Vehicle Tracking Blog

RealTime Vehicle Tracking – Historic Reporting.

2010-10-07T08:44:00.001+01:00

Staying competitive, productive and cost-efficient in today’s fleet management and operating environment means every second counts! Consequently, GPS vehicle tracking has proven to be a vital tool in the daily pressure to meet a full job sheet of delivery schedule slots. The essential application is realtime vehicle tracking, which keeps fleet operation centres constantly in touch with the location and schedules of their drivers and vehicles.

The ability to have as much information as possible at your command about road conditions, vehicle availability, delivery changes, fuel use, running efficiency and driver handling means getting those important split second decisions right everytime. Some of the first fleet tracking systems could only report their information when the fleet GPS tracking device was returned to base, which in today’s challenging economic climate, would put a company at a serious cost and operating disadvantage.

Real time information is reported back to a company’s central computer system in optional, pre-set intervals, from between every 10 seconds to every 60 seconds, according to the customised commercial vehicle tracking system and the supplier.

However, still a critical part of any modern vehicle tracking solution is historic reporting. This vital tool provides a complete detailed report on a company’s entire fleet journey history, from which a full report on any fleet vehicle on any specific day can be selected for inspection.

The data is displayed as a ‘snail trail’, continually plotted on a map within the vehicle tracking web application. The snail trail clearly shows an entire vehicle journey and behaviour history, marking, amongst other useful driving characteristics, excessive idling points and exceeded speed limits.

The ability to record and keep a complete breakdown analysis of an entire vehicle journey history and behaviour in realtime is, of course, invaluable as incontrovertible evidence, if and when required. There are always likely to be situations where contentious issues will arise involving speeding tickets, driver/staff whereabouts, unauthorised vehicle usage and insurance claim backup.

Snail trail recording are standard vehicle tracker applications available for both realtime and historic reporting, and must now be considered an essential fleet management tool, supplying essential information no modern transportation organisation can be without to provide the required standard of customer service.

Tracking Fleet Efficiency In The New Economy.

2010-09-30T10:37:00.001+01:00

As the coalition Government’s cutbacks start to take effect in the months and years ahead, fleet owners and operational managers will doubtless, be focusing their attention on implementing best practice strategies to further tighten up daily running costs and maximise operating efficiency.

Gaining increased control over mobile assets has always played a key role in making a not-insignificant reduction in the financial burden. SME fleet businesses and larger UK across-border organisations, alike, will immediately pinpoint fuel, productivity and security as the three chief areas constantly under review.

Deployment of a GPS vehicle tracking system, to customised requirement, enables fleet owners to ‘ride with their drivers / mobile workforce’. Monitoring vehicle location, driving conditions and driver behaviour by mobile workforce tracking are proven to increase productivity and reduce wasted journeys by streamlining daily schedules and controlling fuel usage.

Fuel

Time critical deliviries or attempting to make up for lost time can lead to speeding, which will use more fuel than by simply maintaining a lower speed. Excessive idling wastes fuel at the rate of over two thirds of a gallon every hour of idle time. Restarting an engine actually uses no more fuel than 30 seconds of idling with minimal effect on vehicle components.

Knowing exactly the real location of every vehicle is essential! A fleet tracking system instantly provides the key data to instantly allocate the closest vehicle to a job site or to determine direct or alternative routing

Productivity

Recent research found that organisations increased the total number of service calls/delivery drops completed per day per driver by 23 per cent as a direct result of installing a realtime vehicle tracking solution. The subsequent increase in service profitability by over 12 per cent reflected the decrease in travel time, overtime pay and fuel costs by around 10-15 per cent.

Security

After rising fuel costs, vehicle theft and employees using company vehicles for unauthorised purposes are probably two of the biggest concerns to fleet owners, which a trailer tracking device would instantly address.

Often SMEs operate a flexible approach to allowing employees to use company vehicles outside of working hours, but knowing the extent of use of vehicles for unauthorised purposes, even during work hours, is still a contentious issue in some companies.

Over 30 per cent of stolen vehicles are never recovered along with any equipment, stock or tools on board, and if they are, many have received significant and costly damage. Notwithstanding, the additional reduction to the operating fleet and loss of business, a vehicle tracking device can mean a fast vehicle retrieval to minimise overall business harm.

Mobile Workforce Tracking Demands Driver Discipline!

2010-09-23T10:57:00.001+01:00

Recent deep recession and fragile economic recovery are concentrating business minds across UK industry to find ever more ways to cut costs and improve efficiency. Nowhere less so than with fleet operators who demand of their staff to make best use of their daily work schedules. Deployment of mobile workforce tracking is a key tool to drive time management discipline.

There simply is no more excuse for not knowing the exact location, route and schedules of company drivers and field operatives at any time throughout the day, when they are away from company premises.

Implementing a system which offers mobile worker solutions is now central to fleet control in today’s technology driven environment. Installing Fleet GPS tracking in every vehicle can mean the end of common problems such as extended work breaks and unauthorised journeys and routes taken during company hours. Research estimates reveal that over half of drivers or other field workers routinely supply incorrect timesheets!

Company or fleet owners can obtain essential realtime vehicle tracking data on when an employee starts a vehicle, arrives or leaves a job site, and when the vehicle terminates. In addition, GPS vehicle tracking will supply reports on the exact length of time taken on site and the total time durations for the entire day. This means of course, automated log keeping and the end of manual, paperbased timesheets.

It has been constantly reported that companies consider investing in a vehicle tracking device almost solely because of their interest in knowing the movements of their drivers or ‘outside’ staff. Often the stated reasons provide real insight into how fleet tracking a mobile workforce would make dramatic improvements to current driver behaviour and as a result, see very urgent time and fuel cost savings reflected in the balance sheets.

