Vehicle Tracking –Two Technology Type Option.

It’s not often realised that when the term vehicle tracking is used, there exists two possible applications, which utilise either one of two very different and distinct types of vehicle tracking device :

• A.V.L (Automatic Vehicle Location), which is Active - or -

• E.A.T.S (Events Activated Tracking System), which is Passive

There are systems available which are a hybrid of both, however industry practice has generally favoured the separation of these functions.

A.V.L (Automatic Vehicle Location)

Also known as active tracking technology, is mostly used when applied to vehicle fleet tracking or mobile workforce tracking solutions. The unit is configured to automatically transmit it’s location at a set time interval, e.g. every 3 minutes and is activated when the ignition is switched on/off.

This version of vehicle tracker technology is most typically installed into roadside recovery operations which has equipped its fleet with GPS Vehicle Tracking. The system automatically identifies and assigns the nearest vehicle to the newest job, without the need for manual ‘calling in’ and checking of location.

An additional add-on module enables the transmitting of the job details directly to the operative’s mobile data device, who uses the in-vehicle satellite navigation to be directed to the job, rather than phoning the recovery vehicle operative.

E.A.T.S (Events Activated Tracking system)

A system which is primarily supplies a vehicle or driver security solution. A passive tracking system can be triggered by the immobiliser unit or motion sensor when activated, automatically notifying an agency that the unit has been activated to begin tracking the vehicle.

In many instances, a vehicle’s ignition does not require to be turned on, so most commonly available AVL products would not be activated. It is only systems that include a unit which is triggered by a motion sensor or alarm event, that would be activated.

As explained above, both AVL and EATS systems operate a vehicle tracking function, but for different purposes.

A Thatcham standard, such as Category 5, makes this distinction very clear, and stipulates the function and features that a vehicle security tracking product must have to gain their accreditation.