GPS tracking systems or vehicle GPS tracking system is a type of fleet management system. With vehicle GPS tracking, the routes and locations of vehicles can be tracked live or recorded and documented.
Why is this helpful? Solutions that vehicle GPS tracking can offer include:
- Saving on fuel costs
- Preventing vehicle misuse
- Finding the right drivers and vehicles
- Improving your customer service
- Preventing theft
But, which vehicle GPS tracking is best? How do you decide which company to go with? To find out, download our GPS Tracking System Guide below!
Why should you get a Car GPS Tracking System?
A vehicle GPS tracking system offers several solutions that could save your company time, money and hassle in the future. These solutions include:
1. Saving on fuel costs
Most vehicle GPS tracking systems (like Vimcar’s fleet software) come with driver tracking and scoring. This enables you to score your drivers’ efficiency, identify any fuel-wasting activity (like speeding, idling or harsh cornering) and help you cut back on your fleet’s second-biggest expenditure: petrol costs.
Plus, by looking at your fleet’s Route History you can see if any of your routes can be optimised, eliminating any route overlaps or unnecessary stops.
2. Preventing vehicle misuse
By reviewing your Route History, you can also ensure that all your vehicles were driven the way they should be and not used for unpermitted purposes. Most vehicle GPS tracking systems also allow you to create custom notifications. You can then get alerted, for instance, when a vehicle leaves your premises outside of business hours.
3. Preventing theft
Keeping track of your vehicles’ whereabouts can also ensure your company cars are not vulnerable to car theft.
You can get alerted of any suspicious activity and, should the worse happen, you can use your vehicle’s GPS tracking system to notify the authorities of the stolen vehicle’s exact location.
4. Finding the right drivers and vehicles
With GPS tracking systems you can always send your nearest driver to a customer location. Whenever you get a customer request, you can send whichever driver can get there quicker.
You can also find out, at a quick glance, which vehicles are on the road and which are at the office, available for use.
5. Improving your customer service
Update your customers with accurate ETAs, without having to call your driver; serve more customers in one day with a more efficient fleet; and always have proof of a delivery/drop off/job attendance, even when your customers aren’t around.
Vimcar’s GPS vehicle tracking system
Vimcar’s GPS vehicle tracking system could be what your business is looking for. We can offer:
- Flexible pricing, with no hidden costs
- Free self-installation in minutes
- Excellent customer service (just take a look at our Trustpilot)
- 30-day money-back guarantee
FAQs on GPS Tracking System
Is There A Car GPS Tracking UK With No Monthly Fee?
There are Car GPS tracking UK available with no monthly fee. However, they are not recommended as they come with high ongoing costs. If you can afford a car GPS tracker, it is better to go for a subscription model which is more scalable and per your needs.
The best way to find the right Car GPS tracking UK for your needs is to do some research and find out what features you need. Some features require monthly fees and higher ongoing costs, while others have a one-time charge and lower ongoing costs.
Where Is The Best Place To Put A GPS Tracker On A Car?
There are two main ways to put a Car GPS tracking UK on a car. The first way is to install it into the OBD interface. In this scenario, the device would be connected to the car’s battery via a wire, requiring regular replacement, transport, and installation costs. The other way is to put it into the car’s dashboard. This tracker will be installed through an adhesive sticker that should not need any different maintenance or installation costs.
Determining where you should place your GPS tracker depends on your goals and what you value as a driver, so finding out where your best option is for you can be difficult without first researching.
Can A UK Employer Put A Car GPS tracking UK On My Car?
In the UK, employers can legally track employees through Car GPS tracking UK devices on their vehicles. Employers are only allowed to use this measure as a last resort and can only use it for as long as necessary. They must also provide a written report on the device’s use and give employees access to the data that have been collected. It is not illegal for an employer to put Car GPS tracking UK on employees’ cars to monitor their movements. However, some rules must be followed, such as:
- The employee must be given written notice of the device’s use.
- The employer has to prove that they’ve employed the employee by showing a list of their employment history or pay slips.
- The employer has a legal responsibility to inform the employee that their vehicle is being tracked and hide the tracker.
- Vehicles used by employees beyond working hours should have some level of privacy
- Data collected must adhere to the GDPR data protection regulations
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Car GPS Tracking UK?
