Sometimes, one stops and wonders just how businesses operated just a few decades ago. There is so much more efficiency available today, mostly thanks to the benefits that modern technology has brought us. We are better informed, and typically more productive, with the evolution of the modern personal computer. Whereas decades ago only huge firms could afford the expensive and enormous computing machines that were available, the relentless march of microprocessor technology has allowed computers to become more powerful, smaller, and even mobile. In parallel, the efforts of the United States to place satellites in orbit that would allow for pinpoint location of any enabled device have done wonders for every vehicle owner. The global positioning system, or GPS for short, identifies a unique signal from every device, which is captured by an orbiting satellite, and relays the information to the ground. Any personal computer that is suitably equipped can then identify the location of the device, and be constantly aware of its movements.
A Boon to Business
Manufacturing costs for both personal computers and GPS devices continue to decrease. As a result, every business can reasonably afford to implement a vehicle tracking system for their fleet of vans and trucks, no matter how small. There are a lot of different solutions on the market, and every business owner or manager needs to determine what might be the appropriate solution for them. Once a system is in place, they can visit vehicle-tracking and become members, which offer many advantages. The Road Haulage Association acts as an advocacy group, keeping their members informed about best practices in helping to keep the employees of its members safe while on the road.
An Easy and Cost-Effective Solution
Vehicle tracking makes a lot of sense to businesses for a wide variety of reasons. Every business has its own business model, and depending on what that is a different requirement for their tracking solution. Today, there are really two distinct types of tracking systems:
● A passive system collects information from a device that is located on the truck, using the GPS signal for the stored data. When the vehicle is returned to its home base, the information from the GPS device can be downloaded into a computer, and the information analyzed according to the company’s requirements.
● An active system, as the name implies, continually collects data from the GPS device, and transmits it, using either a cellular network, and perhaps even a satellite network, and sometimes a combination of both. The information can be reviewed in real time, which offers several benefits:
○ The whereabouts of vehicles that are making deliveries can instantly be known, and customers who are waiting for the delivery can be informed with a high degree of accuracy as to the estimated time of arrival. This can be of great benefit for companies who pride themselves on excellent customer service.
○ In the event that a truck needs to make an unscheduled pickup or delivery, knowing its position instantly is helpful in determining which vehicle is closest to the required destination. This vastly improves efficiency, as well as saving valuable time and fuel expenses.
Modern technology has benefited just about everyone, and businesses have been especially fortunate to leverage the decreased costs associated with certain solutions such as vehicle tracking. By visiting different websites businesses can learn about the many advantages that this particular association can provide.
Chris Harlepp is a US-based lifestyle writer covering the latest advances in modern business habits, including vehicle-tracking. He writes on a freelance basis for many of the major lifestyle blogs.
