Rocky Mountain Tracking

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 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

Fleet operations have the unenviable task of monitoring their drivers as they travel their daily routes.  It is a necessary part of the operation to help insure that their drivers are using safe and responsible activities.  A huge burden of liability rests on the companies who have many company-owned vehicles moving along the streets of most major cities and towns.

GPS & Safe Drivers

More of these businesses have turn to GPS Tracking systems to augment their driver safety policies.  Here is how properly outfitted devices can help in this arena:

Awareness

This is true not only when the driver is on the road, where they need to be the most aware of their surroundings and the things happening in front of them, but when they are on their own time as well.  Paying attention to details is always a good choice in remaining focused on any task.  Driving a vehicle, especially a large delivery truck or even semi, requires a constant focus.  But there are always too many distractions.

Responsibility

When a driver is part of an organization that values safety and responsibility, they feel like a part of something bigger than just making deliveries every day.  This is what motivates people to become heroes when they assist others who are involved in traumatic situations.  In fact, the training that they receive often kicks in without them thinking about it.

Safety Alignment

By emphasizing safety, it becomes a part of their everyday routine.  From making sure that their vehicle is operating correctly, to driving with added ownership of their actions at the wheel they are immersed in safety activities.

Encourages Positive Behavior

When drivers value safety and responsibility, they make better decisions on the road.  Knowing that lives are at stake helps a great deal, also.

A GPS Tracking device helps the driver realize that they are being monitored not only for business purposes, but to also ensure that rules of the road and laws are being obeyed at all times.  This will help make sure that the incidents of moving violations are low while driving up customer satisfaction.  Drivers will be more productive as well.  This is a decision that you will not regret making for your business.  Check out one of these systems today.

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.

By Harriette Halepis

WBZ Boston, Lowell, Massachusetts, January 29, 2010 - The state of Lowell, Massachusetts, recently proposed that all Lowell police cars be fitted with GPS trackers. Other states that have outfitted state-owned vehicles with GPS trackers have managed to increase productivity and emergency response time. However, the Lowell police force is not allowing the installation of GPS trackers without a fight.

Tracking Police Cars

Due to planned protests, the annual awards ceremony that is usually held in the Lowell memorial Auditorium had to be cancelled.  Those who are a part of the Lowell force feel that the installation of GPS trackers would be a violation of personal rights, though City Manager Bernard Lynch doesn’t quite see the situation in this manner.

Instead, Lynch argues that the city “…wants to make sure that…police officers are doing what they’re supposed to be doing… (WBZ)“ While this may sound paranoid to some, the fact of the matter is that many other states through the nation have found that city employees spend a lot more time tending to non-work related tasks then they do to work related tasks.

Further, tax payers don’t see anything wrong with ensuring that police officers are actually working for that tax money. As one resident put it “it’s tax dollars at work. You see a cruiser sitting on the side of the road, at least back at dispatch, they know where they are (WBZ).” This resident isn’t the only one, many people within the Lowell area wonder whether or not police officers are spending their time wisely.

As for those members of the Lowell police force, a press release that was sent to the Lowell Sun states that “the chief has proclaimed his lack of trust in our members by proposing the GPS system (WBZ).” At this time, no further comments have been made by force representatives. Thus, the proposal has not yet been implemented, though both state officials and city taxpayers would like to see the proposal set into motion.

GPS trackers installed in police cars across the nation would not only ensure that police officers are respecting state time, but they would also ensure that stolen police vehicles are returned in a timely manner. Also, back up crews would likely be able to reach officers in distress faster with the help of a GPS tracker.

By Greg Bartlett

Are you involved in a business that utilizes vehicles on a regular basis? Does it seem harder to keep track of the automobiles that your employees and clientele are using? Many rental companies have found that the number of vehicles damaged and/or stolen has risen exceedingly in the last several years. Other businesses that send employees out on house calls realize that the amount of work completed each day has diminished greatly, while the number of hours an individual is on a job just keeps getting greater. While this may be due simply to accidents or poor driving, most often it is a result of poor accountability and a lack of responsibility on the part of drivers. Vehicle tracking may be the solution to your problem.

GPS & Vehicle Tracking

GPS tracking has progressively assisted in many areas throughout the last several years. A GPS tracking device can be used on a variety of objects, whether inanimate or animate. Wildlife conservatories use them on animals that are becoming extinct, police use them on criminal transports, and the paparazzi use them on important stars or politicians. A GPS device is a small object that can be attached to a car or stuck into a pocket. This tiny mechanism will then emit rays, when turned on, to a series of satellites throughout the universe. These satellites then transmit the rays to a set of computers that record time, date, speed, and a number of other factors about the device.

Vehicle tracking is a type of GPS tracking that has become more important recently. A recent vehicle-tracking device that has been developed is the CoDriver OBD. This can be used to know either where your vehicle is at all times, or else to trace the individual that is driving the vehicle, so that you will know its speed, distance, and location. This is useful for parents, spouses, and even friends. Another use of GPS vehicle tracking has been used for fleets of cars or machinery. With the use of a vehicle-tracking device, individuals have been able to recover lost trucks, tractors, and other work-related vehicles.

Vehicle tracking is not a toy; it is a responsible decision to take care of your car. Although not everyone can afford to purchase the top of the line model, there are many types of devices for every circumstance. Take time to decide if this method is right for you.

