How Tracking Vehicle Movement Saves Your Company Money
If you have been managing a fleet of vehicles very long, you know that every minute a vehicle is on the road is costing money. So, how much are you spending on unauthorized vehicle use and on drivers who waste time and money to reduce work? Managing this cost alone by tracking vehicle movement could make you the company hero for the next year.
Most companies have policies in place stating that company vehicles can only be used for company business. Some companies allow their employees to take vehicles home, while others do not. But are you tracking vehicle use? Some of the most common abuses of company vehicles include:
- driving around throughout the day to do personal errands between business stops
- using the truck for your weekend moving business
- using the company car to take your kids places on weekends
Each of these abuses of the privilege of driving a company vehicle can be detected by tracking vehicle movement. With a simple GPS tracking device that attaches to the steering column of each vehicle, you can not only know where each vehicle is at any moment (because you will be tracking vehicle movement), but you can also use the capability of tracking vehicle movement and save the history to prove where each vehicle has been and when it was there.
What is that weekend antique dealer costing you? If this person takes home a box 20 foot truck every other weekend to deliver and pick up antiques - using company diesel fuel - and clocks 425 miles each of these weekends, the fuel cost is significant. By assuming the truck gets 10 miles to the gallon and fuel costs $3.00 per gallon, the cost for this single vehicle comes to $3,315 per year. With that amount of money, you could install GPS devices for tracking vehicle travel in 9 vehicles and pay for the tracking services for a full year.
If you then calculate all of the other costs to the company of employees making unauthorized use of vehicles, the total could reach triple digits. Tracking vehicle use with a simple and affordable GPS device will enable you to calculate all costs of operating your fleet on a "per vehicle" basis. You just need to pull together fuel, maintenance, oil, parts, tires, wear and tear, insurance, license tags and taxes and estimate the risk of having the vehicles on the road. The total cost could be staggering.
When you add up all of the costs for unauthorized use of all vehicles in your fleet you might be surprised by how widespread the problem actually is. When the reports from tracking vehicle movement are compiled, you would have a good bit of evidence for tighter enforcement of the rules governing use of corporate vehicles. You might also discover that you would be able to save enough money to pay for GPS devices for every vehicle and for monitoring in less than 90 days. You could end up getting a raise, the reports from tracking vehicle travel patterns would make your work easier and faster, and the company could do something important with the money you save.
The next step is to begin to think about how tracking vehicle driving patterns could help you improve driver safety, efficiency and even save fuel so you are environmentally friendly. If you know you have habitual speeders, you can use the GPS device to set an alarm to notify them when they are exceeding the speed limit. You can track drivers who accelerate like they are drag racing when they pull away from a stop sign (and all the wasted fuel). You could put a stop to wasteful work habits and save money while also improving productivity and customer service. If you are a fleet manager and you would like to be a hero, sell the company on tracking vehicle travel patterns.
For more information about the benefits ofbehavior, get the free report "7 Ways Your Company Can Save Thousands of Dollars With GPS Fleet Tracking." Many companies have increased their revenue and lowered their costs by implementing a GPS tracking system for their fleet. To calculate the ROI for your company, see the ROI calculator.
The Cold War & GPS
The year was 1957, and the free world was in a panic. The Soviet Space Program successfully sent Sputnik into orbit and the end of civilization, as we knew it was at hand. How could the dirty Reds have invaded space with such relative ease? In less than a year, President Eisenhower, working in tandem with Congress, quickly established NASA and DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) to formulate a response to the looming threat.
Under the cautious direction of Wernher von Braun, NASA immediately began to explore the possibility of sending human beings into space. Within the first year of their inception, NASA had launched the Explorer 1 satellite into space. Dubbed Project Mercury, this program involved seven original astronauts, of whom, Alan Shepard became the first American into space, while John Glenn would become the first American to orbit the earth.
Revolutionary GPS tracking devices were used to track their location, altitude, and rates of speed. So coveted was this GPS technology that it remained classified until 1983, when a Soviet interceptor aircraft shot down a civilian Korean Air airliner, killing everyone on board. The plane had strayed into Soviet airspace and although the Soviets had probable cause, had the airliner had accurate navigational systems, the tragedy could have been avoided. President Ronald Reagan subsequently declassified GPS tracking systems for civilian use.
Initially developed by the Navy, the first successful GPS tracking system was dubbed Transit, and used five satellites to triangulate positions around the globe. With the Space Race underway, NASA began implementing a new tracking system, called the Global Positioning System (GPS). The system involved the use of satellites to track the position and location of both spacecraft and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Not only have GPS systems become the preeminent navigational systems for cars, but the scientific community has also used them to track wild and domestic animals and migration patterns. Law enforcement uses GPS tracking to find stolen cars and keep tabs on criminals on bail or probation. Now, not only can someone find where they are on a city grid, but also he or she can find nearby businesses and restaurants.
