Vehicle tracking devices, popularly known as GPS tracking, have been among the best and most significant inventions in recent years. Most car owners are taking advantage of this technology to ensure the enhanced security of their vehicles. In addition, fleet owners are also applying the technology to improve efficiency in all their operations and provide cost optimization. Regardless of a company’s fleet size, GPS tracking can significantly streamline its operations.
In addition to reducing operational costs, a vehicle tracking system significantly increases profit rate and enhances customer satisfaction. It also helps in lowering insurance premiums. Over the last few years, the vehicle tracking system has experienced exceptional improvement, making them more efficient, advanced, economical, and easy to use. It has been playing a role in modernizing communication and enhancing accountability, attracting almost all companies to take advantage of such technology.
Nevertheless, selecting a perfect vehicle tracking system for maximum benefits can be challenging.
Vehicle tracking systems are classified into active and passive tracking devices. Let’s look at each more broadly, examining how they work and their pro and cons.
1. Passive Tracking Devices
Passive tracking devices, also known as GPS loggers, work by collecting data or information about the location of your car. The collected data or information is then stored on a hand drive or memory card. You can place your passive tracking device in the vehicle, and once you want to access and evaluate the data, you can plug the device into your computer or laptop.
Passive tracker systems for vehicles such as Ram Tracking have auto-downloads that help to transmit all the information through a wireless download. Once the data is downloaded, all the information is displayed through a detailed report, which you can use to check and evaluate your target vehicle.
How to Install These Systems?
To install a passive GPS tracking system, you will have to pay the purchasing fee, which is a one-time fee. This makes them very affordable and a more suitable choice if you have fleets of cars. You will be provided with a database, software, and hardware when purchasing a passive tracking device.
Therefore, a passive tracking system will significantly help if you want to monitor all road events in real time. It also comes with additional real-time tools to monitor your cars, making them essential during emergencies such as thefts, roadblocks, or accidents. Passive tracking devices are also installed with different features and advanced models to help solve any other issue.
The main advantage of these tracking systems is they don’t depend on any cellular towers to transmit or download data. In contrast, all information and data are safely stored on a hand drive or memory card directly.
In addition, they are easy to use, convenient, and with simple functionality; there is no monthly subscription (you only pay a one-time fee when purchasing), and they are affordable.
However, passive tracking devices have some flaws. They don’t provide real-time data unless installed with additional features, the device may fail to be compatible with other operating systems, and you have to remove the device physically to get the information you need.
2. Active Tracking Devices
Active tracking systems collect data or information about your car similarly to passive tracking systems. However, the devices transmit the collected information in real-time, through satellite or cellular networks, to your laptop, computer, or data collection center for examination. Considering they have complex functions, active tracking devices are complicated. Nevertheless, they offer convenient and quick access to information, which is key to generating high profits for your business.
To use an active tracking system, you must install the device in your car by plugging it into a port in your vehicle. You will then subscribe to the ideal services to ensure you get all the important notifications on your computer or phone. Let’s quickly review how an active tracking system transmits data.
· Cellular Tracking
Cellular tracking is one of the most affordable tracking systems you can think of. These devices use cellular networks to transfer data and are relatively easy to install. You can get all the information you need about your vehicle through an application, where you can analyze the data and tracking information. You also get an update on your car location every 1 to 10 minutes, depending on your subscription service.
· Satellite-Based Tracking
The satellite is an advanced tracking system that provides detailed information and real-time data about all activities related to your car, even in areas with no good cell phone coverage. A satellite-based tracking system means you can keep sound track of or manage your vehicle worldwide. Even though it is costly, most fleet companies prefer it due to its efficiency.
There are several advantages associated with the active tracking system. They include access to real-time updates, the devices are more convenient and reliable, you don’t have to remove the device physically, active tracking systems are compatible with all computer systems, and it’s easy to track a stolen vehicle with an active tracking system.
Nevertheless, with the active tracking system, you must depend on a monthly subscription, making it costly. In a poor signal, the tracking device might not give accurate information.
Summing Up
Understanding how vehicle tracking systems are classified makes your work easier in choosing the best tracking device. However, your choice will always be guided by several factors, such as your business needs, the cost of installing and maintaining the device, and your system capabilities. To clear any doubt, you can always consult experts on the bets tracking system to go for.
