea, some parents of young children might not want to tell their children that they are wearing a GPS tracking device, because they might decide to play with it or take it off, which would prevent the child from being tracked. Owners of a passive tracking device might be concerned that someone would try to steal their device, so they want a small device that is not noticeable.

No matter what a person’s reasoning for purchasing a small GPS tracking system, companies are continually striving to create more advanced systems in smaller packages. GPS tracking technology has come a long way in the past ten years.  As people find new ways to use GPS tracking technology, innovations in the field will increase.

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The State of Indiana is grappling with a prison problem – overcrowding.  The statistics bear out that because of a lack of attention to an aging criminal code and sentencing guidelines, little has changed to bring alternatives to bear in communities state-wide.

GPS & Prisons

The result is a system that is too rigid in sentencing guidelines which stacks the states’ prisons with those who really would be better off out of those institutions.

Most other states have recognized the enormous cost that is associated with incarcerating convicts on a wholesale basis.  These states have begun to implement better, and more focused options to alleviate the problem.

But, it isn’t as easy as it might appear.  There is the need to apply fair sentencing to cases while maintaining safety and security of the public at large.

Both of those goals can be met if a comprehensive plan is adopted which will help solve the overcrowding problem.  This is a program that has three basic areas of focus.

Community Involvement

This part of the program does not mean that the public has to put up with more convicts who are on house arrest.  This means prevention first and foremost and then an intelligent application of sentencing which might be slanted towards more community based sentencing options.

Citizens everywhere need to take the blinders off of their eyes and realize that crime hurts every one, and that it needs to be stopped before it starts.  Doing things like paying attention to locked doors, secured personal property will help.  But, so do mentoring programs that help young people stay off of the streets and involved in activities that encourage them to grow up as responsible adults.  It’s a total program that must not be ignored.

Improved Probation System

Probation is more important than ever because it provides an alternative to incarceration.  And, when a convicted person is allowed to remain outside of jail and still serve their time, the chances of them being a repeat offender are much lower.  This is important because they are allowed to remain productive citizens of society.  They can provide for themselves and their families by being able to work while serving their sentence.

Use of Technology

GPS Tracking has been around for a long time in the judicial system.  But, what is happening now, is that there are so many more sentences being handed down in the form of active prisoner monitoring in other states, that the task is getting too big for existing departments to handle.  The sheer numbers are overwhelming some systems in other states.

Smart guidelines need to be used to fix this problem:  first, a statewide monitoring system needs to be implemented.  Next, probation and parole officers need to be more involved in the monitoring system.  Next, the guidelines for issuing a monitoring device need to be challenged so that only those who will really benefit from it can get it.

This problem in Indiana will eventually go away because there are very competent people running the government and making the decisions.  If any state can do it, Indiana can.

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When difficult economic times hit, most businesses that were hanging on by a thread folded.  The ones that remain have learned how to cope by making significant changes in their operations.  Is there more than can be done?  Certainly, there is always room for improvement.

Smart Businesses Save Money with GPS

Now that businesses have taken every conceivable action to stay in business, attention turns to the little things.  Taken together, these can help keep the wheels turning for a long period of time.

Avoid Hiring

Payroll is the biggest expense for most businesses.  The need to bring another person on must be weighed against the expense.  There is not only the pay, but also the benefits.  And future consideration must be given to health care costs.  That uncertainty alone makes it worth holding off on hiring.  If you must have a real person to help you consider two alternatives:  part-time help or contractor assistance.  Neither of these require payment of benefits and you can terminate the arrangements much easier.

Watch Small Expenses

Every expense must be scrutinized.  Right down to the utilities that you consume.  If you own your own building, put in water-saving toilets.  Make sure electrical items that are not necessary to run the business are turned off while you are done for the day or weekend.  Turn down your water heater so that it supplies water temperatures that are slightly above warm.  Shop for a new bank account that charges lower and/or fewer fees.  Credit unions are a good place to look for that.  Print fewer documents on your printers.  All of these together make up significant savings to your bottom line.

