Some Things to Consider Before You Purchase a GPS Tracking System

In today's business world, a companies equipment and vehicles are a very important part of running a business. Companies are starting to keep track of their things by using GPS tracking systems. If you're thinking about purchasing GPS systems, here are somethings you need to consider before you go out and buy one.

In most cases, with GPS tracking systems their is not a one time purchasing fee. There is a monthly service that is usually required to maintain the GPS tracking system. So before run out and purchase a system, you need to make sure that your budget includes the cost of the monthly service fees, upgrades, repairs, and routine maintenance all fall into the overall price of the system you buying.

Before you invest in a GPS tracking system, you need to decide if there is an alternative option available to a GPS tracking system, that will do the same job without a monthly service fee. Lo jack is a popular alternative tracking system. This systems is a lot simpler than their GPS counterparts, because it only requires two devices, a transponder and a retriever. Systems such as, Lo jack are great when it comes to simply locating a lost vehicle, but it will not record where the vehicle has been.

When you get down to the nuts and bolts, it all depends on your companies needs, with a GPS system in place you can track the company vehicle, and monitor the verbal communication that is taking place in the car. The GPS system that has a good surveillance system in place, might be a good idea if you or your employees frequently have to go into areas that have a high crime rate. Plus most GPS systems include roadside and mechanical assistance.

Remember that a GPS tracking system is only going to be as good as the support that it has backing it. When you do decide on a system, make sure that you research the quality of its support. You should ask question like, have the employees been professionally trained? Is the companies call center and help that they provide efficient? Do they have a seamless communication system in place that allows them to communicate with emergency institutions? Dose the company have an established relationship with the various police stations in your area. These are just a few of the things that you need to consider before you go out and purchase a GPS system Making sure that you ask the right questions, and do the necessary research are an important part of any investment.

If you are considering purchasing a GPS system, and you would like to read about some of the latest GPS devices on the market then you need to visit: http://www.GpsTrackingWorld.com

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Three Major Types Of GPS Vehicle Tracking

There are three major types of GPS vehicle tracking; cellular based tracking, wireless passive tracking and satellite based real-time GPS tracking. This article will outline the advantages and disadvantages associated with all three types of GPS Vehicle Tracking.

Cellular Based Tracking

The initial costs for setting up the system are slightly lower than the other two options. With cellular based tracking average costs are about $500. A cellular based tracking system transmits information about where a vehicle is every five minutes over a land network. The average monthly costs are about thirty-five dollars for airtime and for the information to be displayed over the internet.

Wireless Passive Tracking

A major advantage to this type of tracking system is that there is no monthly fee, so once the system is set up there will be no other costs associated with it. However, setting up the system is a little expensive. The average is about $700 for the hardware, and $800 for the software and database. With this type of system most people say the disadvantage is that the information about where the vehicle has been can only be found out when the vehicle returns back to the companies base. This is a major drawback especially for companies that are looking for a tracking system that will tell them where their vehicle is if it has been stolen or in an accident. However many systems are now inserting wireless modems to their devices so that tracking information can be viewed without having the memory card from the vehicle. With wireless modem wireless passive tracking systems are also able to collect information about how fast the vehicle is traveling, stops made and other detailed information. With this new addition many companies feel this system is a perfect fit because there is still no monthly bill.

Satellite Based Real-Time Tracking

This type of system gives less detailed information, but it works nationwide, which makes it a good choice for shipping and trucking companies. The costs for setting up the system average around $700. The monthly fees for this system vary from five dollars up to one hundred dollars; based on how detailed a company wants the reports to be.

New Technology

In the next few years GPS tracking will be able to provide companies with a number of other advantages. Some companies have already set up a way to have a customers sign and run credit cards onsite through the unit. Others are setting up ways for dispatchers to send re-routing information directly to a drivers GPS unit. Another new advancement for GPS systems is that they will have internet access and stored information about the vehicle so that a driver or mechanic can use the GPS unit to look up diagrams to help them fix the vehicle. In addition to this all of the information will be stored and saved in the companies database.

Chris Simons is a prolific freelance writer. You are welcomed to visit http://gps.theconsumerguide.net, for more information on GPS Vehicle tracking.

