Businesses around the globe are now regularly using GPS tracking information to help cut operational costs, monitor vehicle wear and tear, and track employee behaviour while on the job. From large trucking companies trying to ensure deliveries are made via the most efficient routes to small businesses trying to control fleet costs, GPS fleet tracking has become the norm across many industries.
GPS Tracking Information: 12 Common Questions
Is your business considering GPS fleet tracking? We’ve assembled — and answered — some of the most common questions we hear to help you get the most from your GPS tracking information.
1. How does GPS fleet tracking work?
Global Positioning System satellites locate the GPS beacons inside your vehicles using a process known as triangulation. The GPS tracking information is then transmitted to your online portal for viewing via the cellular network. If one of your fleet vehicles leaves the cellular network, there may be a gap in live coverage, but the GPS satellites will continue to track your vehicle and will transmit the historical data into your portal once the vehicle re-enters the cellular network.
2. What is the difference between “real-time” and “passive” GPS tracking?
The tracking described in the answer to Question 1 above is real-time GPS tracking. Passive GPS tracking occurs when the satellite GPS tracking information is recorded onto a hard drive onboard the vehicle and can only be accessed by physically downloading it. There is no capacity for live real-time location with passive tracking.
Global Positioning System satellites are used for both real-time and passive GPS tracking.
3. How are GPS beacons installed?
There are two types of GPS beacons to choose from:
- A hardwired device installed underneath the dash of a vehicle by a professional or anyone with a good knowledge of vehicle electronics.
- A “plug n play” device connected directly to a vehicle’s Onboard Diagnostics Port (OBD2). OBD2 ports are found on most light-duty (less than five-ton) vehicles made after 1996. No technical expertise is required to install a “plug n play” device.
4. Can I install a GPS beacon on my trailer?
Yes. There are specialized GPS beacons with extra-long battery life designed especially to monitor GPS tracking information on trailers that are detached from vehicles for prolonged periods of time.
5. Can I take a GPS beacon out of one vehicle and install it into another?
Yes. “Plug n play” GPS beacons are easily transferred and changing the vehicle name associated with the GPS beacon is simple. We can provide reinstallation services for wired-in GPS beacons or supply you with an installation guide if you feel comfortable doing it yourself.
6. How do I access the portal where all my vehicle information is stored?
Nero Global’s vehicle tracking software is web-based. All you need to access your portal is a good internet connection and an up-to-date web browser. Simply log in with your secure username and password to view GPS tracking information.
7. Can I view my vehicle information on my mobile or tablet device?
Yes. Our GPS fleet management key features include apps that let you locate your vehicles in real-time and monitor driver behaviour including speeding, harsh braking, idling, etc.
8. Can I receive real-time alerts with GPS Fleet Tracking?
Yes. You can put yourself on the notification list for any vehicle behaviour that you want to monitor, including speeding, idling or geographic zone entry or departure. You’ll receive an email or text notification as soon as the event occurs. You can also summarize information into daily or weekly reports with GPS tracking information if you prefer.
With GPS tracking, you can monitor vehicle behaviour such as speeding and idling.
9. Can I run out of cellular data?
Not with Nero Global. Our plans include unlimited cellular data.
10. Can I customize my GPS Fleet Tracking portal?
Yes. You can adjust your portal to detect as little or as much vehicle GPS tracking information as you like. Your Nero Global Account Manager will get to know your needs and will help you make any necessary modifications as your requirements evolve over time.
11. Can I track my mobile phones?
Yes. We can integrate the GPS tracking information from mobile devices and tablets into our online portal. However, GPS data from mobile phones and tablets is quite limited compared to the data generated from vehicle GPS beacons.
12. Why choose Nero Global Tracking?
There are many GPS Fleet Tracking providers on the market and it can be difficult to discern the differences between them. Various providers display GPS tracking information in different ways, but the available data is more or less universal among the high-end providers.
The Nero Global Tracking portal has robust functionality and a user-friendly interface that can be tailored to meet your specific business needs. At Nero Global, we view our customers as business partners and put an emphasis on learning about their individual goals. Each of our customers has his or her own personal account manager to help navigate obstacles while implementing or using their GPS Fleet Tracking platform.
We hope we’ve been able to answer at least some of your questions related to vehicle tracking systems and GPS tracking information. If you’re searching for a way to improve productivity, safety, and security, or reduce the costs associated with your transportation-based business, Nero Global Tracking has a proven performance record of providing our clients with the best service solutions to keep your trucks on track. Contact us today!
