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How to choose a GPS fleet management system: what features are right for you?

Article Excerpt
Operating an efficient business is a priority for every business. For electric utilities of all types, greater insight into their employee's working day and the location of their vehicles (and equipment inside the vehicles), can provide valuable clues as to the efficiency of their business. A global positioning system (GPS)-based fleet management system is a simple and effective way to gain this insight.

GPS was originally created to identify the precise location of any object on the Earth, anytime, anywhere. Today, one of the fastest growing markets for GPS technology is vehicle tracking and location. In 2004, about 1 million fleet vehicles in the U.S. were equipped with tracking devices (1). Companies of all sizes are taking advantage of this technology. Choosing a GPS vehicle tracking system can be difficult. There are many products on the market with a slew of bells and whistles. Which features do you really need? What should you look for when researching a GPS system for your business? Following are a few suggestions to make your decision easier.

1] DETERMINE HOW QUICKLY YOU NEED DATA UPDATES

There are two general categories of systems to choose from in terms of data update frequency: "Real-time" or "Passive". Both have the capability to provide you with vehicle speed data, vehicle stops data, length of stop data and route taken data.

"REAL-TIME" GPS VEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEMS

Generally, a real-time system utilizes a wireless network to allow you to receive your information and view the location of your vehicles in real-time. Real-time GPS tracking is becoming the standard for companies or individuals who...

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