VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION
Monitoring and the mobile assets are very important for any company dealing with the services, delivery or transport vehicles. An information technology helps in supporting these functionalities from remote locations and updates the managers with the latest information of their mobile assets. Tracking the mobile assets locations data and analyzing the information is necessary for optimal utilization of the assets.
Vehicle tracking is a software and hardware system enabling the vehicle owner to track the position of their vehicle. A vehicle tracking system uses either GPS or radio technology to automatically track and record a fleet’s field activity. Activity is recorded by modules attached to each vehicle. And then the data is transmitted to the computer, it can be analyzed and reports can be downloaded in real time to your computer using either web browser tools or customized software.
HISTORY OF VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM
GPS was first developed by the United States military for surveillance purposes. After a period of years access was granted for civilian use, but with a downgraded accuracy rating. Even decades after its invention, the American military still controls the GPS system, although Europe is developing its own system which will be called Galileo.
Vehicle tracking systems were initially very expensive, as they involved such an innovative technology. However, as the world of technology has developed, vehicle tracking has seen dramatic reductions in price, making it more accessible to the companies who will benefit the most from it.
Companies used to be restricted to outright purchase options. However, there are now leasing and pay as you go options, meaning that you do not need the initial capital expenditure that stopped so many companies from installing vehicle tracking a few years ago.
The applications that a vehicle tracking system provides have also developed vastly. You can now use your tracking system to produce expenses reports, time sheets, reduce your fuel consumption, and increase the efficiency of your employees driving. You can also set up ‘geophones’ around specific locations that will provide an alert when your driver goes through them, providing additional security and customer service capabilities for your staff.
In the past fleet management was considered to be a challenging job, as the location of the workforce was constantly changing. However, with the development of GPS vehicle tracking solutions, a fleet manager’s job is made much easier, partly due to the ability to be able to constantly monitor employees.
GPS is quite a simple concept; it uses a number of different satellites to pinpoint the location of an object according to latitude and longitude, in real time. It was originally developed by the American military but was commissioned for civilian use in the 1980’s, with a downgraded accuracy rating. The American military still control the GPS system. However, Europe is developing its own system, called Galileo.
It used to be that only large organizations could afford to install vehicle tracking but as the technology has developed, its price has decreased. Individuals and companies with small fleets now also use vehicle tracking systems and the main reason for this is that it can save you money.
There are a number of ways that vehicle tracking can save you money such as; validating fuel claims and planning your routes so that unnecessary miles are being travelled. It can also help you identify areas where your employees could drive more efficiently and enables you to plan your routes more effectively.
TYPES OF VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM
There are two types of vehicle tracking system
1. Real Time GPS Vehicle Tracking System
A Real Time vehicle tracking system allows you to locate a vehicle live by logging on to a website or other specialist software on your PC at any time of the day or night.
Once you are connected to the Internet you will be able to view real time information on the current location, speed and direction of travel of one or more vehicles. This information will be displayed on maps to show you exact locations to within about 15 meters. Additional analysis functions may also be available but will depend on the software provided.
Vehicle tracking devices which use real time technology will require a monthly subscription to use the service and this price will vary from company to company so shop around. Normally a subscription will be purchased along when you by the GPS tracking device.
Real time GPS vehicle tracking is normally used by companies and fleet managers, but there are now some innovative solutions available to consumers and these are proving to be very popular.
2. Passive GPS Vehicle Tracking System
A Passive GPS tracking system is nowhere as sophisticated as a real time system and because of this it is less expensive.
Passive tracking devices are self-contained compact portable units that are placed somewhere inside a vehicle and which will record locations, movement and speed of the vehicle it is in.
They are restricted on how long they can record data. This is not due to battery power but to the memory storage capacity of the unit.
To access and view the information they record you have remove the unit from the vehicle, connect it to your PC or laptop computer, usually through a USB port, and then download the data to your computer.
Using software on your computer or via an internet web site interface you will be able to view on a detailed street map where the vehicle has been in intervals of probably about 15 minutes. Information on the speed the vehicle has been traveling will also be available.
