In the fast moving world of technology, companies around the world are jumping at the chance to install new gadgets to help increase their profits, maximise efficiency and improve their customer service. GPS vehicle tracking devices are an excellent example of how modern technology is able to achieve these business goals. Businesses use vehicle tracking to improve the way they perform. Having the ability to locate fleet around the clock is also a highly effective security measure, helping to ensure the safety of the drivers and the costly cargo they carry.

Modern day vehicle tracking allows companies to monitor live, real time motions, so they can locate all their vehicles using detailed satellite maps. Real-time alerts can inform managers of any unauthorised vehicle activity, such as out of hour's usage or speeding. These alerts can be set so they record at restricted times to maintain the privacy of employees and can be delivered via email or SMS to any number of recipients.

Satellite systems orbit the earth and continuously monitor particular locations, down to a pinpoint. The designated areas can span huge radiuses, while still having the ability to focus on a single vehicle.

Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite systems orbit the earth at the same speed as the earths rotation, so they can continuously monitor particular locations. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems however, are networks of multiple satellites circulating the globe and monitoring activity all over the world. Companies are only able to consider using these satellite systems for vehicle tracking when the transmitter located on the vehicle or cargo has a direct line of sight to the satellite.

Historical tracking means managers can return to activities from previous days to review vehicle movements, which is invaluable if you need to provide proof of service or settle timesheets. Detailed reports can also be produced, containing information on the history of drivers journeys, their location, their speed and hours worked.

Employees who drive over the legal limits are wasting diesel or petrol paid for by the employer, wear out vehicles prematurely and increase insurance rates. Therefore it's understandable why employers would want to keep track of this behaviour, to help reduce their wastage. Monitoring journeys and fuel consumption also helps reduce a company's carbon footprint.

The improved productivity vehicle tracking can create has a positive knock on effect on the customer service provided, as customers can be notified instantly as events occur and therefore the service provided, is much more efficient.

While some people may choose to question whether vehicle tracking is ethically correct, it does undoubtedly result in fewer speeding tickets and fewer accidents as drivers are more aware of their driving behaviour. It means companies can uncover hidden liabilities such as fraudulent overtime claims and are able to increase vehicle security by constantly keeping track of where their fleet are, ensuring the full safety of their drivers and the goods that they carry.

Dominic Donaldson is an expert in GPS Technology
Find out more about vehicle tracking and why it could be so beneficial to your business.