Downsize Major Expenses

Is it time to move into a smaller space from which to run your business?  Consider that rent payments often make up thousands of dollars per month.  Calculate how much a move would cost you, and then compare that to what a smaller location would compare to your current rent.  This would allow you to see how long it would take to make up that money that you spend to move and then begin to save over time.  If you own or lease major assets, think about downsizing those or getting rid of some that you no longer use regularly.  If you have vehicles, look into used versus new.

Implement Technology

There are two technology implementations that you should consider.  First, is an 800 number and associated PBX (phone answering) system.  These are so common today that most people do not mind using them.  And, once they are programmed correctly, they allow callers to route their own calls and leave messages on voicemail boxes and send pages, etc.  You can replace a full-time receptionist with one of these at a fraction of the cost.

Look into GPS Tracking systems.  If you own assets that are used outside of the physical confines of your business, tracking them with these devices makes a lot of sense.  Should you need to know where a vehicle is (for example), you can look it up on any Internet connection.  If one is stolen, you can recover it quickly.  Plus, your insurance company might provide a cut on your premiums.

All of the above are not hard to implement.  It takes time and will power to make it happen.  But, you can make it happen and that might be all it takes to keep your business solvent until better economic times bring more sales.

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GPS Tracking for the farming industry has been around for years now, but what is new is that the technology is improving so that its benefits are stronger than ever.  When it first hit the market, GPS Tracking was thought to be a fad by some in the agriculture industry.  It took a while for farmers to understand the end goal of such new technology because crop farming had remained unchanged for decades.  Sure, advances in seed science were making an impact, but nothing on the technique for planting was available.

GPS Tracking & Farming

Soon, farmers began to see the fruits of the labors of using GPS Tracking systems to map out their fields and use the data to increase yields.

How is it Accomplished?

As the technology continues to advance, the benefits keep on coming.  Here are the latest ones and how they will affect your farming operation right now:

Closer Tracking and Accuracy.  With the newest GPS Tracking systems, the level of accuracy is improving because the systems are able to break down your acreage into smaller bits and pieces thereby giving you the ability to plant and apply fertilizer with more control.  And, that equates to better yields.

Steering the Tractor. The higher-end systems actually control the steering mechanism on the planting and fertilizing tractors.  The operator is there to insure that everything is running smoothly while monitoring the runs across the fields and the fuel consumption of the engine to make sure that the fuel does not run out.

Fuel Savings. With everything controlled with such precision, fuel savings are a byproduct of this type of system.  You have the control down to the number of times across your fields which means no unnecessary trips.

Maintenance Savings. Because you are using your equipment less, maintenance costs will come down as a result.  Wear on all mechanical parts is reduced.  In farming, every small thing that you can do to reduce the possibility of having to spend money on equipment is a direct increase to profitability.  What you are doing is increasing the interval between maintenance stops which cuts down on mechanical failure.

Repeat the Process. The beauty of these GPS Tracking systems is that they allow farming operations to use and reuse the data and information over and over, season after season.  Once the data has been captured, it is saved for future use as well.  Consistency becomes the byword for the farming operations.

Better Crop Yields and More Profit

Today’s farms are no longer operated by spreadsheet and best guesses as to how to plant and fertilize.  The precision and accuracy are build into the GPS Tracking systems.  In just five years, gps tracking innovations  have resulted in better crop yields and more profit for farmers actively engaged in using this precise technology.

Jamie O’Neal is a creative writer for LandAirSea Systems, a Woodstock, IL-based manufacturer and distributor of GPS tracking systems, software and accessories.

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We may as well get used to being tracked as employees.  It is happening more often than we realize and is getting more attention in the news.  In fact, you are vulnerable if you wear a simple badge that unlocks a door for you when you pass in and out of your work place on a daily basis.  These systems are already tracking your presence in the buildings.  And, even some systems are going further than that in that they have the ability to track the badge in real-time as you move throughout the facilities.  That includes the restrooms. GPS Tracking devices in businesses are being used to help cut costs, reduce employee “waste” time and ensure that staff is basically productive on the job.