Vehicle Safety - Following Simple Vehicle Safety Tips Can Reduce Auto Accidents and Injuries

Child Car Seat Safety:

We know you love your children, but so many people do not follow these simple car seat safety principles. By following these easy steps you can ensure your child is completely safe in your car. Just to get one thing straight, there is no one best child car safety seat. The best car safety seat is determined by various factors that you as the parent need to take into consideration. The seat needs to fit your child’s height and weight, as well as be able to fit properly in your car.

Another common misconception is price. More expensive, does not always mean better quality or the seat is better safety wise.

The first step of proper car seat safety is of course determined by the age of your child. Any child that is under the age of twelve should be kept in the back seat of a vehicle. This is especially true if your car has passenger side air bags.

Infants should be in a rear facing car seat until they are at least one year old and twenty pounds. After they are twenty pounds they can be placed in a front facing car safety seat until they are around forty pounds or they have reached the maximum height recommended for the specific car safety seat in question.

Once a child reaches forty pounds, they should be placed on a belt positioning booster seat. The vehicle’s normal seat belt should not be used until they are around eighty pounds or 4ft 9 inches tall.

As always read your car’s owners manual as well and any manuals with the car safety seat.

Additional Car Safety Tips:

Most accidents that occur over a parent/child incident occur when a parent is trying to turn around and discipline their child. Think about it, you are taking you eyes as well as you mind off of the primary task at hand (driving) and exclusively focusing on your child who should be, and usually is behind you in the back seat of the vehicle.

To prevent this the best thing to do if you must discipline your child is to find a place to pull over and do so then, when you are not moving.

Child Safety is our primary concern, check out these FREE child safety related resources at Child Safety Booster Seats

Is Vehicle Tracking Economical for Small Fleets

 

Most people involved with any kind of vehicle fleet are at least somewhat familiar with the benefits of fleet tracking technology. Large fleets of all kinds are nearly always equipped with some sort of tracking equipment, which allows the vehicle owners to conduct operations more efficiently and more effectively. The cost is pretty high, but when that cost is allocated across a large fleet, it becomes economical.

But what about small fleets? The high cost of fleet tracking would seem to put it out of reach of most, if not all, small fleet operators. Thanks to new technology and an innovative application of that technology, it is now possible for vehicle tracking to be economical for small fleets, even those as small as one or two vehicles.

This new technology is revolutionary in that for the first time, a fleet operator can monitor and track vehicles through the use of a standard mobile phone. There is no need for an expensive call centre, additional infrastructure, or bulky equipment in the vehicle. This means that upfront costs and operating costs are much lower and very affordable.

For example, a typical tracking unit can be purchased outright for a few hundred dollars and requires no ongoing subscription fees. In contrast to traditional systems that require a large capital investment and substantial monthly fees, this is a huge advantage for small fleet owners. And if the small fleet operator wants to lower the upfront costs even further, alternate pricing plans allow the operator to pay little or no fee for the unit and a small ($30 or less) monthly subscription fee.

One of the most attractive aspects of this new technology is that it tracks vehicles proactively rather than reactively. In other words, the system is constantly aware of where each vehicle is located, unlike traditional systems that depend on the vehicle owner to contact the central call centre and initiate a tracking request. It also can send customised alerts and messages to notify the operator if a vehicle is having a mechanical problem, has been stolen, or is otherwise in need of attention.

Why, exactly, is this new technology so helpful to small fleet operators? Because it allows the operator to benefit from less driver downtime, more efficient dispatch, and the freedom for fleet managers and engineers to spend their time in the field rather than in the office. And all of these things contribute to the one thing that is most compelling – increased profits due to better fleet management.

There is currently one company offering this new technology to individual consumers as well as fleet operators of all types and sizes. It is called AutoAlert and is based in the UK, but has the capability to offer service across many other countries around the world.

Regardless of the size of your fleet, the good news for your bottom line is that fleet tracking technology has changed for the better. Now more than ever, it is economical and convenient to track even small fleets efficiently, conveniently, and at a reasonable cost.

Richard Harris is a vehicle telecommunications expert who has developed an innovative vehicle tracking system. He advises on vehicle tracking, and a range of information can be found at http://www.autoalert-alarms.co.uk/customer_badvice.jsp