These days GPS trackers can perform many different functions. This makes it possible to choose a device that best meets the varied needs of companies operating in many industries and using a fleet of vehicles in their work. How do you choose the best GPS tracker for a car? In this article we describe the solutions that work best in specific cases!
A GPS tracker for a lorry should control the tachograph and the driver's working time
GPS tracking of a heavy fleet is the main tool in forwarding and settlement operations. How do you choose a GPS tracker for a lorry? It is worth choosing one that can record the driver's working time by connecting to the tachograph.
Integration with tachographs also allows remote download of DDD files from the driver card and the tachograph's mass memory. The current legal regulations on drivers' working time almost always cause problems in determining when a load will be collected or delivered. Fortunately, some GPS trackers can read the driver's current work status on an ongoing basis. As a result, special algorithms in vehicle tracking applications can estimate the driver's available working time to within a few minutes.
Integrating the tracker with the on-board computer enables route and driver settlements in any company
Settlement departments base their work on constant monitoring of transport economics indicators, such as kilometres driven, fuel consumed, and empty and loaded kilometres. For this reason, the most commonly chosen GPS trackers for company cars have built-in electronic modules that retrieve data from the on-board computer.
Another solution that matters from the point of view of a professional fleet company is driver identification. It makes it easy to determine which driver drove the car on a given day. Taking care of this feature right from the start of working with a GPS tracker for a vehicle fleet makes it possible in future to settle each driver's work separately, even if they drove the same vehicle.
Monitoring agricultural, construction and forestry machinery must be based on robust GPS trackers
Monitoring the work of machinery in harsh conditions requires advanced design solutions. Working equipment is often accompanied by mud, dust and moisture, against which the only effective protection is an IP67-rated sealed housing. Meanwhile, the metal structure of machinery can greatly weaken, and sometimes even block, the GPRS communication that makes it possible to track the machine's current position. Which GPS tracker to choose? To work stably, it should therefore be equipped with special reinforced antennas so that the signal reaches the web application without obstruction.
Another aspect that must be considered when choosing a GPS tracker for construction and forestry vehicles is internal memory, which will record the history of the machine's whereabouts without access to the GPRS network. Such a GPS tracker should also be equipped with a solid battery. A backup power source guarantees the tracker keeps working even after being disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system.
Special GPS trackers for trailers and containers work without a permanent power source
A durable, compact housing and a high-capacity battery allow a GPS tracker to track containers and semi-trailers even without being connected to a power source. Once the battery is fully charged, the tracker can work for up to 6 months, which in many cases makes it possible to keep track of the position of a semi-trailer or shipping container left in a car park.
An additional advantage of trackers for monitoring semi-trailers or containers is a built-in accelerometer, which acts as a motion sensor. Any attempt to move the parked object can trigger an alarm SMS or e-mail.
Mobile GPS trackers plugged into the vehicle's OBD II socket or cigarette lighter socket
In task-based working arrangements, mobile transmitters are hugely popular. They work great for temporary jobs performed by subcontractors. The trackers can easily be assigned to a vehicle using the mobile app by filling in basic information such as the registration number. Once the plug is inserted into the OBD socket or cigarette lighter socket, the tracker starts working, and the subcontractor can monitor its operation from the mobile app. When the job is finished, the tracker can be switched off so that it does not record the vehicle's position.
Mobile GPS trackers are most often chosen by courier companies or those providing winter road maintenance.
Which GPS tracker for a company car in a light fleet?
Choosing a GPS tracker for a light fleet is a complex issue. First you need to answer the question of what role the device will play.
If the GPS tracker is to be an integral part of a telematics system, before choosing a device you will need to decide what data you expect from the system. This is the main factor determining the type of GPS device.
For basic parameters (location, vehicle speed), a device plugged into the cigarette lighter socket or connected to the battery will suffice. If we want more detailed data on the vehicle's operation, we need to invest in devices designed for the CAN bus.
A GPS tracker for a car as anti-theft protection
Protecting a vehicle against theft with an ordinary GPS tracker is impossible. Thieves have tools that let them block the operation of ordinary GPS trackers within seconds without removing them.
To protect a vehicle against theft effectively, use the recommended anti-theft offer for the vehicle. A GPS tracker that effectively protects a car against theft must be equipped with a special immobiliser. This additional safeguard allows the engine to start only when a special identifier is close to the so-called base. The identifier can be a flat card or a key fob that must be placed close to a hidden reader controlling the starter lock.
In summary
Above we have presented only the most important functions of GPS trackers. A full description of the functionality of our GPS trackers can be found in our GPS tracker offer.
For more information, contact our sales advisers on (18) 533 11 30. Navifleet specialists will help you choose the best solution for your company.