Installing a Car GPS tracking UK can be costly, with the costs between ÂŁ50-100 depending on the type. The cost of installing a tracker depends on the type you choose and how long it will track. Basic Car GPS tracking UK typically cost around ÂŁ7.50 per vehicle, while active tracking systems outright will cost you around ÂŁ 200 per unit. Passive GPS tracking systems are not expensive, and they usually range from ÂŁ50-ÂŁ100 per month.
How Do GPS Tracking Systems Work?
GPS systems are based on the Global Positioning System, which is used for navigation purposes with the help of satellites. A transmitter mounted inside the vehicle communicates the exact position of the car at regular intervals. Accuracies of a few meters can be maintained. On curves or when changing direction, the vehicle GPS tracking box will send more frequent signals so that the route is transmitted correctly.
The receiver module records these signals and displays them on a map or as geographical information. In a fleet of vehicles, several GPS systems can be managed via a common interface. This enables dispatchers to monitor the location and movements of the cars and vans at all times and to take corrective action if necessary. In addition to optimising delivery routes and passenger transport, GPS tracking in the car also serves to protect against theft. Should a vehicle be stolen, it can be quickly located via the tracking system.
Pt.I – Installation of GPS tracker for cars
Tracking systems consist of two components: a vehicle GPS tracker installed on or inside the vehicle and a software. The GPS tracker for cars is a compact component that can be integrated inconspicuously at various locations. There are three possibilities for installation:
- Cigarette lighter
- Car battery
- Power supply of the vehicle, such as an OBD interface
Depending on the hardware, installation of a GPS tracking system can be done in three easy steps or require a paid visit to a garage. The placement of the GPS tracker for cars and the ease and cost of installation and uninstallation are important factors to consider when choosing a product and a provider.
Pt.II – Data Security and collection
GPS devices for the car collect a variety of data that goes far beyond the mere location of the vehicle. The data is transmitted via the GSM mobile phone network, recorded in the corresponding software and then can be processed. Depending on the system used, GPS vehicle tracking devices can collect data on parameters such as speed, idle times, as well as information concerning engine performance.
By determining the location alone, vehicle GPS tracking devices allow numerous usage scenarios:
- Working hours are recorded
- Vehicle usage can be monitored
- Proof can be provided that a company vehicle is not being used inappropriately
Benefits Of GPS Tracking Systems
GPS systems are a highly popular solution for company fleet vehicles. They have many benefits to knowing the exact location of your fleet while out in the field or on the road. Private individuals can also benefit from a GPS tracker for cars if their vehicle is used by several people or is parked in densely populated areas. Ultimately, this kind of system can save miles and therefore money.
Optimisation Of Fleet Vehicles With GPS Tracking
Knowing where your fleet is located has significant advantages regardless of your sector or industry:
- Optimised route and time planning
- Distribution of tasks according to vehicle location
- Automated time recording and electronic logbook
Ultimately, vehicle GPS tracking devices can save time and money. They increase safety and simplify resource planning and the billing of drivers and employees.
— Advantages of GPS tracker for cars:
- Full traceability
- Improved driver and vehicle safety
- Lower costs
- Route optimisation
- Vehicle security and theft prevention
A proper vehicle GPS tracking system offers optimal and constant tracking of the entire company fleet while keeping your data safe. The software behind such a system displays the locations and movement data of all vehicles equipped with GPS transmitters. In this way, for example, the vehicle fleet can be optimised and car sharing services can offer their customers better service. Location systems also open up a wide range of options in terms of safety, such as stolen vehicles being tracked down and returned.
— Disadvantages of GPS tracker for cars:
- Vehicles parked in underground car parks are sometimes not able to be recorded
- GPS signal can be disabled by signal jammers
- Possibly no position determination with disconnected car battery
The signal from a GPS transmitter can be switched off with special jamming devices. If the GPS system fails, vehicle GPS tracking is no longer possible. A technical failure fortunately is a scenario with a low probability. It is more common for a vehicle to be parked in such a way that it cannot be tracked, for example in underground car parks. Depending on the model, some devices do not provide data when the car battery is disconnected. It is important to speak with your vehicle tracking provider regarding these shortcomings.
