GPS Fleet Tracking: Telematics Communications Options
Fleet Tracking: The Satellite versus Terrestrial Data Communication Decision, Can You Hear Me Now? Introduction Fleet management and tracking systems are now essential to the efficient operation of virtually any size commercial fleet. Not only has the rapid return on investment been proven out by improved safety, enhanced operator behavior and the prevention of vehicle and load theft, but now the benefits associated with reduced fuel consumption through lower speed and efficient asset utilization compound the justification. One of the most important decisions to be made during the system evaluation process is related to the communication method used to transmit data such as speed, location, and status of the vehicle or asset. This data may be very time sensitive, but cost tradeoffs and the fleet management requirements ought to drive the most appropriate system selection. Fleet Tracking Systems Real-time GPS tracking digital guitar tuner systems designed for fleet management typically include a GPS receiver and a cellular data modem or satellite data modem as well as the computing electronics to gather and interpret vehicle data. The tracking equipment receives signals from GPS satellites enabling it to calculate the location, speed and direction of the vehicle. This information is combined with other important status data about the vehicle and is used for modifying driver behavior, fleet maintenance, logistics management and optimizing asset allocation to jobs and routes. Vehicle Data Transmission The vehicle tracking unit is connected to the ignition system or Engine Control Module (ECM) which enables it to record ignition on/off events, idle durations and other engine health data. All asset data collected by the unit is then typically transferred from the vehicle to a vendor hosted web application for viewing and analysis by fleet and crew managers.