There are different types of vehicle tracking devices currently available in the market and all devices have their own advantages and disadvantages.
One may choose a suitable device based on his/her specific individual or business needs.
What are Vehicle tracking devices?
Vehicle tracking devices are electronic devices that are used to track and monitor a vehicle.
These devices mostly use GPS (Global Positioning System) technology to provide real-time information on your vehicles which includes location, speed, stoppages, odometer reading etc.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits and the different types of vehicle tracking devices currently available in the market.
Benefits of Vehicle Tracking Devices
Vehicle tracking devices offer a wide range of benefits that help your business streamline the operations, reduce operational expenses and improve overall performance of your fleets.
Let’s discuss in detail about the major benefits of using a vehicle tracking device.
- Real-time vehicle information
One of the primary benefits of using vehicle tracking devices is that they provide real-time vehicle information such as location, speed, stoppages, odometer reading, fuel level/usage, ignition, door, air condition status etc.
Having realtime information on vehicles and assets helps you regain control of your fleet operations.
- Reduced fleet maintenance cost
Second major benefit of using a vehicle tracking device is that it helps in reduced fleet maintenance/operational expenses.
Latest vehicle tracking systems when integrated with advanced fleet management software (with diagnostic features) lets you monitor key aspects of your vehicle health.
Also, analysing the data received from fleet management software can help you perform timely maintenance and eliminate unexpected expenses.
- Increased life span of vehicles
Apart from reducing the maintenance cost, timely servicing and maintenance of your vehicles can also help increase the lifespan of your vehicles and parts.
- Driver behavioural monitoring:
Another major benefit of using a vehicle tracking device is that it helps in tracking your driver behaviour on the road.
A fleet management system integrated with a vehicle tracking system can provide you information and alerts on any rash driving events such as overspeeding, harsh braking, sudden acceleration etc.
Alerts and information on driver behaviour can help promote better driving habits and reduce the risk of accidents.
- Enhanced safety and security:
Enhanced safety and security is another major benefit of using a vehicle tracking device.
Vehicle tracking devices when used with a fleet management system can alert you against a theft or unauthorised usage of your vehicles and help you track a stolen vehicle easily.
- Improved Customer Service:
When it comes to using a vehicle tracking device for business needs, you can be sure that it can help you improve your service to a great extent.
For instance, if your customer is awaiting a package, the feature in an advanced vehicle tracking software (integrated with a tracking device) lets you share real time information on their shipments and estimated time of arrival of their delivery.
Different types of vehicle tracking devices
In the preceding paragraphs, we have discussed in detail about the benefits of using a vehicle tracking device. Let’s now see in detail the different types of vehicle tracking devices that are currently available in the market.
If you are clear about your specific requirement of using a vehicle tracking device, choosing the right one from the different devices currently available in the market won’t be a difficult task.
Here is a list of the different types of vehicle tracking devices currently available in the market:
- Hardwired GPS Tracking Devices:
This is one of the most popular types of tracking device. These devices can be installed in any type of vehicle such as cars, trucks, boats etc. Hardwired GPS devices are usually installed under the dashboard or behind the glove compartment.
Latest models of hardwired devices are equipped with features that allow you to control your vehicle remotely, meaning, you can mobilise or immobilise a vehicle remotely.
Also, these devices (specific GPS device models) can be used for fuel monitoring purposes since it features the option to connect a fuel sensor installed in the vehicle fuel tank.
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- OBD GPS Tracking Devices:
OBD or on-board diagnostics tracking devices are plug-and-play devices which are connected directly to an OBD port of the vehicle.
This is one of the GPS devices which is very easy to install. Using an OBD device, you can retrieve information such as engine RPM, vehicle speed, fuel usage etc.
- Battery-Powered vehicle Tracking Devices:
Battery powered vehicle tracking devices that are powered by rechargeable or replaceable batteries. The main highlight of these types of devices are they don’t require any sort of wiring and can be placed anywhere in a vehicle.
Battery powered vehicle tracking devices provide real-time location data and these are suitable for personal vehicles or businesses with a limited number of vehicles.
- Satellite navigation device:
Satellite navigation device or Satnav device uses one or more global navigation satellite systems or GNSS to compute the device’s geographical location.
These devices are quite suitable for vehicles that travel in remote locations with no or very less GPRS network.
A major drawback of these devices is they are a bit expensive compared to other types of devices.
So, to conclude, choosing the right type of vehicle tracking device can help you manage your fleets more effectively and efficiently.