4 Industries That Should Use A GPS Tracking System
The installation of a tracking system in a vehicle is worthwhile for the following companies, among others:
- Haulage companies and freight forwarders
- Passenger transport and taxis
- Rescue Services
- Car rental and car sharing companies
- Company car fleets
- Luxury cars
- Custody transports, courier services
1. Hauliers and Freight Forwarders
Carriers and hauler companies should monitor their driver routes and intervene if necessary to arrange for additional loading or a change of route. If urgent consignments have to be transported, traffic jams or obstructions can be smartly avoided all with the data from a GPS tracker. In the event of a maintenance issue or vehicle accident, replacement vehicles can be quickly found nearby to either provide assistance or pick up the goods from and transport them further.
2. Passenger Transportation
For passenger transport, taxi drivers, and even rescue services, GPS tracking systems can be used to optimise operations. In the head office, employees can see at which points vehicles are currently located. If there is a current need, they direct the free capacities with the shortest route directly to the place of action. This reduces waiting times for customers or accident victims.
3. Car Rental and Car Sharing
GPS tracking systems have helped expand the options in which car rental and car sharing companies operate. A vehicle GPS tracking can be used to determine the location of vehicles at any time with pinpoint accuracy making it more practical to handover cars to customers when there is no fixed car rental location. This also helps the rental companies have an overview of where their vehicles are currently located and whether the agreements on the radius of action (distances, permitted countries) are being adhered to.
4. Company Fleet Vehicles and Car GPS System
Company cars and pool vehicles can be greatly optimised by a tracking system, just like the vehicles of the forwarding agencies. Instead of assigning a specific car to a person, the cars can be distributed according to tasks and destinations. For high-priced private vehicles, the GPS tracking system is an important tool for theft protection. Geofencing solutions trigger a silent alarm on a mobile phone or via email if the vehicle in question moves without authorisation or leaves a certain predefined radius or area.
Rules Around GPS Tracking Systems in Britain
A common issue for employers and fleet managers is figuring out the UK rules around installing a GPS tracking system. While there is no specific legislation that covers vehicle tracking, employers must comply with UK privacy laws. Here are the two elements to focus on to ensure your tracking system is within the law:
- You must inform your employees if you are using a GPS tracking system and when you plan to track them
- You cannot monitor your employees outside their working hours
Common Practices When Using A GPS Tracking System
There are some measures that businesses can take when implementing GPS tracking to minimise discomfort and stress. They include the following:
- Employees must understand and accept that GPS vehicle tracking systems will be on during working hours is an accepted business practice. However, the monitoring should be restricted or on-duty time and should never move into employees’ personal lives.
- Employees must carefully read the company’s tracking policies to determine when the tracking starts and ends, plus ask any questions. Cooperative communication with employers on tracking matters will help build trust and provide acceptable outcomes.
- Employers thinking of implementing a GPS tracking system should first establish the business reasons to do so—for instance, in improving safety, operational efficiency, etc. The reason should be demonstrable to employees for easier acceptance.
- Employers should have a comprehensive GPS car tracking policy that is readily available for existing employees and new hires. The policy should define the gps vehicle tracking system’s scope, business purpose, and whether it’s continuous, one-off, etc.
- Use incentives like company recognition or financial rewards to motivate responsible drivers that meet your best-driving criteria based on GPS tracking data.
Fleet Geo is a reliable GPS car tracking and telematics system that is now available for the UK market. Contact us today to learn more about how our fleet management solution can help your business.
Vehicle GPS Tracking Systems And Fuel
Let’s face it, fuel prices are on the rise, and everybody is searching for ways to minimise how fleets consume fuel. Although there many different methods that have been suggested by governmental and private organisations, none beats the advantage that any fleet owner can get from vehicle GPS tracking systems.
For anyone running a small or huge enterprise involving a fleet, vehicle GPS tracking systems help you save on fuel, improve on services provided to the customers, and prevent your fleet from getting stolen, a common phenomenon in the UK.
Does vehicle GPS tracking save you on fuel?
For fleet managers, this is the part that you’ve all been waiting for. With fuel prices skyrocketing on a daily basis, you would want to find ways to save on fuel without necessarily affecting your business.