Typical areas of driver behaviour reported include, not returning to base until the very end of the working day to avoid being given additional jobs if they did return early, remaining on jobs for far longer than necessary to claim overtime and staff either going home during their working day or just finishing early and not calling in for additional jobs.

Vehicle Tracking And In-Vehicle Telematics Compliance Role

2010-09-16T16:10:00.001+01:00

Fleet industry investment in vehicle tracking and related technology-based systems always represent a real opportunity to streamline and create cost efficiencies, an especially relevant issue in today’s uncertain economy.

Time saving is one of the abiding concerns for fleet operations and when opportunities exist to simplify and integrate certain mobile workforce tracking applications with regulatory and compliance management for the purpose of removing another layer of routine administration, then due consideration cannot be discounted, nor the possibilities of a national policy strategy.

However, it does seem that fleet and road freight industries have tended to stick with traditional reliance on manual, paper-based systems to manage routine issues of vehicle speed, fatigue and mass compliance risks.

Transport efficiency improvement strategies often strongly recommend the creation of an environment where real time vehicle tracking information can be regularly shared between parties in the supply chain, as standard. One example could be the real time vehicle tracking of deliveries to be ready to unload upon vehicle arrival.

Deploying the potential of a versatile range of in-vehicle telematics, from fleet GPS tracking systems to hand held computers or electronic diaries, could dramatically improve business efficiencies and road safety by assisting in the management of compliance with fatigue and speed regulations.

Implementing common technology standards and platforms may help encourage this type of information sharing along the supply chain and play a role in emission reduction by the effective use of vehicles and infrastructure.

For the SME fleet operator, an overall industry policy could both alleviate the current obstacles, which prevent involvement and provide confidence in further investment consideration.

Notwithstanding, an element of complexity and financial impact to implementing new or upgrading existing in vehicle tracker systems, the key is to help smoothly drive the transition to the wider use of a technology recognised as crucial to fleet running efficiency and improved customer service.

GPS Vehicle Tracking Data Puts You In Control.

2010-09-09T10:41:00.002+01:00

Today’s sophisticate technology aims to provide all the information and knowledge you’ll ever need, when you need it. No less with GPS vehicle tracking systems. The extensive wealth of data available ‘OnDemand’, can only reassure every fleet manager that he truly is in the driving seat and running daily operations at optimum, bottom-line boosting efficiency.

It can appear that there are a countless number of different types of vehicle tracking systems, each with their own combinations of customisation. A fleet operating business, no matter whether they are SME or larger scale, who are looking to invest in the right fleet tracking technology for their own specific needs, might just require a valuable back-to-basics check on types of data provided that can be realistically employed.

In essence, the key essential functions of fleet GPs tracking can be centred on:

Location reporting:

GPS for commercial vehicle tracking provides latitude and longitude in degrees, minutes and seconds, accurate to 33 feet. Updated vehicle location reports are produced at intervals of between 2 - 15 minutes, or can be set by the fleet owner.

Present direction:

Determining if a vehicle is arriving, en route or leaving their destination, expressed as north, south, east or west in the compass direction the vehicle is travelling.

Event alerts:

An automatic e-mail, which can also be sent to a mobile of the fleet manager or business owner, with the date, time, location, identification and other specified details describing an event which has occurred requiring attention. Alerts are triggered when a vehicle exceeds a preset speed or crosses a geographic boundary preset by the company.

Historical data:

A record of all data specific to each vehicle, maintained for 90 days. Important data to calculate which vehicles averaged the most miles driven each day and productivity analyses.

In addition, critical information can be provided on speed and mileage calculation, idle and ignition status which is essential data for daily monitoring of vital fuel consumption costs.

Speed calculation:

Excess speeds, which can be preset, will also trigger an alert, sent to the fleet operating centre. Speeding wastes fuel and causes excessive wear. Today, Duty of Care is a key issue to help prevent speeding or recklessly-driving.

Accumulated mileage alert:

An alert sent at intervals of 3,000 miles, 5,000 miles or optional pre-set for recommended vehicle maintenance. Includes essential oil change alert.

Ignition on/off:

Time, date and location of when a vehicle's ignition was turned on or off.

Idle report:

Time, date, location and duration of when a vehicle remained motionless while the engine was running. Duration of idle allowed can be pre-set before a report is generated. Idling the engine is an expensive waste of fuel and causes unnecessary wear.

Tracking Down The Right GPS Vehicle Tracking!

2010-09-03T18:00:00.001+01:00

Choosing a GPS Fleet Tracking system from the many vehicle tracker suppliers on the market can be challenging but the key is to find a provider who understands and matches their client’s exact needs with real system usability and measurable return.

In today’s economic climate, obtaining real benefit and a value-for-money investment, has been given even greater priority. From an SME running a modest number of vehicles to a larger scale fleet operation, installing GPS vehicle tracking needs to be able to deliver a solution that includes at least, ease of use, reliable connectivity and online uptime and in-depth reporting. Not least, the system provider should demonstrate their real ability to provide an excellent customer service.

Whether the solution is primarily focused on fleet tracking or mobile workforce tracking, it is vital to obtain in-depth data reporting to enable owners or fleet managers to make prompt, strategic decisions. Accurate reporting of speed, vehicle usage, idle times, and start-up and shut-down are essential to encourage fuel-efficiency and safe driving habits with drivers and field workers.

A small fleet operation may only require a basic vehicle tracking device which shows location, route, stops, and speed of vehicle. This can be operated as a mobile worker solution, which allows any company vehicle user from the company workforce to keep guaranteed accurate travel records of mileage and time.

A larger scale fleet manager, who may require more detailed information, would be recommended to install real-time vehicle tracking. This type of system is purpose designed to be most applicable to a time critical service across many vehicles at the same time. Digital and satellite maps with location updates are provided every few minutes, with automatic email reports and a record of vehicle maintenance.