GPS Tracking & Employees

Businesses are turning to GPS technology in greater numbers to help get more productivity out of their lean staff.  But, these systems are also being used to make sure that you are complying with company rules and regulations as well as laws.  Should you violate any, be prepared to be caught and for the disciplinary action that follows.

But, there is a good side, too.  The information gathered from these GPS Tracking devices can also confirm an employee’s actions that are in question when there is no factual basis for the scrutiny.  For example, verifying the speed at which a driver is driving a vehicle can be used in a court of law to prove innocence in a moving violation case.

Watching from Afar

Fleet tracking is the most common use for GPS Tracking, but employees are quickly becoming a close second.  The main concern however, is privacy.  When does the best interest of the company take precedence over personal privacy?  The middle ground is where these two issues clash.  Company rules and regulations are legitimate and must be enforced.  So are common laws that everyone must submit to every day.  But, personal privacy must be protected, too.  It appears that the pendulum has swung too far towards invasion of privacy.

In the pursuit of profit, businesses are playing a bit loose with personal privacy.  If you have concerns at your place of business address them with Human Resources and be an informed employee.  By speaking up you will know the company position and you will send a signal to management that you are aware of their policies.  Indirectly, you may just keep them honest!

Jamie O’Neal is a creative writer for LandAirSea Systems, a Woodstock, IL-based manufacturer and distributor of GPS tracking systems, software and accessories.

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Nanotechnology notwithstanding, many electronic devices are getting so small that it is almost unbelievable.  Consider the cell phone, the watch, and even GPS Tracking devices.

Smaller and Smaller Devices

The need for a small footprint in a tracking device is driven by several factors.

First the smaller size allows one to better conceal a device.  This is important in tracking things and even people.

Some GPS tracking devices are sewn into clothing for children which provides parents a better method for keeping track on their location.

Some of these are hidden in product that is being shipped for the purpose of being able to track it and make sure that it reaches its intended destination.  If it becomes stolen, it serves as a beacon for law enforcement officials for recovery purposes.

Next, the smaller the unit, the less battery consumption takes place which allows it to last longer than larger counterparts.  Consider that cell phone batteries have shrunk to almost nothing, yet provide days of activity between charges.  In small dedicated units the power consumption is not nearly as great a drain on the battery as are cell phones and smart phones.

Some of the products that are being manufactured to meet the demands of smaller applications include the following.

GPS Watches. The ultimate trick for fooling a predator that they have taken or injured someone and think they will never be caught.  But, beyond this is the data capabilities that help athletes and runners track and monitor their workouts and races.

GPS Tracking Devices for Children. Need to keep a closer eye on where your children are and what they are doing?  You can choose one of several products available in this market to accomplish this goal.  What you will find are varying degrees of usability and features as well as pricing.  Is it worth it?  Only you can be the judge.

GPS Tracking Systems for Products. Professional businesses offer these systems to help secure cargo and product shipments to their destination.  Pricing varies by company, but the bottom line is that if you handle expensive and highly sought out product by thieves it can save many hours of frustration and customer relationships.  These are best used with other GPS tracking methods by the shipping industry to help insure that your business runs like it needs to – safely and theft-free.

GPS Tracking for the Banking Industry. Devices are being used and installed into bank bags which allow police to track bank robbers before they even realize that they are being tracked.  More of these devices are being used every day.

GPS Tracking for the Auto Industry. Small devices are installed into vehicles by owners to help track their teen drivers, and make sure that if there is a theft, the vehicle can be recovered quickly.  Also, some auto dealers that finance their own vehicles are using them to locate customers who stop making payments on their cars and trucks.

All of these devices vary in price and even capabilities.  It is best to perform extensive research before making a purchase decision.