Your prized is closer at hand than you thought. In fact, it's ringing now.
Rome Is Burning
For those ten or twelve of you who bothered to send me any feedback, yes, I am still a P.A. for a B-list actor in this Tinseltown of lost and faded lives. Yes, it's another semi-sad tale from Hollywood, complete with a vague sampling of dish. Punch in your coordinates, calibrate your GPS tracking system and set course for stun.
Here's a news flash: actors are a fickle, capricious lot. You can't expect a human being to bleed his or her heart on stage or screen and not expect that they may be wired into a more immature emotional system. Now, the sad part is the minor celebrity I tend to has two kids and happens to be terrified of not getting a gig. A mortgage in the Hollywood Hills is no laughing matter. And so, as always, guess who gets to be the release valve for all this neurosis and anxiety? You guessed it.
I took the job thinking it'd be a great way of getting passed the velvet rope. I wanted to get behind the glittering wall that separates the norms and the special people. The norms are normal people like you and me. Though, I wonder if I still qualify as a norm, given that I've been registered in so many minor celebrity memory banks. Did I mention Anthony Kiedis once hit on me at my client's kid's birthday party? Yes, it was awkward. No, nothing came of it.
While Rome burns, guess who gets to watch Nero fiddle? Poor little old wine-drinking me. Whatever celebrity collateral she had accrued over the years of B-grade TV and infomercials? If either of the little lads starts wailing or pitching a fit, her glaring eyes fall on me. Can I help it that they're raised like borderline feral children? The job description says personal assistant, not day care provider.
I feel sad for her. It's not easy to be clocking in on mid-forties and not have anything lined up. What bills that do get paid, including my paltry salary, come from the syndication residuals. Let's just say it was a really big show in the late Eighties. If I say anything more I run the risk of having this article rank on the SERPs and jeopardize my non-disclosure agreement.
Yes, loyal readers, calibrate your , set your phasers to stun, and make sure your lattes are extra hot, with two Equals and no foam. Hollywood awaits.
Gps Tracking For Vehicles – Pay Attention To Your Automobile
Are you irritated by regularly looking at the maps without having any idea on your present position? How many times have you taken a wrong turn, and ended up in the last location you would want to be in that moment? Clearly, you can forget about it now, with the help of a GPS vehicle tracking equipment.
There are several differences in the method employed by the GPS based vehicle tracking systems to obtain the info on your location. One method is with the use of the GSM/GPRS network, used by the so called cellular based models. Apart from having a low refresh time of approximately 5 minutes, don't be surprised if at some point you loose signal when you go into a low-signal region. Nevertheless, on the up side, they are the cheapest.
Wireless passive and satellite based models are 2 additional kinds of navigation. Both are not very cheap, however they are helpful for companies, as the wireless passive offers complete details of the trip, and the satellite based supplies the information over the entire country. With the wireless passive model, you do not have to spend any extra fees once bought.
When shopping for this gadget, you should look for some additional options, i.e, the speed limit warning. This feature will update you whenever you exceed the speed limit, enabling you to control your speed inside the regulations. Voice instructions have also proven to be extremely useful, particularly with the drivers who prefer to drive alone.
Bring to mind all the unpleasantness you had to face when your customer calls, wanting to know how much more will he have to wait for that important delivery to reach its destination, but you have no idea where your automobile is? If you select to use the covert GPS vehicle tracking, you can relax, knowing the exact location of your drivers, and the time required to reach their destination.
This tracking gadget can in addition be used to monitor your automobile. If you have given the automobile to your teenager, and he or she has not returned it in time, you can always use the help of a simple PC program and a GPS vehicle tracking device to track the vehicle down within a minute.
Now there is no need to ensure the validity of the reports provided by your workers about extra hours worked. You can have the reports shown on your PC, and be certain that they are correct. You can even check if they made any unnecessary brakes along the way, or if they have taken a longer way.
A GPS auto tracking system can turn out to be a very helpful gadget. It will save you a lot of time, cash and nerves. Overall, this item is surely to become the essential part of every vehicle.
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Garmin nuvi 200W GPS – How To Have A Safe Trip
Do you fight over which way to go? You know, this is north, no that is north! The time has come for you to end the car fights and make use of cleverest navigation devices that is out there. The Garmin nuvi 200W GPS is a great value for the price conscious and will lead you where you want to go.
The reviews are in and many declare that this Garmin GPS is a fine tuned traveling companion, coming with the latest technological features. It carries a large variety of maps to get you safely to your destination of choice. As well, you can add any additional maps, depending upon where your traveling may take you.