A larger fleet organisation could be advised to look at an advanced real-time system with laptop or PDA, which can include additional features such as wireless communication, two-way text messaging, and automatic downloads. The GPS receiver can record information for over two months, track idle time via an ignition on/ off sensor and document actual stop locations.

Customer service should always be a key consideration that determines the final decision. The growing demand for vehicle tracking has led to many discounted services with poor-quality systems and unacceptable low level of customer service. The UK’s top industry telematics consultant suppliers recognise the importance of offering the highest quality customer service, technical back up and full and ongoing company training.

Vehicle Tracking - Triple Fuel Saver Guide

2010-08-25T16:37:00.006+01:00

With the UK recording the seventh highest unleaded price in Europe and the second highest diesel price, plus latest UK petrol prices costing 12p a litre more than this time last year, SME business owners and larger fleet managers, alike, are acutely concerned of the impact that fuel costs are having on their bottom line.

According to the AA Motoring organisation, since May, the petrol price gap between the North and South of England has widened from 0.9p a litre to 1.7ppl whilst London notched up the highest price for unleaded at 117.5ppl and Northern Ireland recorded the highest diesel price at 120.0ppl.

As the UK enters five years of unrelenting coalition government budgetary cuts across the public sector, with the fallout spreading right through the private sector, many businesses running fleet operations will be looking to cut even more costs and maybe unwilling to prioritise an investment expenditure.

However, that’s precisely where the answer lies! The implementation of a vehicle tracking solution from a number of customisable and versatile telematic technologies to fit any size fleet serving any industry, can realise a remarkable 30 per cent saving on a fleet fuel bill.

The installation of mobile workforce tracking is proven as an effective means to significantly improve driver behaviour and habits.

Driver Performance: Inevitably the number one consideration, driver behaviour is always seen as directly affecting the profitability of a business. Lateness leading to speeding to make up time, could use up to 35 per cent more fuel than driving at the speed limit. Unnecessary engine idling and stress induced behaviour such as forced acceleration, harsh breaking and over revving are also known causes for frequent maintenance and increased fuel costs.

The ability for a fleet owner to immediately be in possession of realtime tracking data can be client critical and gps vehicle tracking is indispensable for faster decision making.

Operating Efficiency: Using the right person for the right job, ensuring geographic areas are fully controlled and fleet is always productive saves fuel, reduces payroll costs and increases the number of jobs completed.

Pump Price Reduction: Absolutely essential, fuel cards allow fleets to fix their prices across the whole of the country, obtain significant discounts of up to 5 per cent on forecourt pump prices, and thus, avoid being caught by big price differences between forecourt prices.

Fleet Tracking Mapping Options For All Budgets

2010-08-18T15:33:00.000+01:00

Today’s hardening economic climate requires a rigorous approach to running a cost efficient fleet operation, irrespective of organisation size, from SME to corporate. Putting into place a Fleet GPS tracking solution can often require a level of complex answers to meet the challenging demands of operator and client, alike.

The ability to respond effectively to specific, daily company work needs is key to specifying a customised vehicle tracking system for a modern company to run the most cost efficient, secure and visible mobile workforce solution they can.

Evolving from a simple, universal vehicle tracker, it is now possible to choose to run different configurable fleet tracking options, each according to a company requirement : Digital mapping, Google Maps with Street View and 20-second vehicle update technology.

Mapping technology is a versatile GPS vehicle tracking solution, especially attractive to SMEs, as customisable choice is possible to specify according to individual, daily business need. Highly detailed visual location updates aid with monitoring all areas, from driver safety to real-time traffic.

Mapping tailored to suit individual needs can allow delivery / distribution to benefit from the optimised security and safety of upgrading to a live vehicle update option.

A home delivery businesses gains total destination imaging visibility over the locations visited from Google Street View, whilst traditional digital mapping remains the clearest option for monitoring routes and measuring to plan.

This type of sophisticated online live vehicle tracking is fully scalable, allowing additional services to be quickly taken up extremely cost-effectively within one single Telematics unit. Additional modules can be installed enabling advanced and user driver reporting, automatic links to power take off, integrated satellite navigation and duty of care and data analyses.

The logistics of modern industrial and commercial transportation clearly demand and have shown proven bottom line benefits from integrating back office service management to accessing mapping technology.

24hr real-time location visibility, managed fleet data, eliminated wasted mileage and 20 second data capture, are a few of the realtime tracking properties now available from leading telematics suppliers.

Telematics Set For Global Growth Decade!

2010-08-11T12:21:00.002+01:00

A recent study, entitled “The World Market for OE In-Vehicle Telematics Systems”, by IMS Research, a consultant supplier of global electronics market research, suggests that the telematics vehicle tracking industry is about to enter “a new, dynamic growth phase”, increasing from 9% in 2009 to 46% in 2017.

Although the term “telematics” can mean slightly different things to different people and there is no consistent industry definition, it is broadly defined as integrated, two-way data communications between a vehicle and an outside network, often associated with location by employing a gps vehicle tracking system.

Increasingly considered vital to the fleet industry, mobile worker solutions often employ wireless technology to connect in-vehicle entertainment and information systems to outside networks, providing essential, additional functionality.

Various telematics solutions can differ according to how a wireless technology is enabled and the applications they provide. Some solutions employ an embedded wireless communications module while others make use of mobile phone tracking via the driver’s own cell phone.

Applications may include emergency calling, stolen vehicle tracking, and Internet access, which provides drivers and fleet managers with valuable weather reports, traffic, road and parking conditions, and remote diagnostic data. The number of vehicles with internet access is predicted to grow from 1.1 million in 2009 to 6.0 million in 2017.

As the UK endeavours to recover from recent recession yet facing further economic slowdowns, and fleet directors ratchet up the demand for an ever greater cost efficiency across their operations, they will be no doubt heartened by the optimistic forecast.