Research has shown that those who invest in-vehicle GPS trackers save up to 15% of the total sum of money that would be spent on fuel. By keeping records of your fleet mileage, you are able to save on fuel consumption in the long term. The data you receive from vehicle GPS tracking systems allows you to make an informed decision concerning the routes to be followed by your fleet.
There are numerous benefits that a business experiences when mileage is reduced. Trusted sources have shown that a lot of money is spent on fuel, making it the second-largest cost for fleets. Mileage reduction allows you to save on money that would later be directed to other aspects of the business.
Wrap Up: What Is A GPS Tracker For Cars?
Vehicle GPS tracking systems have a wide field of use, from passenger transport and taxis to company car fleets. Freight forwarders and companies providing car rental services can also benefit from the same.
What do our customer have to say about Vimcar’s Vehicle GPS Systems?
Just about every business sector faces distinct obstacles when it comes to fleet management. Vimcar serves a broad customer base that encompasses several key industry sectors, providing tailored GPS tracking systems to help mobilise fleets, improve route efficiency and drive productivity in the right direction. Vimcar’s vehicle GPS systems aren’t just reserved for large-scale enterprises within fleet-reliant sectors. In fact, even the smallest fleet can benefit from the innovative features provided by Vimcar’s user-friendly and ever-reliable vehicle GPS systems.
Vehicle GPS Systems For Security Services
The benefits of a reliable GPS tracking system are particularly apparent when it comes to the security sector. One organisation that capitalised on the innovative features of Vimcar’s vehicle GPS systems is Wright’s K9 Security Services. This company stands apart from many competitors in the security sector, transporting specially-trained dogs and security personnel to emergency situations.
One of the biggest issues facing Wright’s K9 Security Services was the misuse of company vehicles. By installing Fleet Geo GPS tracking systems to all vehicles within the K9 fleet, company founder Allum Wright was able to access the live location of any driver, as well as assess previous route history.
“Fleet Geo allowed me to monitor drivers’ speeds and distances: I can see if there have been any discrepancies with employees logging in their working times,” Wright says.
The geofencing functionality of Vimcar’s GPS tracking systems also benefited operations, with Allum now able to receive notifications whenever a driver departs from a depot, allowing him to provide an accurate ETA to customers.
GPS Tracking Systems For The Construction Sector
The construction sector is dependant on reliable vehicle tracking, no matter how large or small the enterprise. However, a dependable GPS tracking system is particularly crucial for smaller businesses with a limited fleet size. KA Page Groundwork has been in the construction business for more than 30 years and depends on the smooth-running of its fleet to meet the demands of its customers and maintain the first-rate reputation it has spent years cultivating.
One of the biggest challenges facing KA Page Groundwork was the potential for vehicle theft. With a fleet size of 8, just a single stolen vehicle could result in significant business disruption. With Vimcar’s Fleet Geo vehicle GPS system, company director Kevin Page can instantly ensure every vehicle within his fleet is exactly where it should be. Customisable alert features also mean any suspicious vehicle activity is immediately flagged for review.
Vimcar’s GPS tracking systems also provide Kevin with an easy way to monitor staff productivity. Kevin has tailored Fleet Geo within his operation to deliver customised alerts when drivers return to the main business premises, letting him know which drivers are currently available to be deployed to the next job.
Vimcar Vehicle GPS Systems And The Food Industry
Vimcar’s vehicle GPS systems have also been utilised with great success by companies within the food services sector. A case in point is Doherty’s Meats, a family-operated business based in Northern Ireland. Prompt delivery of fresh produce is at the heart of the Doherty’s Meats business model, with many customers requiring several deliveries every week.
Doherty’s Meats has utilised Vimcar’s Fleet Geo vehicle GPS tracking system to streamline fleet management and optimise driver routes. This ensures multiple drivers are never covering the same ground unnecessarily.
“We cover the whole of Northern Ireland so looking at route history is really important for us,” says Brian McQuaid, Sales and Marketing Manager for Doherty’s Meats. By utilising Vimcar’s Fleet Geo vehicle GPS system, Doherty’s Meats can now instantly ensure no two vehicles are servicing the same delivery areas, while also allowing for any route clashes to be quickly rectified.
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