What is a GPS navigation system for trucks
A standard GPS vehicle monitoring system consists of two main components:
the actual GPS trackers for trucks;
software.
A tracker is special equipment with a GPS signal receiving module. It can additionally be equipped with various sensors: temperature, fuel level, engine speed, engine hours, door opening and closing, etc.
Software helps convert the received data into a format understandable to the user. As a rule, this is a mobile application or a program that can be installed on a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. The amount of data and the format of information presentation directly depend on the software manufacturer and the selected tracker model.
How GPS monitoring of trucks works
GPS vehicle monitoring is possible thanks to satellites in orbit. The compact device receives a signal from them, measures its transmission speed, thereby determining its current location. Then the device converts the data into familiar coordinates and sends it to the server. And only then does it become available to users.
Depending on the tracker model and its settings, signal recording can occur at different intervals. Usually this is 30–60 seconds while moving, and from 10 minutes to several hours at stops. A series of coordinates draws the user an accurate route of the vehicle — a "track".
What benefits does GPS tracking bring to business
Installing additional sensors on the equipment allows, in addition to monitoring vehicle movement:
control the speed of the vehicle;
track the fuel level and its consumption;
control refueling and fuel draining;
count the number of engine hours;
receive a notification in case of vehicle theft, accident, and much more.
Thus, installing GPS monitoring opens up a whole range of opportunities for businessmen:
minimizes the risk of fuel draining;
prevents route violations, speeding by the driver, unscheduled downtime;
excludes the use of the vehicle by drivers for personal purposes;
allows you to quickly respond to an unforeseen situation on the road;
reduces the cost of maintaining the vehicle fleet;
allows you to remotely assess the qualifications of employees.
It is important to understand that navigation control is a comprehensive solution that helps improve the company's logistics as a whole.
What to pay attention to when choosing software for tracking trucks
When choosing software, it is important to consider the following points:
data storage period;
coordinate sending period;
language support;
graphics quality;
automatic update of road information;
loading speed;
interface convenience;
the ability to create custom maps.
It is great if the software and the trackers themselves are produced by the same company. In this case, you are guaranteed correct operation of the application and accuracy of the data obtained.