It has long been recognised and constantly proven that real efficiency benefits can be implemented by adopting a telematics solution that enables 24/7 real-time visibility, managed fleet data, elimination of wasted mileage, and access to real-time travel updates.

Mobile Workforce Tracking - Versatile Applications!

2010-08-04T14:36:00.004+01:00

It is not always understood or appreciated just how versatile GPS vehicle tracking can be. First adopted by large fleet operating companies and service organisations to radically improve fleet management, driver communications, running costs and fuel efficiency, a mobile workforce tracking system can be found in use across many different types of organisations.

As a mobile worker solution, technologies can be customised and integrated, from GPS and two way wireless communications, to realtime data reporting. Businesses of all sizes, from SMEs - with a small on the road workforce - to larger scale enterprises, all substantially benefit from reduced operational, fuel and emission costs. The strategic real-time data that can be received enables crucial decision making on time critical schedules, and when managing daily resources.

As the UK slowly recovers from recession, yet faces the effects of severe cut backs, the vital need to increase the productivity of employees, and stay ahead of competitors, will become an all-consuming preoccupation, whatever the size and operating market of a business.

Three key areas where a vehicle tracking device can be a vital resource tool :

Transportation and Distribution : Fleet GPS tracking enables managers to be in contact with latest location and travel data in real time, and can enhance employee productivity, i.e. driver behaviour, speed and direction monitoring. Distribution firms are helped by route optimisation, service alerts, driver monitoring, effective navigation, and efficient dispatch process etc.

Construction : Contractors can complete their projects on-time and within budget. Efficient vehicle tracking, exact location of vehicles and assets, pin pointing of tools and equipments at various sites, and responding to emergencies in unexpected situations. Other key areas of data capture by engine diagnostic/telemetry tools provide alerts on engine performance, coolant temperature, oil pressure, etc, which helps to avoid engine breakdown at work sites and costly repairs.

Service Organisations: Once again, provision of real time routing and engine diagnostic/telemetry tools, which help personnel reach their destination quickly when problem arises. Routing tools can help plan an optimised route, reducing fuel consumption and time, and increases driver productivity. A web-based mapping feature can also provide information on worksites, technician names, two-way messaging, etc.

Vehicle Tracking On Time Delivery

2010-07-22T18:27:00.000+01:00

The increasing competition by fleet operators to offer their customers higher standards of service efficiency is only likely to be ramped up in the coming few years of a so-called austerity Britain. Streamlining running costs will be balanced against driver resources and keeping a fully functioning fleet on the road.

Remote asset management has been totally transformed across the fleet industry by the take-up of GPS vehicle tracking technology by many companies and organisations operating in different sectors, yet all requiring to deliver ever finer time- based customer services.

Since the introduction of critical time slot home delivery services by major UK supermarkets, the bar has been raised and expectations of delivery service provision have altered accordingly. Telematics industry analysts now predict that by 2011, most of the major UK suppliers will be competing to offer the narrowest delivery slot.

Under these demands, the likelihood is that only those fleet operators who have readily bought into realtime vehicle tracking, or a similar customised fleet tracking module, providing key strategic benefits, can hope to maintain their competitive edge.

Even for a SME business with only a small number of vehicles and budget constraints, a basic vehicle tracker can provide the means to ‘locate and communicate’ with an efficiency that can radically improve time planning and appointments management.

Currently the majority of standard delivery times offered tend to be based on a half-day slot - either am or pm - which means for the residential sector, half a day has to be taken off work, waiting for goods delivery or a service engineer. The situation for some time critical commercial industries can often be found wanting.

The ability to enable businesses to schedule narrow delivery windows using the fewest vehicles at the lowest mileage means increased fuel efficiency, less CO2 emission and ultimately, lower running costs. Minimising delivery/ appointment times to within a one or two hour time frame should be the goal for a service delivery company.

Retaining customer loyalty during challenging economic times is going to become key to survival and thus, offering a customer their choice of delivery slot and being able to keep to the schedule will be where future contracts are won or lost.

Trailer Tracking - Containment All Areas.

2010-07-18T18:33:00.001+01:00

Both large and SME companies, national and/or regional, which operate an integral fleet service will almost inevitably each require their own type of fleet tracking solution to best fit their daily requirements and the specific information they need to know.

The immediate benefit of GPS vehicle tracking can be realtime location updates but a trailer tracking system utilises motion sensors and door monitoring system for load security.

Logistics providers, who might range from a niche service specialising in the movement of certain types of goods to large scale shippers of manufactured goods, must be able to offer guaranteed security of shipments as well as requisite added value customer service.

Beneficial cargo recipients or owners are increasingly turning to vehicle tracking device consultant suppliers to provide a straightforward technology for the monitoring and locating of their trailer or container loads whilst in transit or at a port terminal, overnight parking bay, etc.

Company operations often simply require an easily applied vehicle tracker unit which can be simply be later removed. It is often the case that the container door will not be opened again after they have been sealed, so devices can be fitted to the outside of the container.

The security of container doors is paramount and an immediate alert of an unauthorised door opening can be transmitted and information be stored on the device itself for later analysis if a realtime data channel is not included.

In addition, a number of sensors can detect light entering, temperature monitoring and also an accelerometer to report if a container has been dropped.

A realtime vehicle tracking module allows data to be collected from the trailer several times within every minute for precise measurement of hours used and distances travelled. A further layer of location-based reporting is also available for selected interval times for when the trailer is not in service.

Fleet GPS Tracking – Know Your Way Around Satellites !

2010-07-08T10:24:00.002+01:00

Intrinsic to any vehicle tracking system is the use of a mobile network which sends its position data to a central server, enabling real-time viewing of a trailer location. Often a GSM – a mobile phone network, is employed, which may not provide sufficient coverage in certain areas and costs of roaming when operating out of the UK can also present difficulties.

