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GPS Asset Tracking Systems

You probably already know what GPS (Global Positioning System) really is; the 14 satellite constellation which costs about $400 Million US to keep running? Thought so. Which means I'm not going to waist your time with history and all the boring details. What we will talk about is how we are using the system today and what is on the horizon.

When GPS first came publicly popular it flash panned, and really the only ones truly interested in it (other than those who need it to keep from crashing into the side of a mountain) were the Geocachers. Geocaching involves using a hand-held GPS unit to travel to a specific longitude and latitude to search for objects deliberately hidden there by other Geocachers. Geocaching often includes walking or hiking to natural locations. It is reported to be very popular, which is great, but not very interesting for business types.

Several companies thought that GPS would be a far better idea than RFID, and for many applications they are right. RFID excels in close range tracking applications such as : items on a shelf, equipment in a hospital, security tags for library books, etc. GPS is much better for tracking objects like vehicles on the road, crates on a truck, or possibly a lost dog.

GPS tracking has been hitting the news lately in articles addressing questions regarding US national security and the so called Homeland security acts. For example surveys have recently been conducted on the transportation of hazardous materials. "The current debate to secure America's ports and borders ignores the need, demonstrated by our survey, for companies to implement systems that provide real-time tracking for freight containers, rail cars, isotainers, tractor trailers and other methods used for transporting hazardous materials," said Feza Pamir, of markITelligence. "Today, hazardous materials can leave a warehouse and most shippers have no ability to monitor the location or condition of that material until it arrives at its final destination. That lack of visibility can put America at significant risk."

A short list of types of businesses which currently make use of GPS tracking:

* Contractors who provide HVAC, plumbing or electrical services
* Limousine and taxi companies
* Uniform / Linen Services
* Food and Beverage Distributors
* Street Sweepers
* Pest Management Services
* Snow Plow Services
* Car Carriers
* Landscaping and Irrigation contractors
* Cable Company Contractors
* Bulk and Route Delivery
* Fuel / Oil Haulers
* Hazmat and/or Chemical Haulers
* Produce / Perishable Delivery
* Utility companies
* City, county and state motor pool fleets

Several companies have hit the ground running, developing GPS tracking systems for trucks, trailers and cargo containers in the last few years, such as http://www.oxloc.com/ OxLoc in the UK, now that the GPS technology is not only proven stable, but the pricing has come down to be viable for the trucking and shipping consumer.

Most of these applications require only the installation of the GPS device inside the truck or trailer (installation is very easy, simply attaching the device to the wall is about as tough as it gets). The device, and therefore the vehicle it is attached to is then monitored by the hosting company and the customer can view in live time where the item is on a website. So, any access point to the web is all that is required to view where the trucks are. Setups like these keep maintenance and software problems to a minimum, while giving round the clock service to the customer.

Other tracking systems for the trucking industry require power from the tractor, so the location of idle trailers is usually not able to be determined by these systems. GPS units are usually self contained, using battery power which can keep the unit running for a very long time. Really, if you are looking for a solution to track assets as they travel across the country or even to various cities, the GPS is the only real answer for that situation.

So what are the reasons some companies find that warrents the installation and cost of a GPS in their vehicles, other than the obvious. Some I've been told about by various company owners are as follows.

1. Many insurance companies give discounts of up to 30% for vehicles protected by GPS tracking systems.

2. Some GPS tracking systems have automatic mileage reminders which keep track of the vehicle's usage for maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations, tune ups), thus helping to keep the vehicle in good shape and keep the resale value high.

3. Keeps an eye on the drivers, exposing long lunches, unauthorized breaks and those that like to take the scenic route home. Also drivers who speed show up in the reports too.

So beyond the idea of knowing where each truck is and being able to tell the customer exactly when the service man is going to arrive, there are other benefits as well.