By Greg Bartlett

Many people are interested in technology as it progresses, but few seem to actually understand the workings behind the technology and how it applies to daily life. GPS tracking is one of these areas that few understand, but many would like to use. The most common use of a GPS is a device that is located within a vehicle to give directions to a specific place. While this is a good example, GPS tracking is slightly different. A GPS within a car will tell you where you are a currently located. A GPS tracking device will let you know where other individuals are located.

GPS Tracking

A GPS is fairly simple to understand. Basically, you begin with a small object that contains the actual GPS. You can attach this object to the underside or inside of a car, or you can give it to someone. Once the device is turned on, it will emit radio waves to a set of satellites that are located in outer spaces. These satellites then reflect the waves back to a central computer that will then record and process the information that is given. These GPS systems can be used to track the speed, distance, location, height, or depth of an object, as well as many other variables. The choices depend simply upon the GPS unit available and its capabilities.

GPS tracking can be used for many things and on many things. It can be used to track spouses, children, criminals, famous individuals, or a vehicle. It can also be used on a phone, a computer, a car, a briefcase, or a number of other items, depending on your ingenuity. GPS tracking is still new enough that its boundaries are endless. Some businesses even keep their expensive machinery, such as bulldozers and helicopters in check with GPS systems.

GPS tracking is still relatively new and will continue to go through many upgrades before the year is over. Still, it is exciting to see where this new technology is taking the world and how it continues to evolve as scientists understand more and more about how it works. The devices have continued to grow smaller, while the capacity of the machine has grown astronomically. Take some time to see if a GPS device could help make your life easier, so that you know where your important friends, valuable belongings, or priceless family are at all times.

By Greg Bartlett

When it comes to truancy, there’s at least one town in Texas that’s taking matters into its own hands. High school students who deliberately miss class in Bryan, Texas will be given hand-held GPS trackers to encourage them to return to school. Brazos County Justice of the Peace Tommy Munoz says that this measure will show students that breaking laws—even small ones—has consequences. By implementing this “Attendance Improvement Management” (AIM, for short), Munoz hopes to deter kids from repeatedly ignoring truancy regulations, which can result in more severe punishments like mandatory ankle bracelet GPS trackers or even a trip to juvenile court.

GPS & Truancy

County judges often have a great deal of latitude in assigning punishments or behavior improvement programs to kids who commit lesser offences. The law allows a judge some flexibility to determine what may or may not encourage someone to get back on track. Many view GPS trackers as a simple preventative measure, and in the case of this town, the devices are small enough to be placed in a book bag alongside a cell phone. Munoz ruled out ankle bracelet GPS trackers since he didn’t want the program to seem like a humiliating, kiddie version of parole.

But for a problem such as truancy, technology can never be the full solution. Munoz also requires that repeat offenders attend counseling sessions with professionals who want to explain to the kids the benefits of staying in school. Parents will be involved in the program, providing their kids the GPS trackers in the morning and checking them in at night. Munoz understands that parental involvement is the most important factor. Previously he has addressed minor offenses by requiring students to attend a day of class along with a parent. The judge is known statewide for his creative problem solving.

Thankfully, Munoz’s use of GPS trackers is thoughtful and not draconian. Other states in previous years have attempted to pass laws requiring school-wide use of the devices. In the United Kingdom, a uniform company called Trutex has sold to some private schools uniforms that are already embedded with GPS trackers. In these—admittedly exclusive—academies every student is tracked at all times, regardless of his or her disciplinary record. By contrast, the students of Bryan County have much less supervision to worry about. With currently a 97% attendance rate, it looks like the system may be working.

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

It has been identified as one of the best applications for GPS Tracking among all businesses.  We are speaking of fleet management operations.  Any business in which you have multiple assets on the streets at the same time screams for a system that affords the control and management of a GPS system.

GPS & Fleet Operations

Here are the best fleet management tips that involve implementing GPS Tracking into your operations:

Safe Drivers

Good drivers are hard to find.  And, even when they are employed, it is only human nature to take advantage (even just a little bit) of the rules and laws by cutting corners just to get the job done quicker.  With GPS Tracking, drivers are held accountable in a by closer monitoring.  It is no doubt that when people are being watched, they change their behavior.  Fleet drivers are no different.

Safe Driving

Speeding, unsafe lane changes, lack of signaling, and other infractions of posted traffic laws gets drivers in trouble, and puts your business at risk.  And, they put the public in danger as well.  These types of activities need to be addressed and monitored daily.  Notifying your employees of the existence of GPS Tracking devices is a judgment call, but once they find out that they exist, it will affect how their performance and the acts of indiscretion will dwindle.

Excellent Performance

How are your drivers doing in getting to their appointed stops?  Are they consistently late and always blaming traffic?  Do you suspect that they are taking too long at stops or are making unauthorized stops along their routes?  Now you can know, and you can make changes in schedules when there are real problems with getting routes completed in a timely manner.

Excellent Route Performance

Making sure that schedules are realistic will help you insure that your customers are happy with their service level.  Watching for pick-ups and deliveries as they come in and making instant changes in schedules based on what vehicle is closest helps you cement your commitment to service in the eyes of your customers.

Performance Validation

The most important business activity for your operations is executing near flawless performance for your clients.  A GPS Tracking system will provide you with court-admissible evidence that can show compliance with laws and contracts.

Making GPS Tracking a part of your fleet business is like having a silent partner that keeps you in line and on the road to profitability.  Get one today and watch it go to work for you.

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.