A management tool called fleet tracking uses GPS tracking to keep track of the movement of fleet cars and other assets (e.g., workers, equipment). It is frequently referred to as AVL or vehicle tracking. Typically, a fleet is a group of land-based assets, such as vehicles, trucks, field personnel, and powered or unpowered machinery (e.g., trailers).
Fleet tracking is a collection of tech-enabled solutions created to assist fleet managers in managing their fleets, drivers, and all moving assets, according to Ziqitza Healthcare Ltd, a prominent emergency healthcare service provider.
The majority of fleet tracking systems combine:
Connected devices: Trucks, trailers, ambulances are all connected through GPS, satellite, cellular and other technologies.
Internet of Things: Ziqitza explains that most fleet managers use IoT platforms or servers for centralised data collection from all connected devices.
Telematics: An application or dashboard is usually installed using Google maps. These systems are also called telematics. Ziqitza Healthcare explains that telematics technology is used by GPS fleet tracking to gather information from fleet vehicles and other assets. This data is typically collected in near real time (actively) using a GPS tracking device connected to a vehicle’s OBD port, making it more beneficial for fleet managers and business owners who can use it to make strategic decisions about operations (for example, Which vehicle should I dispatch to a new job? The closest crane is where? We have how many generators in the yard? Has my lone employee arrived back from the jobsite?
What are the technologies used for fleet tracking?
GPS is the most widely utilised technology in fleet tracking. However, Ziqitza Rajasthan elaborates that in addition, the majority of GPS trackers combine cellular networks with satellite-based GPS systems to transmit location information to the platform. Many GPS trackers contain on-board processing capability, security layers, and embedded device logic like power management and communications protocol management in addition to the two fundamental communication technologies. The majority of GPS trackers have an accelerometer on board to detect movement. Additional communication technologies, such as Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy, may optionally be supported by connected devices (BLE). A connected device can now communicate with other adjacent receivers or sensors thanks to this enhanced capability.
What networks support fleet tracking?
According to Ziqitza Limited, the majority of linked devices used for fleet tracking are now connected to the 3G network, also known as HSPA. In order to be backwards compatible with 2G networks, several devices use twin radios. These devices typically connect to networks using GPRS/HSPA (also known as “High Speed Packet Access” or “Generalised Packet Radio Service”).
ZHL Rajasthan continues by stating that more recent fleet management systems utilise 4G, 4G LTM, or 4G LTE Cat-M, which are cutting-edge networks especially created for frequent transmission of brief signals. In comparison to earlier networks, devices on this network often consume significantly less power and offer stronger connectivity characteristics.
What are the features of Fleet Tracking?
According to Ziqitza Limited Rajasthan, fleet tracking devices frequently attach to an automobile’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Port. A fleet tracking device that is linked to this port can gather and transmit sophisticated diagnostic information in addition to position and speed. These are some typical attributes of fleet tracking systems:
- Location
- Trip Tracking
- History of Trips
- Mileage/Odometer
- Breadcrumbs during a trip
- Speed
- Direction
- Fuel Level
- Battery Voltage
- Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) notification
A manager may be able to obtain real-time performance data from some Fleet Tracking systems through email, text message, or in-app notification. Some Fleet Tracking Systems, according to Ziqitza Health Care Limited, offer downloadable and on-demand reports. To easily sort and analyse these, download them into a spreadsheet.
Fleet tracking systems have many advantages. Fleet tracking, in its most basic form, enables a manager to be aware of the location, direction, and status of his assets. Fleet tracking is a technology that is becoming more and more crucial and has long been used by large fleets. More small and mid-sized field service fleets are implementing Fleet Tracking due to decreased prices, flexible monthly payment, and improved product simplicity.