The Global Positioning System (GPS) is an important tool for fleet management. It ensures that companies operate safely and efficiently and increase their productivity. Choosing the best GPS tracker is a challenge for most people because many options exist.
The most important thing is that you have the proper GPS devices to achieve the set goals effortlessly. Using a GPS tracker that doesn't suit your needs can quickly become a hindrance instead of a solution.
To help you make the right choice, we've put together essential tips that will enable you to select a hidden GPS tracker that fits your operational needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Hidden GPS Tracker for Your Needs
What You Want To Track
The first step in choosing a suitable GPS tracking device to meet your needs is to know what you want to track. Are you tracking a truck or small vehicles? Do you want to track mobile equipment like a generator or refrigerated trailer? For all of these cases, you'll need different GPS trackers with different features.
The GPS tracker can be complicated. Some GPS devices are specifically designed for experts like private investigators or fleets to provide detailed telematics data. If you're looking for a GPS tracker for personal use, you should choose an easy installation, setup, and use option. GPS Devices with many buttons are confusing and difficult to use if you need help understanding the instructions.
Also, you should consider a waterproof tracker if you want to track objects or people outdoors. RAM Tracking vehicle tracker like RAM tracking is an example of a waterproof tracker with an emergency alert function and geofencing. The tracker is also very versatile, as it can be powered by either an external DC or a battery.
Periodic Updates Versus Real-time Tracking Options
Real-time tracking benefits most businesses because it can more accurately determine the vehicle's location at any time. The GPS tracker, which provides regular updates, only sporadic updates according to the set schedule as the vehicle moves from one location to another.
When it comes to efficiency, real-time tracking helps respond quickly to emergencies. Therefore, it's ideal for law enforcement and government agencies. You can use the hidden GPS trackers on your fleet vehicles and also incorporate fleet management software such as geo-fencing to ensure that you receive a real-time notification every time the vehicles enter or leave a specific location.
RAM Tracking's vehicle tracker is the best solution for fleet managers who need real-time communication instead of regular updates. The GPS tracking monitors vehicle location, driver performance, and safety for your peace of mind. Since the RAM Tracking vehicle tracker is equipped with motion sensors, it minimizes power consumption when the vehicle or equipment is disabled or in a stationary position.
Short-Term Versus Long-Term Tracking
The GPS tracker you choose depends largely on how long you plan to use it. Suppose you need a GPS tracker for an extended period. In that case, you should consider an option that is connected to a reliable power supply to ensure that you receive updates as expected.
What You're Monitoring
With the advancement of technology, high-quality and modern GPS trackers allow you to do more than just track the location of assets or vehicles. So if you want to stay updated and know exactly how the driver and the vehicle are doing, you need to choose a GPS tracker that offers just that.
Let's say you're transporting perishable goods that need constant refrigeration. In this case, you should ensure that you have a GPS tracker that will keep you informed in real-time about the condition of the cargo and the inside of the truck.
Proprietary Versus Non-Proprietary Technology
GPS trackers with proprietary technology allow the devices to be used only with specific software. That means you may spend thousands of dollars on a GPS tracker with proprietary technology, only to find that the device only works if you purchase the branded software at an additional cost.
So before you buy a GPS tracker, check to see if it has non-proprietary technology. GPS Trackers with non-proprietary technology allow you to use any software for your operations and fleet tracking solutions.
The Possibility of Getting the desired Alerts
The GPS trackers should provide alerts and notifications based on tracking metrics. Factors such as idle phases and position changes should trigger tracking alerts.
In addition, alerts should be real-time to avoid costly actions and delays. Most fleet managers rely on the real-time system rather than the passive system to know the condition and location of the vehicle until it's back in the warehouse.
Cost
The GPS trackers differ in price because they're made of different materials, and each of them has unique features. Therefore, choose an option within your budget to track what you have and monitor what you need.
The advanced features of GPS trackers usually come at an additional cost. But every coin you spend is worth it because you get premium features that match your preferences and interests. So, if you want a GPS tracker that suits your needs, don't be afraid to dig deep into your pockets. The result will save you from problems like vehicle theft or lost productivity due to drivers' unpleasant behaviors.
The Geo-fence Feature
Geofencing is an important feature you should consider before choosing a particular GPS tracker. The geofencing feature allows you to set up designated zones where your vehicle or property will leave a notification when it enters or leaves them.
This feature is helpful when you want to know if the vehicle or equipment is in a certain area, especially if you're tracking it passively. In other cases, parents use GPS trackers with geo-fencing capabilities to monitor their teen's path and location.
Wrap Up
You need to know how the device works when you get your GPS tracker for whatever reason. Normally, the GPS tracking system uses a trilateration method to determine the positions of the receivers, which helps to locate the receiver accurately. It also depends on how you want to use the device, which will determine the type and number of trackers you'll get. Price is another crucial factor, but overall quality and features should also come first. A cheap GPS tracker and other premium features like geo-fencing may not offer different real-time monitoring than you need.
