The basics, what is it?

GPS tracking systems integrate a gps receiver, a mobile phone modem and some firmware that is packaged in what is known as a gps tracking device. This device then connects over the cellular network to a backend server system. This system, often Internet-based, but can also be installed on a user’s premises, is used to manage each tracking device. The server system is commonly known as the tracking platform and contains the main user interface between the user and the tracking device.

The interface itself is a combination of software comprising maps, databases and other software programs that manage the communication between the device and the monitoring platform.

The key component of the entire system is the US government’s Global Positioning System constellation of satellites, which are managed by the Department of Defense. Europe is also developing its own network of GPS satellites, known as Galileo. Russia also has a system called GLONASS.

Why do companies use GPS tracking systems?

My research has uncovered many reasons why companies are installing and using GPS tracking systems:

1. It is increasingly observed that vehicle tracking systems can reduce vehicle fleet costs by identifying speeding, irregular vehicle use, harsh braking and general vehicle wear and tear.

2. Businesses see significant increases in mobile workforce productivity. The areas where this is seen is in improving efficiency in employee hours worked by identifying excessive lunch breaks, time spent at a customer’s location compared to the employee’s own report, and the use of the company vehicle for personal use.

3. When combined with a CRM program, GPS tracking systems can improve customer service. For example, being able to identify the support engineer closest to a customer call, tell the customer how far away the support engineer is, and provide accurate estimates of arrival time.

4. Businesses have been able to reduce their overheads in a number of ways. These include being able to identify unnecessary vehicles in the fleet that are underused, as well as being able to evaluate employee performance to identify employees who are unreliable or violate company rules and replace them with more efficient employees.

5. Company managers have been able to simplify their reporting and asset management by enabling real-time reporting and using the mapping and reporting capabilities of GPS tracking platforms to provide a common operational picture of all assets in the company. business.

Businesses are getting a very fast return on investment after purchasing and implementing a GPS tracking system. ROI is generally within a six to twelve month time frame; thereafter, the system has paid for itself and, in fact, begins to contribute to increasing bottom line finances.