Using GPS Tracking as a Fleet Management Technique

GPS tracking devices can be found in almost all of the new cars being manufactured today. Finding one that does not have a GPS unit preinstalled in it is very hard to do. Many companies are now using them as a system of fleet management. Individuals and companies alike find them useful for providing driving directions and pinpointing obscure locations.

Widening the Use of GPS

The infamous global positioning system has more value than just being used for driving directions. Many communities are now considering using them as a safety device for some of their disabled citizens, allowing them to be located at any time.

Project Lifesaver is now underway in Dakota County. This project was developed to protect those citizens with autism, Alzheimer's and other diseases that affect a person mentally. These citizens will be able to wear a special bracelet that has a fleet management tracking device implanted in it.

GPS tracking systems have found a new outlet with one company in the UK. This unique use is for the purpose of providing better food retail management. Everyone who has ever worked in the food service industry knows that suppliers have to be on-time or early for their deliveries. When a supplier is late, the restaurant loses business and the supplier can ultimately be eliminated.

PHS Teacrate is a UK based company that specializes in crate rentals. Recently they installed GPS units in each of their collection and delivery vehicles. Through the use of these GPS units, route managers and dispatchers are able to track the drivers whereabouts during the day and make the necessary adjustments to their route as customer call and make requests. They can also use the information provided by the unit to accurate predict a window of time that a customer can expect a delivery or collection. The use of these systems has resulted in a significant increase in the company's profit margin by reducing both mileage traveled by the drivers and response times to customer requests.

Recently, schools within Mobile County are finding that they are experiencing unusually large numbers of copper thefts. For example, last summer alone saw 40 different copper units stolen from five different schools. School officials are now considering installing a GPS tracking device on each copper unit in order to catch the thieves. Because of the high price being offered for copper by recyclers, this may be the only way to put a stop to the thefts.

The copper coils in most commercial units weigh about 50 to 70 pounds and are large enough to effectively hide a tiny GPS tracking device. Their small size makes them very hard to detect, even for the experienced thief.

Manufacturers of GPS systems and fleet management devices are highly optimistic that they will see an increase in business due to rising crime rates and the poor economy. The many other uses being found every day for these units also helps to boost the optimism of these companies regarding the future of the GPS unit. It is likely that GPS will be a term that is heard for many years to come.