The popularity of vehicle tracking solutions in businesses that own fleets is steadily growing. Having the ability to track the whereabouts of any fleet vehicle brings many benefits, however, some systems can be expensive and for managers weighing up the worth of a system the cost, benefit balance is an important part of the decision making process. Most tracking systems utilise a device within the vehicle and a base station at the headquarters. The result is that managers have all of their vehicle's locations, speeds and maintenance details at their fingertips.



In terms of the benefits, most experts agree that ultimately a vehicle tracking system will result in greater efficiency for a business; especially the GPS devices that enable drivers to find their way without the need for piles of maps within the cab. Additionally some systems give speed and direction information to the operator, meaning that up to date information can allow managers to organise their fleet more effectively. As with most technological gains, getting used to them may take time, once the staff can use it effectively, greater efficiency and hence greater profit are bound to follow.

On the market today there are three main types of vehicle tracking system. Naturally all have a variety of advantages and disadvantages that should be noted before investment. Generally these varieties are labelled cellular, wireless passive and satellite real time. Here is a brief overview of each.

Cellular tracking is the cheapest of all three to set up initially. It works by using cellular transmissions to give the vehicle location and direction to the manager. However, information updates can be slow; most would regard this as nearly live information rather than up to the minute data. Some of the better systems report vehicle locations every five to ten minutes; although the better systems will normally cost more. Cellular systems are not a one off payment either; there will normally be a monthly or quarterly charge for tracking services. In terms of the interface, this type of system usually uses the hosting company's website.

If monthly payments are not desirable, wireless passive technology is a better, more affordable solution. Only paying once means that after the system is set up, no further fees will be applicable; however set up costs can be expensive, especially considering the large amount of hardware that has to be installed. Additionally this type of system requires a large database to track vehicle movements. A disadvantage of this type of system is that it is in no way live. Vehicle information is only reported to the system at the end of the day when the car or van returns to the depot. The information is relayed by a wireless receiver that records the information from the in-car component on its entry to the depot.

Due to this disadvantage wireless passive systems have been used less extensively than the other two. Some companies want the up to date information, others greater assurances for the safety of their fleet and the behaviour of their drivers. With development however passive systems are becoming more advanced, making provisions for live tracking. As they become more advanced, undoubtedly their popularity will increase.

Satellite or GPS systems are widespread for companies that spread their operations over a large area. As a result shipping and trucking companies use GPS when tracking vehicles worldwide. Once again this type of system normally incurs a monthly fee although most experts agree it is the most all encompassing solution.

As these three systems become more advanced the decision making process will be made more difficult for managers, ultimately weighing cost against usefulness is needed. Once this consideration has been made the choice will be that much easier.