Choosing a GPS vehicle tracking system can be difficult. There are many products to choose from on the market today. Which features or functionality do you really need. First, determine WHY you need the system. For example, what aspects of employee productivity need to be addressed? Overtime concerns, route management, increased sales? Or, are you in need of a system simply to ensure that an employee or family member has made it to his/her destination. Do you need real-time verification or is it ok if you receive and manage the information later in the day or week.

Passive vs. Real-Time systems

There are two general categories of systems to choose from. Your first step in your evaluation process should be to determine if you require a “Real-time” or “Passive” system. Both real-time and passive systems have the capability to provide you with vehicle speed data, vehicle stops data, length of stop data and route taken data.

"Real-Time" GPS Vehicle Tracking Overview

Generally, a Real-time system utilises a wireless network to allow you to receive your information and view the location of your asset in real-time. Real-time GPS tracking is becoming the standard for companies or individuals who wish to use a GPS locator device for tracking fleet vehicles as well as tracking assets (trailers, generators, heavy equipment). Some features of real-time systems include the ability to know where your vehicle is RIGHT NOW, real-time zone alerts, arrival at customer site alerts, speed alerts, the ability to locate the nearest vehicle to a particular address. Generally, with a real-time system, you retrieve your information from the internet and the GPS company servers.

 "Passive" GPS Vehicle Tracking Overview

When a passive unit is installed in a vehicle, the GPS location data is stored in the GPS receiver and downloaded from the vehicle at the end of the day or when the vehicle returns to the company. Passive systems can be downloaded manually (where every driver turns in a memory module or key at the end of the day), or automatically (where your data is transferred wirelessly to a computer via a GSM data connection). Passive systems are recommended for companies who do not have a need to view their fleet in real-time, nor do they have the need to know where a vehicle is right now. The passive system is an excellent system for cost conscious companies who can manage their fleet after the vehicles and drivers return to the company. You get an excellent return on investment from passive systems because there is no monthly monitoring only small data connection charges.