Passive vehicle tracking systems are easy to setup and use and a are perfect for parents who want to monitor the driving habits of there children. For an example of a professional GPS mini-tracker have a look at the unit sold by Track Key.
The advance of technology, miniaturization, more powerful GSM networks and the implementation of high sensitivity GPS has prompted the development of a new breed of portable vehicle tracking system.
The tracking devices for these systems are truly portable and will work anywhere in the world, which basically means you can now track anything, anywhere!
GPS Tracking Systems are for all of us
Anyone who has a vehicle of any kind will find that there are plenty of reasons for wanting a GPS based tracking system installed.
The tracking systems available to consumers are obviously less sophisticated than what a fleet manager would use but you may still be amazed at what they can do.
If you are concerned about your car, auto, van or truck being stolen then if it was tracked you would now where it was if it went missing. As a parent you may want to install one in the car that your kids use so you can monitor not only where they go, and how long they stay there but also how fast they go.
Recent surveys have suggested that the driving speed of their children is easily the major concern of parents when their kids are behind the wheel of a car or even if someone else is driving. If your kids are in the car they could be at risk.
Using a tracking system could even help you to teach your kids to drive responsibly.
If you are an employer then you may want to monitor what is happening to your company cars when your employees are driving them to ensure that you don’t incur extra costs due to unofficial non-company travel or other non-business purposes.
Portable GPS Tracking will operate anywhere.
The integrated high sensitivity GPS ensures that these devices will operate in places where previous GPS units did not, such as in urban canyons, in natural canyons, under heavy foliage and even indoors. These compact devices can be easily attached to any tracking subject as they are so small and can utilize a magnetic mount. The units have a long lasting rechargeable built-in battery for their own power source and an integrated antenna system and therefore don’t need to be wired in to anything else. They are highly reliable, completely independent and portable units with no installation costs.
Because of the highly sensitive nature of the internal antenna these units permit installation in locations where a direct sky view is not actually available. This makes them particularly suitable for operation in and under vehicles.
Some can even be remotely configured from a PC using a web site interface on the Internet.
A web interface is also the normal way for viewing and monitoring the current location and status of the device and to look at historical data on when the unit (or vehicle) has moved, stopped, started and where.
Everyone Vehicle Owner could use a Tracking System.
Today they have become affordable for the average consumer just like you and me and at the top end managers of large fleets will use them to track what their truck drivers are doing in real-time.
There are many reasons that you might want to buy and install a GPS vehicle tracking system, but these reasons are likely to be different for the fleet manages when compared to an ordinary consumer.
Applications for a Portable GPS Vehicle Tracking System
1. Vehicle Tracking
Vehicle Tracking is easy as these devices allow you to monitor the location of vehicles and other moveable assets of all kinds.
2. Asset Tracking
A Portable GPS Vehicle Tracking System is used to asset tracking by the units is hidden in valuable goods to track them when out for delivery or transfer.
3. Theft Prevention
It is used to monitor the position of valuable items like cars, autos, vans, trucks, boats and trailers for long periods and be informed when they start to move.
4. New Business Concepts
New business concept can be designed and realized because each unit is compact and totally self-contained.
ADVANTAGES OF VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM
1. Vehicle Tracking Systems are Easy to Use
If you are the user of a GPS vehicle tracking system you will be able to sit at your PC or laptop computer, login to the system and monitor the movement, direction and speed of any vehicle that has a GPS tracking unit installed for your system.
You should also be able to look back at historical data of where the vehicle has been; when it was there and how long it stayed there.
On more expensive systems the amount of historical data you can store is considerable and you will also get analysis tools to monitor trends and calculate vehicle running costs.
You will be able to do this at any time because the GPS unit in the vehicle will operate correctly in all weather conditions.
2. GPS Vehicle Tracking is Very Accurate
Because they use GPS, these tracking systems are extremely accurate and will be able to show you vehicle positions on a digital street map that is correct to within 15 meters.
For the user GPS tracking is very powerful yet simple and easy to use. If you can use a computer you will have no problem enjoying all the functionality that it has to offer.
The latest development of these systems now allows you to view the vehicle location data on a map on your cell phone, which is updated automatically every couple of minutes.