A recommended alternative to terrestrial networks (GSM) is GPS vehicle tracking or Satellite Communications, which generally offer a wider geographic operating area and come under two categories, ‘Geostationary’ and ‘Non Geostationary’.

Geostationary

Geostationary satellites are positioned at a fixed height of about 36,000 km above the earth, where they rotate around the earth at the same speed as the earth rotates around its axis.

This means they are seen as remaining stationary above a point on the earth - normally directly overhead of the equator and thus, can repeatedly scan the same points on the earth beneath them.

However, Fleet GPS tracking, utilising Geostationary satellites systems, almost always require a large amount of power because of the 'high-orbit' of the satellite.

Polar orbiting satellites have a much lower orbit, moving rapidly around the earth and scanning different areas at relatively infrequent periods.

In addition, these types of systems can suffer a “shadowing” effect from stationary objects, e.g. tall buildings, mountain ranges.

Currently, the whole earth is covered by 5 or 6 key satellites strategically positioned at regular intervals around the equator.

Non Geostationary

A non-geostationary satellite is one where its position relative to the Earth is not fixed. Vehicle tracking devices using Non Geostationary networks tend not to suffer from the ‘shadowing’ effect and require much far less power because they are in a Low Earth Orbit - around 500 – 2,000 km.

However, low power consumption can lead to a limited functionality.

GPS Vehicle Tracking For SMEs Can Beat Budget Rises!

2010-07-01T10:06:00.002+01:00

In the aftermath of the coalition Government’s budget, where the change in VAT and capital allowances will impact most on those that both lease and buy their fleet vehicles outright, times look difficult, especially for SMEs running vehicle fleets. Installation of a vehicle tracking system can be an invaluable business lifeline.

Companies who lease their vehicles will only be able to recover 50% of the VAT on the finance element (not maintenance) of the contract, and fleets who buy vehicles outright are unable to recover this cost if the vehicles are also used for private use. Additional fleet costs are the increased insurance premium tax, which rises by 1% and the rises in fuel duty.

While Fleet costs continue to rise, the imperative to be more cost efficient becomes critical, especially with SMEs looking for even more ways to improve all round service and driver productivity, e.g. avoiding deliveries to the wrong address, drivers getting lost, billing disputes, locating drivers, etc.

Flexibility of choice with a customisable and modular fleet GPS tracking system can also provide a real solution to SMEs, as has been so successfully proven across larger fleet operations. They have seen significant cost savings, by as much as 15 per cent or more, and other security and safety benefits of installing mobile workforce tracking in their vehicles.

So often in the past, cost-cutting measures only result in a reduced service and lowered customer satisfaction, leading to loss of sales, or worse, long term contracts.

A straightforward, easy to understand and easy to use GPS vehicle tracking device which offers in-depth reporting and reliable connectivity can be a real solution to struggling SMEs.

In-depth reporting of speed, vehicle usage, idle times, and start up and shut down are vital information for SME owners to help make key decisions which will improve company performance, fuel-efficiency and driving habits.

For SMEs, a vehicle tracker can be specified for simple, daily usability and online system reliability, backed up with professional customer after sales technical advice and training by industry recognised UK telematics consultant suppliers like Cybit as a reassuring integral service.

Vehicle Tracking –Fast Forward To Running Effective Fleet

2010-06-23T20:19:00.001+01:00

GPS Vehicle tracking systems have travelled a long way since the the early 1980s and the first commercially available automotive navigation systems, which used map-matching to improve on dead reckoning instrumentation.

The 1990s onwards, saw both Mitsubishi Electric and Pioneer- amongst several other major global nationals – claim to be the first with a GPS-based auto navigation system, through to 2000, when the USA unveiled a more accurate GPS signal available for civilian use.

From being a basic vehicle tracker, the next generation of intuitive telematics is a highly evolved, best of breed technology which has transformed the control process of entire vehicle management practice.

Today’s vehicle tracking systems are infinitely versatile and flexible, enabling customisable solutions to be implemented, which can be as simple or as complex as an individual business requires. This means SME fleet businesses running no more than six vehicles through to major national fleet operations, covering hundreds of vehicles, can benefit from a precisely specified telematics suite.

Most fleets of any size can gain significantly from using a basic fleet tracking solution, which simply locates a vehicle, and helps a fleet manager to identify the nearest vehicles to a new job and ensures the driver is in the right place at the right time.

The imperative for companies to become ever more productive and cost effective means the best mobile workforce tracking systems are now able to combine vehicle tracking, optimum route calculation, real time traffic, two-way communication, safety camera warnings, ‘exception’ alerts, i.e. entering a no-go area or driving out of hours, and providing in-depth reporting and analysis.

Progressive companies who have chosen to embrace fleet GPS tracking report a 42 per cent increase in work order completion compared to a 12 per cent increase for firms without a vehicle tracking system. In addition they have also seen a 23 per cent reduction in maintenance and vehicle running costs, compared to only one per cent reduction for companies without the system.

Vehicle Tracking –Two Technology Type Option.

2010-06-17T15:13:00.003+01:00

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.

Trailer Tracking Unique Challenges !

2010-06-09T15:41:00.004+01:00

A vehicle tracking solution has almost become standard policy to be employed by companies and organisations running fleet operations to maintain constant contact with Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) and their articulated trailers, in addition to use in light commercial vehicles and automobiles.

Trailers are regularly and often hitched and unhitched to numerous articulated lorries, which present their own unique set of challenges. However, uppermost in fleet management is the key benefit of trailer tracking to obtain ‘load visibility’, then followed by the everpresent concerns of fuel usage and timesheet records.

There are a number of major areas that fleet operators feel would be greatly assisted by a mobile workforce tracking system. Fleet managers need to know where trailers are at all times so valuable assets and shipments do not get lost and vitally, trailer tracking will deter and prevent cargo theft.

