Through the years in this business I have learned that most companies that start looking for a GPS Tracking System are interested in what we call a Basic Tracking. Basic Tracking is nothing but a map whit a dot showing the location of a vehicle. Some basic tracking applications include also a basic report that keeps a log of all the positions of a vehicle over a certain period of time. But once these companies implement a GPS Tracking solutions and the technology permeates into their processes, they start finding the REAL BENEFITS that a GPS Tracking Solution brings.
This is Part 1 of a series of 10 articles in which I will present how a GPS Tracking system can REALLY make a difference in a companys performance. This first part will start by introducing some basic concepts related these technologies, so I and my readers have a common framework to work with.
There are many applications for the GPS TRACKING technology that can be divided into two main groups: NAVIGATION and TRACKING.
Navigation is related to devices that are installed in the vehicles and that provide on-board navigation information. The user will usually enter a destination address and will start receiving audio and visual directions on how to arrive to that place. Samples of these devices are seen in almost every computer store, and the most recognized brands are Garmin, TomTom, and others.
Tracking is related to devices installed in the vehicles that send information about the vehicle to computer programs where the information is processed and presented to users in maps and reports. The information sent by these devices includes at least the position in terms of Latitude and Longitude, the speed, the direction (north, south, east, etc.), the date and the time. Other devices include more sophisticated information such as Ignition status, doors status, on-board engine diagnostic, etc. Samples of companies that provide this type of products are also multiple, and can be found by tons with any search in a search engine like Google.
Tracking is usually provided by companies as an internet service, although there are some companies that sell simple applications to be installed in computers. And as mentioned before, there is a wealth of options to pick from. Some of the most established companies include AtRoad (www.atroad.com ), Tracking Solutions Corp (www.trackingsolutionsonline.com ), Webtech (www.webtech.com ), Fleet Tracking Online (www.fleettrackingonline.com ), and Geosoft USA Corp (www.geosoftusa.com). These and other companies will offer to their users Tracking solutions that can be accessed via web, and that allows to keep track of the vehicles of the companies in a map and in several reports.
Once a company or an individual decides to go into this technology, the first question that has to be solved is: What type of GPS System I need? Is it a Tracking System? Or a Navigation System? It is very common to start shopping around without a clear understanding of what is needed. This series of articles will focus on GPS Tracking more than GPS Navigation. And this first article severs as a starting point to understand and identify what the needs are on each particular case.
In the next article I will discuss some additional terms related to GPS Tracking and will start going into its applications in the day to day processes.
» left by J from Ft. Lauderdale (1 year 75 days ago.)
This article was very helpful. Thank you for all the information. Respond to this comment
» left by Rey from miami (1 year 74 days ago.)
Informative article, most people do get the two confused. Respond to this comment
» left by Esther Suarez from Dallas TX (1 year 73 days ago.)
As a small company this article helped me find a great company to assist me with my GPS tracking needs. Respond to this comment
» left by Mark from AZ (1 year 70 days ago.)
This article was of great help. Thank you for all the information. Respond to this comment
» left by Jack Brown from New York (1 year 67 days ago.)
Do you have other articles? This one was of great help. I want to learn more. Respond to this comment
» left by Siramad from BRUNSWICK, OH (1 year 67 days ago.)
I am glad I found this article. It Helped me understand the differences between navigation and tracking. I did have them a little confused. The links on this article directed me to a company that helped my business find the GPS Tracking system that we needed. Respond to this comment
Was this article helpful to you? Leave a Public Comment or
Question:
This Article has been viewed 153
times.
Article added to SearchWarp.com on Friday, September 21, 2007 View other articles written by Juan Olano(24)
If you found this article interesting, you may want to check out:
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