3. Vehicle Tracking Systems can provide a lot of Historical Data
For the fleet manager or anyone running company cars, vehicle tracking systems are invaluable as they can provide up to date and historical data on routes taken for all their drivers whenever they are driving. If they are doing overnight or late deliveries you can check the system first thing next morning to check that everything went to plan.
4. The live traffic alerts
The congestion and traffic on UK roads causes a nightmare for many UK businesses and can result in a lot of time being wasted and money lost. Many vehicle tracking suppliers have developed solutions that can provide companies with an answer to this problem.
A GPS (Global Positioning System) vehicle tracking system offers companies greater insight into their fleet’s movements. These systems use the latest GPS technology to accurately report the real time locations of vehicles. The data provided by a tracking system is used by many companies to reduce their monthly bills and increase the productivity of their drivers, all in all maximizing profits.
Many tracking companies have developed their systems to keep their users informed of the latest traffic alerts. This feature has proved to be of real benefit to companies whose vehicles need to meet strict deadlines and are losing money when the vehicles are stationary. Some of these fleets include: couriers, freight transportation, taxis and sales fleets to name a few.
Most tracking suppliers receive their traffic data from the Highways Agency. The Highways Agency provides up to date traffic information relating to congestion, accidents and road works. Office teams are able to use this data to keep drivers informed and ensure that their time is not wasted or that they do not let their customer down.
THREE KEY FEUTURES OF TRACKING
Tracking systems are saving businesses money worldwide and turning around their productivity and customer service. Below are just a few areas in how this works.
1. Create a streamline and efficient business by gaining back control of your fleet. Locate your fleet in real time 24 hours a day. Make the right choices for your fleet and direct them down the shortest and least congested route. Re address your driver’s day with up to date information and send the right driver to any emergency jobs or changes in schedule.
2. Save the company money. By watching your employees you can pinpoint drivers who are speeding which has an impact on the company’s fuel usage and also promotes safer driving. Maintenance costs will fall as speeding causes increased wear and tear to vehicles.
3. Customer Service is probably one of the main areas of all businesses where improvement is always welcome. To retain customers and gain new customers is essential to the success of business. Tracking systems can allow you to contact the customers with up to date delivery information and advice of any delays or different delivery times before the delivery is meant to take place.
STEPS INVOLVED IN VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM
If you want track your vehicle you must follow the steps are given below
Data capture: Data capturing is the first step in tracking your vehicle. Data in a vehicle tracking system is captured through a unit called automated vehicle unit. The automated vehicle unit uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine the location of the vehicle. This unit is installed in the vehicle and contains interfaces to various data sources. This paper considers the location data capture along with data from various sensors like fuel, vehicle diagnostic sensors etc.
Data storage: Captured data is stored in the memory of the automated vehicle unit.
Data transfer: Stored data are transferred to the computer server using the mobile network or by connecting the vehicle mount unit to the computer.
Data analysis: Data analysis is done through software application. A GIS mapping component is also a integral part of the vehicle tracking system and it is used to display the correct location of the vehicle on the map.
PARTS OF GPS VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM
The system consists of modern hard ware and software components enabling one to track their vehicle online or offline. Any vehicle tracking system consists of mainly three
Vehicle unit: it is the hardware component attached to the vehicle having either a GPS/GSM modem. The unit is configured around a primary modem that functions with the tracking software by receiving signals from GPS satellites or radio station points with the help of antenna. The controller modem converts the data and sends the vehicle location data to the server
Fixed based station: It consists of a wireless network to receive and forward the data to the data centre. Base stations are equipped with tracking software and geographic map useful for determining the vehicle location. Maps of every city and landmarks are available in the based station that has an inbuilt web server
Data base software: the position information or the coordinates of each visiting points are stored in a database, which later can be viewed in a display screen using digital maps. However the users have to connect themselves to the web server with the respective vehicle ID stored in the database and only then we can view the location of vehicle traveled.