The time and cost efficiency factor is an abiding concern. Before the introduction of GPS vehicle tracking, many long hours or even days would be spent on the phone trying to locate trailers or just to get a rough idea of where the drivers were on a particular run, once they had left the depot.

A real time tracking system enables a fleet manager to have immediate visibility of the location of all his trailers without having to call anyone. This allows the trailers get recycled back in to the operation quickly, making them more productive and ensuring that opportunities are not missed to generate revenue.

Commercial vehicle tracking also helps an organisation determine if its trailers are being used for unauthorised ‘side jobs.’ Without trailer tracking, fleets have no reliable way to track their assets.

Fleets do not have to hunt for trailers anymore! Trailer tracking is all about giving the fleet the ability to keep a constant eye on their trailers so you can see where it is and know what it is doing during the day in order to get higher productivity out of it.

Unique challenges ...

Trailer Tracking can present unique technical problems due to the different types of trailer, e.g. flat bed, refrigerated, curtain sided to box container, which are used for different applications including, temperature monitoring, perishable freight, bulk load transportation.

Key issues that trailer tracking will successfully address :

• As an interchangeable part of a vehicle, a trailer may often be left for long periods time untethered from the vehicle cab.

• Articulated vehicles may often cross international boundaries.

• Installing the location unit in the right spot to avoid tampering.

• Ability for the vehicle tracking device to cope with being exposed to the elements as rain, cold and road salt can cause problems for electrical units.

SME Services Can’t Afford To Not Know Where Their Workforce Is!

2010-06-03T14:51:00.001+01:00

It’s very often the case that small business organisations do recognise the value of technology applications within their industry, if only they could afford the investment when measured against ROI and projected business growth.

Except of course, the latter many be dependent on making the capital outlay! Within the many types of mobile services industries, where a workforce is constantly out in the field, it makes perfect sense in ever tougher trading environments to retain clients by delivering a consistently reliable, prompt, and efficient service, backed up with up latest status reports offered by a mobile workforce tracking system.

Service Management operations running a small fleet positively welcome the considerable time saving and instant feedback benefits of a simple to use but highly effective vehicle tracking system that is obviously tailored for their more basic requirements and budget.

Entry level vehicle tracking, which covers small team numbers is equally as vital as installing advanced software modules for large scale multinational fleet. Both are looking for greater control, via knowing core vehicle location, in their daily operations.

Helping small on the road service based companies face the economic challenges ahead, a simple, instantly deployable, cost effective GPS vehicle tracking solution can give a significant boost to productivity and reduce costs.

As an internet-based application, a fleet tracking device provides 24hr real-time visibility over mobile workers, access to real-time traffic updates and summary reports with the opportunity to be scaled up with additional modules and functions at a future time.

Vehicle Tracker - A Fuel Saving Cost Cutter!

2010-05-27T13:57:00.001+01:00

The rising cost of fuel is an abiding concern for any Fleet operating organisation with questions always raised over consistent disparities between wholesale purchase and forecourt retail prices.

Many companies have come to recognise the critical fuel saving element that the adoption of a vehicle tracking solution can bring to a company’s balance sheet. Quality consulting diagnostics brings in customised added value components, total vehicle management and bespoke mobile worker solutions.

However, combating severe economic challenges for the foreseeable future places a considerable additional burden on companies and organisations who are constantly under pressure to constrain expenditure and cut costs in normal trading conditions.

Pre Election, The Forum of Private Business were already warning that the Government decision to stagger a planned hike in fuel duty prices at the pump was hitting struggling businesses hard. Cost increases on this scale are unsustainable for small and large businesses alike, in periods of recession, and doubly so for those dependent on keeping fleet on the road.

In response, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) had called for a lower fuel duty to be levied on commercial vehicles in order to bring the UK haulage industry in line with its European competitors, and which highlighted the need for a financially viable haulage industry operating under a recession-hit UK economy.

However, there are immediate steps that fleet operators, haulage companies, national distributors and time responsive services can take to reduce their fuel burden. Installing a vehicle tracker such as a GPS fleet tracking system, which allows for a number of realtime, data feedback reporting options, has been shown to have an instant effect on fuel consumption.

Constant monitoring and decision making based on realtime reports on traffic, weather, delivery, job, route or other altering circumstances as they occur, impacts on road usage and ultimately, fuel efficiency and consumption. Multiplied across multiple fleet vehicles and the year on year cost saving becomes considerable, reflecting ROI calculations. System support is crucial to the process.

Duty Of Care Top Fleet Issue Served By Telematics

2010-05-19T17:17:00.003+01:00

April 2010’s Company Car Trends report from GE Capital finds Risk Management and Duty of Care back at the top of fleet agendas coinciding with Cybit supply of Fleetstar duty of care modules for Volvo Group.

It’s interesting to note the GE Capital findings in the light of the current economic picture as we see a return after 18 months, of risk management replacing cost management as a chief concern by three quarters of fleet respondents.

An equally high percentage of nearly 70 per cent cited mobile phone use as being under review as companies revisit duty of care, with one possible consequence being, a total ban on the use of mobile phones while driving.

A telematics fleet tracking solution can directly help, using a dedicated Cybit Fleetstar online Duty of Care modules system. Designed specifically to help support businesses manage their obligations to the Working Time Directive, Corporate Manslaughter and Duty of Care legislation, Cybit recently implemented a customised vehicle tracking system for Volvo Construction Equipment Division, Volvo Group UK Ltd.

Directly integrating critical information via customisable reports enables quicker customer response times and effective service engineer management. The Fleetstar Duty Of Care module will provide average speed reports and, most importantly, eliminate use of telephone communication – by identifying real-time engineer positions on screen and Out Of Hours usage reports.

Real time vehicle tracking and mobile workforce tracking can also both significantly contribute to a safer working environment for mobile engineers, time urgent services drivers and other priority contact personnel.

