GPS is a satellite constellation that delivers free, accurate positioning data to anyone with a receiver. These devices include smart watches, automobiles, and boats.
The global positioning system has many benefits for hikers, hunters, snowmobilers, mountain bikers; Secure Your Vehicle and others. It also helps save business operating costs. For example, companies that bill by the hour can use GPS tracking to record equipment locations.
Get Help in an Emergency
The most basic GPS system consists of satellites, ground stations and receivers. The satellites send signals that tell a GPS receiver where it is on Earth, with the accuracy of about one to 10 meters, depending on how sophisticated the receiver is.
With cell towers down, GPS is often the only way to communicate where you are in an emergency situation. That information allows first responders to find you more quickly and efficiently.
Surveyors, scientists, pilots, boat captains and other professionals use GPS on a daily basis for navigation, tracking objects or locations and taking precise time measurements. Dispatchers also use GPS to ensure that ambulance drivers are not driving into traffic or going over speed thresholds, saving valuable lives while minimizing wasted time. This is a huge benefit, especially in large-scale disasters like Hurricane Katrina or the 2005 Pakistan-India earthquake. These disasters cause massive damage to power lines that can affect tens of miles and leave thousands without electricity.
Keep Your Teens Safe
While parents are happy that their kids are finally old enough to drive, they worry about their safety behind the wheel. Their inexperience and impulsive behavior put them at risk of car accidents, injuries and even fatalities.
GPS trackers help keep teens safe by providing live monitoring. These devices use networks of satellites to pinpoint locations, so parents can see exactly where their teens are at any given time. Many also come with geofencing capabilities, which allow parents to set virtual boundaries around their home and other areas. If the teen leaves these zones, the parent will receive a notification.
Additionally, a GPS can be placed in a vehicle to monitor driving habits. These systems tally speed trends, hard braking, sharp turns and more to provide data on a driver’s performance behind the wheel. This allows parents to address driving concerns with their kids and helps them understand the importance of following the rules. It may even save them money on insurance rates as it provides proof of responsibility.
Save Your Business Operating Costs
GPS helps businesses reduce costs by allowing for route optimization, tracking and inventory control. Construction firms, off-road trucking and other industries that rely on assets can use the system to help monitor asset usage.
GPS devices also don’t require cellular or mobile coverage to work, which is great for those working in remote areas where cell service may be unreliable. Many GPS units are ruggedized and waterproof, and they operate on AA batteries that can last up to 20 hours.
Fleet owners can use GPS to track driver behavior, which can improve safety and reduce maintenance costs. A GPS device can record speeds, harsh braking and excessive idling, which helps to coach drivers to be safer and more efficient. Additionally, a GPS system can track drive time for accurate timesheets that help avoid overtime costs. A single hour of overtime can cost a business $30 an hour, according to studies.iii
Track Your Trucks
Whether your fleet of trucks hauls cargo or delivers services to customers, you need to be able to locate vehicles and equipment to meet delivery deadlines. Truck GPS tracking helps reduce business operating costs by optimizing routes, reducing fuel usage, monitoring driver behavior and managing compliance (HOS, DVIR).
Many trucking companies also use a GPS tracker to help combat vehicle and cargo theft. Today’s truck GPS devices identify ignition status, odometer information and other critical details to provide the ability to remotely monitor your vehicles. Some GPS solutions include a Motive fuel card to help you detect and prevent fuel fraud as well.
A reliable truck GPS system allows businesses to cut fuel waste caused by idling and excessive speeding. They can also alert drivers to unauthorized activity such as driving during non-work hours and when the truck enters or exits specific locations. This can save your company money on maintenance and repair costs and improve customer satisfaction by ensuring that your vehicles arrive when they should.