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM
GPS is the technology most commonly used for vehicle tracking these days. There are also other variants of AVL (Automatic vehicle location) that enable easy location of vehicles. The GPS modules with their satellite linked positioning technique make easy and accurate location of the vehicle possible. The information can be viewed an electronic maps that are connected to the internet or otherwise supported by specialized software.
Benefits of GPS software
ü Operational efficiency of the fleet
ü Improved and safe departures and arrivals of the fleet
ü Increases the customer satisfaction
ü It helps to keep a watch on the times schedule of the vehicles and punctuate the whole system
ü AVL increases accountability of the field man, thus increases the performance of the company.
ü AVL increases the safety and security of drivers and passengers as well which is most important concern.
WORKING PRINCIPLES OF GPS VEHICLE TRACKIN SYSTEM
GPS is a compact handy device like mobile phone with enabled combo technology of GPS and GPRS that track mobile vehicles through using four visible satellites. The satellites send signals to the GPS receiver and it calculates the signals and inform about the exact position of the vehicle on the earth. The GPS device provides the complete data about your vehicle like its status, maximum speed, motion hours, distance covered and stationary timing and duration. At monitoring centre various software are used to plot the vehicle in a map. In this way the vehicle owners are able to track their vehicle.
FUNCTIONS OF GPS VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEMS
Ø Devices identify the location of the vehicle on a real time basis. Just through internet you can easily track your exact position of the vehicle
Ø The device store all location and speed details that you can collect through your PC by using internet and a special software made for this purpose. Even one can set the speed limitation in the devices attached. If somebody drives the car beyond the specified speed limit, it will alert you immediately
Ø Device help not only to keep limit on its speed but also in its area.
Ø Best feature of the system is its easiness with which it can be used
Ø Some devices work even in a smarter way by making a chart of the entire activities of the vehicle over a period of time that you can analyze later
VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM IN INDIA
In India its uses and market are expected to increase within a couple of years. In India is mainly used in transport industry. There are various GPS software and hardware developing companies in India working for tracking solutions. However its application is not that much of popular as in other countries like USA, which regulates the whole GPS network. In India it is mostly used in Indian transport and logistics industry and not much personal vehicle tracking. But with better awareness and promotion the market will increases.
10 REASONS TO BUY THE VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM
1. Complete visibility over your fleet
Tracking systems such as plant, fleet and some lone worker systems allow you to view both your vehicles or employees locations and movements in real time. Tracking features such as street level mapping and satellite views (aerial photography) make pin pointing your assets fast and easy. Knowing your asset’s exact location keeps you informed of their progress and performance throughout the day and helps you to react faster to any customer requests or queries.
2. Reduce Fuel & Wage Costs
Fuel and wages are usually some of the highest costs incurred by businesses. Tracking systems provide the insight businesses need to reduce fuel wasting activity including excessive engine idling and speeding as well as other inefficient driving behaviors. Using a tracking system to monitor the routes employees take to reach destinations can generate further fuel savings as can ensuring that employees are not using their company’s vehicles for non-authorized out of hours and private mileage. It is not uncommon for businesses to save as much as 15% on fuel costs by installing a tracking system.
Tracking systems are also able to produce automated Timesheet & Mileage reports. These reports provide savings through eliminating the inaccuracies and abuse that can occur in employee’s overtime and mileage expenses claims.
3. Increase Productivity
Tracking systems significantly boost the productivity of drivers, mobile workers and office teams. Employees who are aware that their activity and performance is being monitored tend to be more productive and tracking systems provide feedback that provides managers with the insight to be able to make efficiencies that will increase the driver’s and the company’s productivity. Tracking systems also help reduce the level of communication that is required between the office and mobile worker s meaning that they spend less time on the phone and are responding to customer’s queries considerably faster.
4. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
The environment is a hot topic at the moment and businesses are keen to demonstration to their customers, through their marketing campaigns, the steps they have taken to ‘Go Green’ and reduce their carbon footprint. Tracking systems help businesses to reduce their fleet’s carbon output through improving fuel and route efficiency, which can be monitored and measured in the detailed reports that are provided with these systems.