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By James Neely (re-posted from April 2009)

The water hazards on a golf course are no place in which your expensive golf carts should be found, but it does happen. Being prepared to handle these unfortunate events is a fact of life in golf course management. But it should be minimized by encouraging responsible behavior. This can be accomplished by installing a GPS Tracking system into these vehicles and other golf course equipment like mowers and tractors.

In the operation of a golf course, one of the most expensive items is the equipment that it takes to provide transportation between holes and maintaining the near perfect fairways and greens. Adding a GPS Tracking system will help in these ways.

Where is the equipment? In an instant you can get a visual on the location of a golf cart in question. Is it near the water, or in the water? Is it out of bounds and off of the course completely? Smart course management includes the ability to follow their equipment closely. Failure to do so can end up in disaster. And if there are any injuries from accidents, the reports from these systems can provide evidence of the location at the time in question.

If you should ever encounter a situation where a cart or other piece of equipment is stolen, it can be tracked to within a few feet of its location for recovery by authorities. This can help you keep your operations running smoothly in the face of theft or loss.

How is it being operated? Most golfers are safe drivers and operate the carts in a responsible manner, right? Now you can know for sure. These GPS Tracking systems can supply information other than just location. Now you can know how fast they are being driven. And if they are being driven in circles at a high-rate of speed, then disaster is sure to follow. Evidence of misuse can be used against a customer in helping to get them to pay for damages. This evidence is even admissible in a court of law.

How long since previous maintenance? One big part of course management is maintenance. How many hours has it been since a piece of equipment has been maintained to keep it in peak running condition? A GPS tracker can provide this data. Using it can help prevent break-downs and keep your course operating smoothly.

Insurance costs can be reduced dramatically because of these systems. This can mean a healthy dose of profitability over the course of a season.

Investing in GPS Tracking to locate and maintain expensive golf carts protects the golf course from theft and may end up lowering the insurance liability as well.  High-tech gps solutions keep the business of golf on track by encouraging responsible behavior.

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More cities and towns are implementing GPS Tracking to help them save money.  Tax revenues are down because the lack of jobs is producing lower tax collections.  This hits the bottom line and threatens the services that communities have come to depend upon for years.  Now, municipalities are turning to ways to save money, but still provide essential services.

Government & GPS Tracking

A key component in all of this is GPS Tracking.  Here are five ways that a government can use these devices to help keep them from operating in the red, but still provide what citizens need.

Accountability and Safety

With the right GPS Tracking device you can get real-time tracking which gives you instant feedback as to the location of your trucks and workers as they perform their jobs.  Drivers and operators are normally very responsible people, but there is always room for improvement; especially in the area of safety.  Knowing where your people are at all times provides true peace-of-mind.

Evidence of Performance

When it comes to essential street services, when was the last time that you made a sweep of the city to collect downed tree limbs, etc.?  If someone calls you, can you supply that information?  If you have one of these GPS tracking systems you can.  And with real-time accuracy, you can give an estimated time of arrival.  Being able to give out this data is invaluable to your sanity as well.

Managing Fleet Maintenance

Now you can keep track of how many hours and miles have been consumed by your fleet of vehicles.  Having this data will help you be able to monitor and schedule preventive maintenance stops.  The time and effort applied in this task can help keep your fleet running smoothly when the additional demands of poor weather conditions are placed on it.

Justification for Leadership

Not only can you report on the whereabouts and activities performed by your fleet and drivers, you can deliver reports that give you factual records to prove the worth of the vehicles in your keeping and help provide evidence when you need to request funds to add to or replace what you have in inventory.  This information is invaluable to elected officials for this purpose alone.

For Tracking Stolen Items

You cannot be too cautious with equipment that is publically funded.  Thieves are in the business of taking items that can bring a high price on the black market.  You can stop them in their tracks by installing GPS tracking systems on all of your major pieces of equipment.  Recovering items taken can be performed in just hours, not days or months.  That keeps you operating with a complete inventory.

Cities and towns all would benefit from GPS Tracking.  Today’s economic conditions are demanding and the best way to meet those demands is with the added control that a gps system affords your municipality.

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