Guide to GPS Tracking

It's 5 p.m., do you know where all your vehicles are? Using a good Global Positioning System (GPS) not only locates all of them for you, but can also help you monitor mileage and gasoline consumption.

These small devices can be installed anywhere in a vehicle and, by using satellites to pinpoint your vehicles, enable you to:

1. Locate individual vehicles to within 500 feet.
2. Monitor idling time of each vehicle by telling you how long they've been at each location or stuck in traffic.
3. Keep a record of mileage for each vehicle.
4. Monitor and verify gasoline charges.
5. Track and monitor a vehicle's speed.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider a consumer GPS tracking device

Purchasing an off-the-shelf GPS unit may be less expensive, especially if you have a small fleet to track. Commercially available GPS tracking devices can still monitor mileage, speed and locate your vehicles plus give drivers the added convenience of routing information (maps) and locations of business and other points of interest.

I recommend: A few of the manufacturers of these devices include Garmin, TomTom, Magellan and Mio.

Pinpoint exactly what you need from a GPS device

Know exactly what you want the GPS tracking devices to do before purchasing them. Do you strictly want in-car navigation systems, such as those listed above, or do you want a more sophisticated model which can deliver detailed reports on mileage, gasoline consumption, speed, and location?

I recommend: To get a better handle on the features and functions available in GPS navigation systems, visit GPS World and GPS Daily.  Maybe you want a system you can monitor using the Internet, or a device which can download reports to your computer.

Customize your GPS system

Purchase separate hardware and software to set up a GPS tracking system that exactly fits your needs. Although you could probably save some money by purchasing packages that include the GPS unit and report-generating software, you may want to maintain more control over what is monitored by installing third-party products.

I recommend: The GPS Store sells a wide variety of trackers, and you can manage your fleet with ManagerPlus  Feet + Transportation software.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• If possible, sign up for your new GPS tracking system on a trial period. There's no substitute for real world testing.
• Encourage company-wide adoption of your GPS tracking system by rewarding efficient employees more noticeably than you monitor laggards.

The official source of GPS Tracking is the GPS Tracking page at Business.com