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GPS Fleet Tracking Equipment: The Basics of What You Need GPS Tracking Devices

 

Thinking of setting up GPS fleet tracking equipment? Great! GPS tracking devices are an important tool in managing any fleet, helping you keep tabs on your drivers, vehicles, and other assets while they’re out on the road. But before you get started, there are some basics to know about what equipment you need to properly create your GPS fleet tracking system. Here’s everything you need to know about GPS fleet tracking equipment to get started.

 

Fleet Tracking Devices: What’s the Difference?

Several devices are considered to be fleet tracking devices. GPS tracking devices, for instance, come in two categories:

  • Mobile
  • Stationary

Mobile GPS tracking devices can be installed on any car or truck and offer real-time data on where the device is located.

Stationary GPS tracking devices are anchored to one location (at a warehouse, for example) and track the vehicles that stop there.

GPS fleet tracking systems also use other types of equipment, such as receivers, antennas, GPS trackers, software packages, hardware solutions, and vehicle mounts.

 

Hardwired GPS Trackers

A Hardwired GPS Tracker connects to a vehicle’s power system for constant 24-hour-a-day monitoring.

With subscription fees and installation required, these trackers are the most reliable and expensive option. They are ideal for fleets that monitor only one or two vehicles simultaneously. 

Cellular Modem GPS Trackers connect wirelessly to your company’s cellular data plan for instant updates on the vehicle’s location at all times.

 

Battery Powered GPS Trackers

A battery-powered GPS tracker can be an ideal way to track your fleet.

This device is your best bet if you’re looking for a simple, low-cost GPS fleet tracking solution. And because it’s not dependent on cellular networks, it will work anywhere worldwide with cellular service–even if there’s no cell service available!

 

Plug-In Tracking Devices

A plug-in GPS tracker is a device that plugs into an automobile port. With this type of GPS tracking, people can monitor their driving habits, such as how often drivers exceed the speed limit or how much time they spend idling at work.

Every car in America has what’s called OBD II ports, and although the location differs for each vehicle, it usually resides near the top of the car dashboard, the steering wheel, or on top of your gas pedal (that makes sense).

A plug-in model is considered plug-and-play, meaning you can remove it when needed without damaging any information stored inside. These trackers are great for tracking employees who use company vehicles for business purposes because employers want to know where their employees are and what they’re doing during their working day.

Plus, Plug-In tracking devices work anywhere in the world. This means that you can track your staff or company vehicles regardless of where they happen to be.

 

What’s Inside a Vehicle Tracking Device?

The centerpiece of a vehicle tracking device is the GPS receiver, which receives satellite signals and locates the tracker’s position on earth.

A good receiver will have an antenna that can pick up satellites from any angle. Some models also have a compass to provide heading information.

Most fleet tracking solutions use GSM cellular networks, but some use satellite networks. Built-in battery packs may be necessary for long-term monitoring or power outages with no charging stations available.

Most fleet management software packages include turn-by-turn directions and mapping features so you can determine how far away your driver is from their destination at any given time

 

What Parts are Inside a Vehicle Tracking Device?

The equipment inside a vehicle tracking device is determined by its size and intended use.

A custom-installed, fixed-location system might include a small roof antenna, whereas a large company’s mobile GPS fleet tracking solutions usually rely on satellite communication.

Vehicle-mounted trackers are often more compact and can be placed under the dashboard without interfering with driver visibility or airbags. At the same time, handheld units are designed to be portable and lightweight.

 

What Does Each Part Do?

GPS fleet tracking systems can track where your vehicles are at all times.

A GPS fleet tracking system will use a GSM network, which means that it is available anywhere in the world and regardless of data service. This means you can track your vehicle even if there is no internet connection! 

A GPS vehicle tracking system will come with equipment like a GPS tracker, which will be mounted on your car, truck, or any other vehicle you have.

 

GPS Receiver

A GPS receiver is an essential tool for fleets that want to know the location of their vehicles and track them. It will be installed on the vehicle, and then it will provide the information that you need.

Most receivers use satellite signals to determine a vehicle’s location to deliver accurate readings no matter how far from the city center.

Some receivers can also provide information about speed and heading, making them ideal for fleet management software. 

 

Computer, Transmitter, and Storage Devices

The first thing you’ll need is a computer. This can be a desktop or laptop, but you will want one with at least 4GB of RAM and an Intel Core i3 or better processor.

Next, you’ll need an external hard drive and satellite transmitter to store data. These transmitters can operate on 12V DC power or 120AC power through the built-in AC adapter, so check your car’s power requirements before making your purchase! 

After that, it’s just a matter of plugging everything in correctly and setting up the fleet management software on the computer. The software will usually provide step-by-step instructions for how to get everything set up properly.

 

Functions of GPS trackers

Fleet tracking solutions can help you with fleet management and fleet tracking using the latest equipment and software. These include GPS asset trackers, vehicle trackers, fleet management software, and more. 

With a GPS tracker on your assets or vehicles, you can know where they are at any time and track their usage to see if they’re being used for their intended purpose. This helps prevent theft or misuse. 

Fleet tracking is an important function in maintaining a healthy business. Whether for a small business or a large enterprise, keeping tabs on vehicles and assets can save significant amounts of money in fuel costs, maintenance costs, and employee hours spent finding missing items.

 

Installing a GPS tracker

When purchasing a GPS tracker for your fleet, you’ll want to ensure the system can keep up with your needs.

For example, suppose you need to track more than one vehicle at a time. In that case, purchasing multiple trackers or taking advantage of fleet management software that can manage multiple assets will be necessary.

There are two types of GPS systems. There’s an offline system that doesn’t require a data connection and works great in rural areas with limited wireless coverage. An online system can provide real-time reports and alerts when connected to the internet. 

The next thing to consider is whether you’re going with a hardware-based solution.

A hardware-based solution is something like a GPS tracker installed on a car. It requires professional installation, but it also provides power, so you don’t have to worry about charging batteries every night (depending on how often you drive).

A software-based solution includes everything except the physical device – cellular service, 24/7 call center support, global satellite tracking networks, and advanced features like emergency notification services.

The type of equipment needed depends on the fleet management needs within the company or organization.

 

Fleetr’s Your Reliable Fleet Tracking Partner

Fleet management is a lot easier with the help of GPS fleet tracking equipment.

Fleetr offers GPS fleet tracking solutions, whether you need to track your heavy-duty tractor-trailer or your dune buggy.

Our fleet management software and other tools will help you manage every aspect of your company’s vehicles, from fuel usage to maintenance schedules.

 

Contact Fleetr Today!

We offer various GPS fleet tracking systems to suit all budgets, so you can choose what works best for your needs.

Contact us Today!

 

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