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What to Look for When Choosing a Vehicle Tracking System
How to Identify the Most Effective GPS Vehicle Tracker for Your Fleet
Operations managers are always looking for ways to maximize travel safety and efficiency while reducing associated costs. One way to do this is by selecting a vehicle tracking solution that monitors and reports data related to diagnostic activity and driver behavior. These GPS vehicle trackers capture important information to help identify areas for business optimization.
However, not all tracking devices are created equal, and distinct qualities define the best ones. This article contains key features and functionalities to look out for when comparing GPS tracking options for your fleet. These critical capabilities and connectivity options (such as dual-mode, cellular, and satellite coverage) can not only assist with improving safety measures and reducing operational costs, but they can also help facilitate needs such as:
- Total Vehicle Support
- Dual-Mode Connectivity (Cellular & Satellite Networks)
- Time/Location Identification
- Network, Phone, & Global Internet Access
- Crash Detection and Harsh Driving Indicators
- Secure Network Requirements
- Technical Specifications & Integrations (e.g., Cargo Identification, RFID, 2-Way Bluetooth Connectivity, Multiple Sensor Ports)
Read more to learn more about the benefits of these top vehicle tracking services.
Total Vehicle Support
Using a comprehensive GPS solution for tracking and fleet management helps reduce maintenance and downtime of device installation, upkeep, and training. Diagnostics readings and sensor controls, for example, allow visibility into vehicle and driver behavior. Activities such as hard braking, excessive idling, and route changes are just a few of the many action-based events monitored by advanced GPS tracking systems. Operations managers can even set up auto alerts to receive real-time notifications to their emails or phones.
Dual-Mode Connectivity (Cellular & Satellite Networks)
Look for devices that are dual-mode and least-cost routing. These specific functionalities enable the device to leverage cellular service when available. However, if cellular connectivity becomes poor or temporarily offline, it will automatically switch to satellite service.
The satellite technology should leverage LEO (Low-Earth Orbit) satellites for reliable connection in any weather, anywhere in the world. Iridium®, a leading satellite service provider, powers a LEO constellation of 66 satellites, offering continuous global coverage for remote and mobile operations.
Time/Location Identification
Time and location identification is critical, especially in the event of an emergency. Selecting a vehicle management solution that can support both large and small fleets can help safeguard your workforce, address preventative vehicle maintenance needs, and reduce emergency response time (should an accident occur). A user portal that displays driver locations and details can also assist with early risk detection, theft prevention, and travel time with just the click of a mouse.
Network, Phone, & Global Internet Access
Reliable network connectivity, 2-way communications, and internet access via your GPS vehicle tracker reduces the number of devices needed within each vehicle, downtime for device installation and maintenance, and training time for operations managers and drivers. These capabilities also provide added security and efficiency for your fleet. Dual-mode connectivity enhances these functionalities as access will remain available to the driver even when situated in remote or austere locations.
Crash Detection and Harsh Driving Indicators
Accelerometers assist with identifying at-risk driver behaviors such as harsh braking, hard acceleration, excessive idling, and long periods between ignition start and stop. Using these metrics as a performance goal can help curb unwanted driving behaviors and reduce roadway risks, including collisions. Safer drivers can also positively influence customer satisfaction rates and company reputation.
In addition to supporting safer roadways, these metrics can help with scheduling regular vehicle maintenance, including oil changes, new brake pads, and tire rotations. Regular maintenance minimizes the risk of vehicle breakdown and downtime between scheduled jobs. You may also find that vehicles last longer, resulting in decreased long-term operational costs.
Secure Network Requirements
For valuable payloads, private facilities, or worksites located in volatile areas, a secure network helps to keep information, cargo, and employees protected from threats. If a threatening situation were to occur, an easy-to-access SOS button arranged on the GPS vehicle tracker will alert emergency response personnel right away. For off-site operations crew, managers can view important fleet details through a secure online platform. This platform may come with various levels of user permissions for greater data security, even within the organization.
Technical Specifications & Integrations (e.g., Cargo Identification, RFID, 2-Way Bluetooth Connectivity, Multiple Sensor Ports)
Two-way Bluetooth connectivity provides the most comprehensive visibility and utility of a GPS vehicle tracker. Additionally, having the flexibility to connect other sensors with temperature-regulated cargo, RFID (radio-frequency identification), or other tracking/tamper-proof sensors, helps to ensure goods are safely transported to their destination.
Minimizing Costs While Maximizing Safety and Efficiency
With a GPS vehicle tracker that includes a comprehensive suite of features and functionalities, operations managers are sure to experience lower overhead costs and improved safety. So where do you begin your search? Let us introduce the HawkEye 5500.
The HawkEye 5500 by Blue Sky Network checks all the right boxes to help operations managers achieve their goals. This advanced dual-mode vehicle tracking and telematics solution uses both Iridium satellite and local GSM networks for continuous on-the-move coverage. It is compatible with both light and heavy-duty vehicles offering additional sensor ports for advanced cargo monitoring. The HawkEye 5500 provides global communications, professional-grade reporting features, and invaluable insights for a complete solution that will improve the safety and efficiency of your fleet.
The HawkEye 5500 is often installed into vehicles servicing military, law enforcement, search and rescue, and disaster response operations or for fleets located in areas where cellular service is unreliable. Other popular use cases include mining, long-haul trucking, border protection, and private security.
The HawkEye 5500 solution integrates seamlessly with SkyRouter, a fleet management user platform, for complete visibility of all connected assets. SkyRouter communicates with Blue Sky Network hardware, such as the HawkEye 5500, to provide a secure web interface that displays positions on various overlay maps. It also handles two-way message traffic, events, alerts, and telematics data.
Visit blueskynetwork.com/hawkeye-5500 for more information about the HawkEye5500 GPS vehicle tracker.
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