There are three main types of GPS vehicle tracking; cellular based tracking, wireless passive tracking and satellite based real time GPS tracking. This article will describe the advantages and disadvantages associated with the three types of GPS vehicle tracking.
Cell Based Tracking
Initial system installation costs are slightly less than the other two options. With cell-based tracking, average costs are around $500. A cell-based tracking system transmits information about where a vehicle is every five minutes over a terrestrial network. Average monthly costs are around $35 for airtime and information to be displayed on the Internet.
wireless passive tracking
A big advantage of this type of tracking system is that there is no monthly fee, so once the system is set up, there will be no other costs associated with it. However, setting up the system is a bit expensive. The average is about $700 for hardware and $800 for software and database. With this type of system, most people say the downside is that information about where the vehicle has been can only be found when the vehicle returns to company base. This is a big drawback, especially for companies looking for a tracking system that tells them where their vehicle is in the event of a theft or accident. However, many systems are now inserting wireless modems into their devices so that tracking information can be viewed without having the vehicle’s memory card. Using the wireless modem, wireless passive tracking systems can also collect information about the speed at which the vehicle is traveling, stops made, and other detailed information. With this new addition, many companies feel that this system is a perfect fit because there is no monthly invoice yet.
Satellite based real time tracking
This type of system provides less detailed information, but it works nationwide, making it a good choice for shipping and trucking companies. System installation costs average around $700. The monthly fees for this system vary from five dollars to one hundred dollars; depending on how detailed a company wants the reports to be.
New technology
In the years to come, GPS tracking may provide businesses with a number of other benefits. Some companies have already set up a way for customers to sign and run credit cards on site through the unit. Others are setting up ways for dispatchers to send rerouting information directly to drivers’ GPS units. Another new development for GPS systems is that they will have access to the Internet and stored information about the vehicle so that a driver or mechanic can use the GPS unit to look up diagrams to help them repair the vehicle. In addition to this, all the information will be stored and saved in the companies database.