Fleet Tracking Options - Added Value!

2010-05-12T15:23:00.001+01:00

Organisations operating fleet, from small to large scale, are always seeking cost effective solutions to keep running costs down. Considering a Vehicle Tracking package of added value functions with clear daily benefits to service efficiency, has to be seriously considered as a sensible purchase.

In the current economic climate, the urgent necessity to maintain a high level of service can conflict with a company’s ongoing improvement and upgrade needs. The drive to keep competitive can often mean taking hard decisions and unavoidable choices.

GPS Vehicle Tracking technology moves forward and an expanding company fleet operation recognises their need to put a system into place that will adequately meet growing business demands.

However, in these more cautious times, organisations will seek an attractive solution that offers one or more added value components to the core offering. This hold true in the provision of commercial vehicle tracking , no matter the urgency or priority of the service function.

At Cybit, a flexible approach to devising a fleet tracking solution comes in the form of their Fleetstar modular system - a perfect example of functionality being allowed to be added only when a real requirement for use develops or circumstances change. Available as a system upgrade on an existing Fleetstar platform, no additional hardware or installation is required.

There are four possible enhancement options to assist effective management :

Mobile Resource Management (MRM) - using PDA's or mobile computers to manage workflow and information exchange , this add on module is aimed at service and delivery organisations who need to know where their resources are in relation to their jobs and how the business is performing against planned schedules.

Duty of Care - enabling legislation compliance, this module has been designed specifically to help support businesses manage their obligations to the Working Time Directive, Corporate Manslaughter and Duty of Care legislation, irrespective of whether mobile workers are driving a company or privately owned vehicle.

Data Analyser – enabling assessment over a period of weeks, months and years, Data Analyser identifies trends captured over extended time periods, allowing managers to measure and demonstrate year-on-year performance improvements, presentable through a series of user-definable reports and graphs.

Training and Consultancy – provision of three levels of training and consultancy driven services.

Mobile Resource Management For Green Working!

2010-05-06T17:05:00.003+01:00

Reducing carbon footprint in the drive towards greater energy efficiency is now paramount in our everyday working lives. Multi tasking technology such as GPS vehicle tracking, which lends versatile assistance in the universal effort is a valuable asset. Nowhere is this more relevant than in fleet and commercial vehicle based businesses.

Mobile Resource Management (MRM) solutions find applications in different areas. MRM solutions integrates latest technologies like Global Positioning System (GPS), two way wireless communications and mobile phone tracking. Crucial to decision making and managing workforce resources, operational and fuel costs are reduced and emissions significantly cut, using realtime vehicle tracking.

Using a selected fleet GPS tracking module interactive maps can be viewed online to enable a company to see where it loses money, time and wastes fuel, such as on duplicated journeys. Using a web browser, vehicle locations can be reported every 20 seconds, displaying mileage and live traffic information, providing the vital data to cut costs of between 10 and 20 per cent.

In addition, organisations whose ultimate ‘green’ goal, like so many other businesses, is to 'go paperless', can use PDA's or mobile computers to manage workflow and information exchange. Thus, former time consuming delays caused by paperwork processing can be avoided and customer signature captured electronically and transmitted to the office for the ultimate proof of work or delivery completed.

Details of all jobs, which can include job reference, start time, end time, anticipated work time, description and location - can all be viewed on screen and all current and future jobs assigned to a vehicle can be viewed on a map and via live dynamic timesheets.

In the fiercely competitive world of ontime delivery, a growing number of organisations need to know where their resources are in relation to their jobs and how the business is performing against planned schedules. Using the right vehicle tracking solution, organisations can respond dynamically as events unfold and to identify further opportunities to improve planning and productivity.

Trailer Tracking Advances In Load Security

2010-04-28T10:45:00.002+01:00

Lorries shedding their load and vehicles jack-knifing on motorways causing horrific damage, loss of life and daylong disruption. These grim images used to be not infrequently seen on TV news and newspaper front pages. Trailer tracking technology has been key to vehicle load safety without compromising ontime delivery.

Thankfully, sudden loss of control of a trailer is now a rare event indeed, as advanced types of vehicle tracking systems can connect and integrate load safety and security monitoring into realtime management feedback reports.

Telematics, also known as ICT or Information and Communications Technology, is the science of sending, receiving and storing information via telecommunication devices, including GPS integrated with computers and mobile technology, and most associated with fleet tracking within large scale automotive operations.

Whilst GPS vehicle tracking systems pinpoint key location and fast response, trailer tracking will include load security through the use of motion sensors and door monitoring. Data is collected from the trailer every 20-seconds for precise measurement of hours used and distances travelled. Fleet operators of chilled or frozen distribution can also constantly monitor temperature by independent probes or directly connected recorders. Location-based reporting is also available daily, weekly or monthly, even when the trailer is not in operation.

Load capability has expanded and it is estimated that for every HGV there are now three trailers but until recently, telematics application was split between trailer tracking and vehicle based systems. Advances in commercial vehicle tracking now provide the same important management reporting for the trailer load that has long been available for the vehicle itself.

A Fleet Director can also have access to data which relays live visibility of trailer hours and ancillary equipment monitoring, for planning and managing servicing and compliance.

Use of a vehicle tracking device has been clearly shown to significantly help drive down fleet-expenditure. Installing trailer tracking to supply utilisation reporting is a further opportunity for fleet cost reduction, especially during the ongoing, economic climate when cost saving is of critical concern to equal vehicle safety and security.

GPS Vehicle Tracking Basics For First Time Buyers.

2010-04-21T15:31:00.001+01:00

The success of GPS Vehicle Tracking for large fleet in the service, transportation and manufacturing industries, has increasingly attracted the attention of small to medium companies. Recognising the cost and time saving benefits, businesses of all sizes now look to rely upon vehicle tracking systems to maintain cost effective, service efficiency.