5. Increase the Security of Your Vehicles & Employees
Stolen vehicle tracking systems are specifically designed to protect vehicles against theft and ensure that when a vehicle is stolen it can be quickly recovered. Fleet tracking also increases a vehicles security and, as with stolen vehicle tracking, can attract insurance premium discounts.
Protecting staff is important to any employer but especially for those whose employees work in high risk environments or job roles. Lone worker and fleet tracking allow you to monitor the status of your staff and provide them with a means to raise a discreet alert should they find themselves in any danger.
6. Motivate and Manage Employees
Tracking can be used as a powerful motivational tool to improve the performance and productivity of staff. Drivers that are performing well in terms of efficiency, productivity and responsible driving receive the recognition they deserve as tracking actually serves to acknowledge hard work and good performance, as well as providing information regarding under performing employees and the ways in which they can improve their performance.
Lone worker tracking provides employees that work in solitary or high risk environments with more confidence as they can quickly alert their employer if they are in distress.
7. Provide Better Customer Service
Businesses are commonly judged by the quality of customer service they provide. Tracking systems can help businesses to improve their customer service as office staff can proactively keep customers informed if a vehicle has been delayed on route as well as allow staff to respond to customer’s ETA queries much faster. Office teams can also have complete visibility of their company vehicle’s real time location which means that can quickly identify which vehicle is best suited to attend a job, providing the customer with an immediate answer and efficient service.
8. Improve Bad Driving Habits
Bad driving habits including speeding, aggressive acceleration, cornering and harsh braking waste fuel, increase vehicle wear and tear and can earn your company a bad reputation if witnessed by other road users. Tracking systems are able to keep you updated on instances of bad driving behavior, in the form of reports and real time alerts, which helps you to not only save money and maintain your company’s good reputation but also to increase the safety of your drivers.
9. Compliance with Tax, Health & Safety & Duty of Care Legislation
Changes made in recent years to Health & Safety legislation and the Corporate Manslaughter Act means it is essential for businesses that operate a fleet of vehicles or have employees in a lone working role to review their health and safety policy and carry out the necessary risk assessments.
Tracking systems help businesses to comply with these laws as employers can demonstrate that they are taking reasonable steps to protect their staff, for example: making sure that their drivers take the legally required rest breaks when driving for long periods.
Tracking also helps employers to demonstrate to tax authorities that their vehicles are only being used for business purposes as these system monitor vehicles 24/7.
10. Reduce Customer and Staff Disputes
Tracking systems monitor and record the date, time of arrival/departure and duration of each site visited which means that you can confidently settle any dispute concerning the time of arrival or duration of visit with customers and employees. Using a tracking system in this way helps save money through as you are able to overcome customer invoice disputes and staff attendance issues to buy the vehicle tracking system.
DISADVANTAGES OF VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM
In the business world some companies make use of vehicle tracking system devices so that they can track vehicle movement. Applications include being able to find out the location of a shipment so a customer can be informed if necessary as well as being certain that a driver is following a specified route and is travelling at an appropriate speed. While these applications can benefit a company, there are also disadvantages to using vehicle tracking devices.
1. WORKER RESENMENT
In situations where companies use the devices to track the movements of their truck or delivery drivers, use of the devices can cause resentment. Drivers may feel that their privacy is being invaded or that their company doesn’t trust them. They may also experience more stress because of the feeling of being watched at all times.
2. EXPENSE
Vehicle tracking devices can be expensive to install. A system that uses cellular-based technology, which transmits information about vehicle movements to a landline every five minutes, can cost 500 per unit for installation.
3. OVERDEPENDENCE
As with any technologies, overdependence on vehicle tracking devices can cause workers to come to rely too heavily on the system. If the system were to break down, this could cause a chaotic situation as the company may have a difficult time tracking deliveries.
CONLUSION
In my seminar I study about the type’s parts working principle uses advantages of Vehicle tracking and also study about function, application part, step, disadvantages etc. A vehicle tracking system using GPS takes the location, direction and time data provided via satellite from the global positioning systems to the GPS receiver unit in a vehicle and transmits it to a central computer connected to a private network of the internet. In my view it is a good technology to tracking vehicles.
BIBILIOGRAPHY
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