This GPS device is fully automatic, holding a large variety of points of interest and locations to give you lots to do in your travels. It has the ability to reroute your plans every time you make a detour, so that you will never be lost. From the clear touch screen display to the understandable voice prompts, you will know exactly where and when to turn.
The features of this GPS unit are excellent, and there are a number of accessories you can use to enhance its abilities even more.
You will not break the bank with this unit, while enjoying the many features it provides. This GPS is best used in your vehicle rather than walking around with it, and this will ensure that you will not easily misplace it.
Buying the Garmin nuvi 200W GPS will provide you with excellent service and the ability to modify your travel routes with as many interesting waypoints as you want. In fact, there are over 6 million of these already built into the system. It is equipped with a Lithium-Ion battery, which will give you long use between charges. All in all, this GPS rises above similar units for all of your traveling requirements.
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Garmin nuvi 205W GPS – An Easy To Use Map Reader
Do you want a GPS unit that is inexpensive and yet technically advanced, then the Garmin nuvi 205W GPS is the one for you.
Out of various GPS receivers available today in the market, this unit is the best match of technical features and pricing. This product has easy-to-use interface, elegant design and affordable price. A majority of the buyers, as per the navigation GPS reviews, are satisfied with this GPS.
This GPS device has quite a fast response time, so you will know where to turn and where to go at a moments notice. It also has a clear touch screen display, making this unit a really powerful gadget for all of your navigational needs.
Simple design combined with an inexpensive price makes this product fit your budget if you are looking to buy a GPS device. It has most of the latest options you would want in a GPS unit, but does not have all of the extras. But if you just want to go from point A to point B, you know, just get there, who needs all the fluff. Besides, the more options you put on one of these units, the more confusing it can become when you are driving.
This product is incredibly reliable and has excellent signal quality. As well, the service is exceptional. The touch screen display is 4.3 inches wide, making it one of the largest Garmin displays in the industry. You will see all of the details you need to as you travel.
This unit holds a database of many millions of points of interest across North America, such as hotels, gas stations and ATMs, to name a few. Specialized navigator maps are pre-loaded and if you want more maps and points of interest, you can upgrade the unit. It also includes a built in picture viewer so that you can see your digital Jpeg images.
This GPS device has the capability to update all software and loaded maps through its USB interface. As well, you can upload maps for the areas you will be travelling in. It provides over 4 hours of use between charges with its Lithium-Ion battery.
The Garmin nuvi 205W GPS receives FM messages to keep you updated with the areas traffic. You will be better able to plan out your route knowing the roads are like in your area. Great travels await you with this economical and technologically advanced GPS unit.
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GPS Garmin Nuvi 255W Is The Perfect Map Reader
Do you need a map-reader when you're traveling? Like most people, this can be so maddening, especially when you can't find your way or you have a fight with the map-reader you have. The reviews have it; the GPS Garmin nuvi 255W is an incredibly capable product for your driving needs. A great thing about this product is that it comes with some great additions such as a calculator and a currency converter, as well it gives you the correct time depending upon the time zone your in.
The GPS has very good reviews that rate this as a great GPS device. Its 3.5-inch touch screen display has a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels and is very easy to use.
Do you want to save fuel costs, and who doesn't? Then the 'ecoRoute' feature of this unit is what you have been looking for. You input your trip - be it across the city or across the country - into this GPS unit and it will analyze the most fuel efficient route for you. Think of the money you will save with this feature alone. Take a few trips and you will have paid for this GPS device. Not only this, but it will show local speed limits so that you're not caught speeding in unfamiliar areas.
If you are concerned about the local traffic when you are traveling, you will find that this GPS device can readily receive FM signals to inform you about what is happening in traffic. Not only this, with a minimal yearly fee, you can activate the MSN Direct feature that will give you up to the minute road reports, and a lot more information to make your travels even better.
The GPS system comes with an USB interface so that you can add additional point of interests as well as a variety of maps. The performance of the unit is far better than many other comparable products.
Altogether, the GPS Garmin nuvi 255W is a perfect blend of function and technology. It will allow you to enjoy your travels, without the fights over maps and directions.
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How a GPS Vehicle Tracking System Increases Productivity
GPS might be one of the best things since sliced bread. Can a GPS vehicle tracking system save a company and the environment? Probably not -- at least it can't do it alone. But it can help a fleet manager, a customer service manager or a business owner save a bundle of money and reduce fuel consumption. When the information provided by the GPS vehicle tracking system helps you operate cleaner and more efficiently-operating vehicles in ways that reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, you also help to protect the environment.
If your business or service operates a fleet of vehicles, a GPS vehicle tracking system can help you save money, time and fuel. You will also find that it helps you increase the productivity of your drivers, keeps your vehicles on the road longer, and helps you improve customer satisfaction.