A Fleet GPS tracking system consists of a vehicle tracking device installed in the vehicle, a central server and owner access to recorded data software.

All GPS tracking devices use data from the U.S. Government's Global Positioning System satellites to determine a vehicle's location, speed and direction of travel.

The tracking device transmits data from GPS satellites overhead to a central computer server via either a communications satellite or via the local mobile phone network. The vehicle data is updated every 2 - 15 minutes, depending upon the owner's preferences and manufacturer's settings.

The central server makes the tracking data available to the system owner over the Internet, who logs onto the tracking company's secure web server and sees their vehicle data on a map and in text form. Some tracking companies make the data available for download, so the owner could archive it on their own computer.

There are many obvious benefits to having real time vehicle tracking installed, most obviously the reduction of fuel costs and wasted fuel due to excessive speed and engine wear, plus productivity is improved by driver activity reports.

Depending on customised requirements, the system can supply an automatic mileage reminder, can reduces downtime and enhance vehicle resale values by encouraging scheduled, preventative maintenance.

A tracking system could also provide reminders of when it's time to rotate tyres, change oil or perform other scheduled maintenance. Tracking systems work without any input from the driver and thus, no driver logs needed.

In addition to reducing insurance costs, many insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles protected with a tracking system.

GPS tracking systems radically improve customer service by the ability to give precise arrival or delivery times, based upon the actual location of vehicles at the moment the information is requested. Asset management is simplified and streamlined by displaying all information on one computer screen.

Many types of businesses now find the use of GPS tracking indispensable, including :

• Contractors who provide HVAC, plumbing or electrical services
• Limousine and taxi companies
• Food and Beverage Distributors
• Pest Management Services
• Snow Plough Services
• Car Carriers

Traditional users include:

• Bulk and Route Delivery
• Fuel / Oil and/or Chemical Hauliers
• Produce /Perishable Delivery
• Utility companies
• Motor pool fleets

Mobile Workforce Tracking Gets The Job Done On Time!

2010-04-14T18:01:00.002+01:00

According to the National Academy of Sciences(US), the current worldwide market for Global Positioning Systems (GPS) receiver technology is estimated at more than £1 billion and is expected to grow to more than £15 billion during the next 10 years.

The increasing economic importance of implementing real-time vehicle tracking as part of a commercial company’s mobile resource management policy can now be viewed as essential for comprehensive operational control, remote driver security and fuel savings.

Businesses running fleet are under constant pressure to deliver goods and services on time, operating more efficiently and keeping costs down, most notably fuel overheads. Up to the minute location reporting is now crucial to maintaining competitive edge and implementing schedule changes as and when they occur with the minimum of disruption to other concurrent operations.

Installing a GPS vehicle tracking unit into fleet transport captures vital vehicle activity data automatically and independently of any driver input, including location and timing. The data is remotely transmitted to their web application system, via the GPRS network, where it may be accessed by a fleet director, managers and users to support urgent, on the spot decision-making and operational control.

Providing a vehicle tracking solution is proven to significantly contribute to the success of businesses through added value benefits of :

Strategic decision making.
Compliance with legislation.
Enhanced operational control.
Considerable cost reduction.

A mobile workforce tracking system is fully modular and scalable, and because it uses real time GPS, it is designed to produce a more effective and profitable management of a mobile service workforce. Access to real-time information not only improves operational control it provides essential remote worker security, which can all be reviewed with configurable reports.

From off the shelf vehicle tracking systems to more complex solutions, workflow systems can be seamlessly integrated with routing and scheduling software, payroll systems and other back-office operations. A highly scalable service can be developed at a time and pace that meets both business requirements and budget.

In the fast, service-on-demand approach of modern transportation and logistics, providing visibility to mobile workforce activity is essential and fleet tracking will identify, measure and target specific areas where improvements may be made to operational cost and productivity, especially in the current economic climate.

Vehicle Tracking Drives Fleet Efficiency Cost Saving.

2010-04-07T11:58:00.002+01:00

Surviving recession has meant severely reduced budgets and cutting of all but the most necessary overheads for many British businesses. With Bank lending policies hardened, and dire warnings for post Election tax increases and public service cutbacks, running fleet operations large or small will require maximum cost efficiency driving to survive the journey ahead.

Essential though it always is, reducing operational costs, unsurprisingly, is not the only reason given for why companies look to implement GPS vehicle tracking as the key plank to improving fleet management.

In a recent report, nearly three quarters of small fleet operations said they were motivated to install mobile workforce tracking in a desire to improve customer experience through better response times.

Seen as the number one, essential priority in a tough, competitive environment, by stepping up the quality of service they can provide to their customers, companies hoped to generate repeat business and establish a word of mouth reputation within their industry sector.

Around half of respondents surveyed placed reduction of fleet operating costs and increased service related productivity as top priorities.

Fleet tracking is considered a vital component to streamlining business efficiency by enabling companies to immediately know in real-time exactly where their mobile workforce is located at any given moment. This gives a fleet director total operational control with the vital ability to provide their customers with necessary or urgent updates, as and when required.

The survey also found that small fleets had seen after two years of incorporating vehicle fleet tracking within their back-office operations, a 25% increase in the number of individual daily job orders completed.

Businesses know that implementing mobile worker solutions works because it measures the process and highlights areas where additional efficiency improvements can be made.

The cost of keeping fleet vehicles moving is constantly linked to spiralling fuel prices. Installing a GPS system means increasing fuel efficiency by optimising for quickest routes, minute-by-minute traffic movement and conditions, and as a result, better driver tactics employed.

Drivers empowered to make better decisions which improve their time and productivity are decisive factors in their ability to arrive at a customer location on time. Fleet GPS tracking is critical for companies to achieve their stated aim of providing an improved experience for their customer through reliability and consistent punctuality.