| In the world of GPS Tracking, showing a | | | | sent by these devices includes at least the |
| vehicle in a map is just the tip of the | | | | position in terms of Latitude and Longitude, |
| iceberg. However, this is how most companies | | | | the speed, the direction (north, south, east, |
| get started in this revolutionary technology. | | | | etc.), the date and the time. Other devices |
| When a GPS Tracking System is installed to do | | | | include more sophisticated information such |
| fleet tracking, companies start realizing the | | | | as Ignition status, doors status, on-board |
| huge impact that it has in their logistic | | | | engine diagnostic, etc. Samples of companies |
| processes. Main benefits include fuel cost | | | | that provide this type of products are also |
| control, overtime minimized, customer service | | | | multiple, and can be found by tons with any |
| improved, etc. From a Basic GPS Tracking | | | | search in a search engine like Google. |
| companies start looking to more sophisticated | | | | |
| solutions that bring the full potential of | | | | The GPS Tracking Solutions are usually |
| benefits. | | | | provided as web applications, more than |
| | | | applications that have to be downloaded and |
| This is Part 1 of a series of 10 articles in | | | | installed in users' computers. When looking |
| which I will present how a GPS Tracking | | | | for a GPS Tracking solution, the market |
| system can REALLY make a difference in a | | | | offers a lot of options to pick from. Many |
| company's performance. This first part will | | | | companies will offer to their users Tracking |
| start by introducing some basic concepts | | | | solutions that can be accessed via web, and |
| related these technologies, so I and my | | | | that allows to keep track of the vehicles of |
| readers have a common framework to work with. | | | | the companies in a map and in several |
| | | | reports. |
| There are many applications for the GPS | | | | |
| TRACKING technology that can be divided into | | | | Once a company or an individual decides to go |
| two main groups: NAVIGATION and TRACKING. | | | | into this technology, the first question that |
| | | | has to be solved is: What type of GPS System |
| Navigation is related to devices that are | | | | I need? Is it a Tracking System? Or a |
| installed in the vehicles and that provide | | | | Navigation System? It is very common to start |
| on-board navigation information. The user | | | | shopping around without a clear understanding |
| will usually enter a destination address and | | | | of what is needed. The orientation of these |
| will start receiving audio and visual | | | | articles will be GPS Tracking Solutions. GPS |
| directions on how to arrive to that place. | | | | Navigation will be subject of a future |
| Samples of these devices are seen in almost | | | | article. And this first article severs as a |
| every computer store, and the most recognized | | | | starting point to understand and identify |
| brands are Garmin, TomTom, and others. | | | | what the needs are on each particular case. |
| | | | |
| Tracking is related to devices installed in | | | | In the next article I will discuss some |
| the vehicles that send information about the | | | | additional terms related to GPS Tracking and |
| vehicle to computer programs where the | | | | will start going into its applications in the |
| information is processed and presented to | | | | day to day processes. |
| users in maps and reports. The information | | | | |