You work for a plumbing company and you have noticed that three of the plumbers you have on the road spend far longer on many jobs than the other seven plumbers. But you don't know why. A GPS vehicle tracking system would tell you that those three plumbers actually do the job in the same amount of time. The difference is that they spend the extra time sitting in the truck with the engine idling. This behavior affects gas mileage, individual job productivity, company customer service productivity, and customer satisfaction (because the customers can see the trucks still sitting outside their homes). The data from your GPS vehicle tracking system will report to you how long the engine is idling, where it is located while idling, and exactly when the engine was turned on and off, as well as how long the vehicle stayed in any single place all day.
You can help your drivers and your vehicles achieve maximum efficiency and maximum productivity in several ways. Here are some additional ways to improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase efficiencies with a GPS vehicle tracking system.
- Monitor various driver activities that waste time and money with a GPS vehicle tracking system, compare time spent at each location or on particular tasks to demonstrate waste and take steps to improve productivity.
- Track and investigate excessive idling times. Use the information derived from your GPS vehicle tracking system to end this behavior, reduce fuel consumption, reduce fuel costs, reduce carbon emissions, and help the environment.
- Locating and redirecting or directing the closest vehicles to customer locations is a critical performance factor for companies in many industries and a leading reason for purchasing a GPS vehicle tracking system. The ability to dispatch the vehicle closest to the customer in need by the most fuel-efficient and fastest route is a primary deciding factor for many companies that purchase a GPS vehicle tracking system.
- Use your GPS vehicle tracking system to manage dispatching of vehicles for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Speed of response is directly related to customer satisfaction. Happy customers are loyal customers, and these customers keep your company in business.
- Installing a GPS vehicle tracking system in each vehicle in your fleet will improve your cost efficiency and improve your job productivity. Because a nearly invisible GPS device attached to the OBDII connection in the vehicle makes it possible to receive an immediate alert notification if there is a vehicle theft and because the GPS device allows you to pinpoint the location of the vehicle every second, retrieving the vehicle and apprehending the thief is much more likely. Most insurance companies offer reduced rates on insurance for all vehicles that are part of a GPS vehicle tracking system.
- Use geofencing capabilities in your GPS vehicle tracking system to create alerts if your vehicles are being driven outside your region of activity or if they are driven from the garage or lot after hours for unauthorized use by your employees. Some companies report saving tens of thousands of dollars by eliminating unauthorized use of vehicles.
- Your GPS vehicle tracking system also provides maintenance alerts. This can extend the life of the vehicle and preventing costly break-downs. It can also help you detect problems when they are just beginning.
By improving productivity, increasing fuel-efficiency, and reducing costs for maintenance, operation, safety and insurance, you might not save your company or single-handedly save the environment. By investing in a GPS vehicle tracking system, you will, however, be doing your part to help both the company and the earth.
To learn more about the benefits of a, get the free report "7 Ways Your Company Can Save Thousands of Dollars With GPS Fleet Tracking." Many companies have substantially increased their revenue and lowered their costs by installing a GPS tracking system for their fleet. To calculate the ROI for your company, see the ROI calculator.
Garmin nuvi 750 GPS Easy Directions
The Garmin nuvi 750 GPS is here to give you freedom in your travels. Imagine not fighting over the map or which way to go - this device will lead you in the right way.
This GPS unit has a slim and elegant design with a 4.3-inch widescreen, as well as a bright and colorful, touch screen display. This display also has a backlight feature, making it an excellent choice for night driving. As well, the content displayed on the screen of this GPS unit is readable in the sunlight, from any direction. The unit allows easy viewing of maps, pictures and text descriptions.
This unit is preloaded with the official City Navigator NT Street Maps to better guide you to your destination. Not only this, but it holds maps for the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico as well. You can enter all of your information through the touch screen and it will display that information in 2D or 3D maps. You will also see many points of interest in the form of gas stations, hotels and ATMs, to name a few. All in all, a top notch Garmin by may reviews.
When you are driving your vehicle, you can conveniently approach your destination with the help of this device, as it speaks out the street names. You need not take your eyes off the road, if you are driving using this GPS unit. The location based content and other service features makes this auto GPS system a remarkable piece of technology that you need to have.
In addition to built in points of interest, giving you many interesting detours during your travels, it also allows you to input and record additional points of interest that you desire. So, when you buy this product, you can add point of interests such as hospitals, schools, gym, etc and this unit would be assisting you to navigate to that place. When you go on longer trips, you can access even more points of interest to make your trip even more exciting.
Another great feature of this device is its ability to find your current location with the help of its "Where am I?" application solution. This is one of the best features that are found in the latest editions of GPS units such as this Garmin. By activating this feature, you can find the nearest gas station, hospital, or whatever you may need to find.
All in all, the Garmin nuvi 750 GPS is an excellent choice for all of your traveling needs, with all of the latest technology to keep you safely on the go.
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