Security News & Trends

What Is Vehicle GPS Tracking?

Written by General Security | May 18, 2022 2:42:00 PM

Designed for commercial fleets and personal vehicles, Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers help deter theft and accompanying property damages, while also managing vehicle diagnostics, maintenance schedules, and safety measures. 

As *motor vehicle thefts and carjackings are on the rise nationally and locally, these are especially important. According to March 2022 data collected by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), such crimes increased 16.5 percent from 2019 to 2021 and a whopping 29 percent compared to 2017.  

While vehicle GPS tracking can help avert car thefts, it’s also ideal for commercial and personal vehicle data monitoring and diagnostics. Examples include driver whereabouts regarding productivity, and ensuring safe maintenance regarding oil changes, tire pressures, and fuel consumption, among other concerns.  

 

Below is a useful summary of this technology’s benefits, features, safety and productivity measures, and more.

 

What Is a GPS Tracking Device?

GPS tracking devices utilize satellites to monitor commercial fleets and personal cars in real-time for safety, security, and diagnostics. While these are often compared with vehicle navigation systems, tracking devices can also record location, history, and whereabouts. This is stored within any compatible mobile device via the Alarm.com app.

 

How Do GPS Tracking Devices Work?

Fleet management tracking tools are installed within on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) ports beneath driver's side dashboards. These direct vehicle power supply connections easily sync with mobile apps to supply real-time data ranging from location, emissions, mileage and speed to maintenance histories, fuel consumption, safety specifications, and much more. Should a vehicle lose power, most programs feature battery backups and will remain online.

While vehicle GPS tracking can help avert car thefts, it’s also ideal for commercial and personal vehicle data monitoring and diagnostics.


GPS Tracking for Commercial Fleets

GPS trackers can be easily installed to deliver real-time vehicle fleet status and driver safety alerts. Built-in accelerometers can also detect movement. This data includes important insights, which can help improve safety. Should a driver demonstrate excessive speeding, distracted driving, or disobey traffic laws, this will be detected and transmitted via the Alarm.com app. Shift supervisors and other related personnel can then assess this for possible disciplinary actions.

Especially helpful with combatting motor vehicle thefts, GPS technology and location management can additionally assist law enforcement with stolen vehicle recovery.

GPS trackers also help improve productivity and reduce costs by providing diagnostics reports about oil and gas, tire pressure, battery life, and engine health. This keeps fleet managers abreast of service schedules, and prevents any additional associated costs.

Digital mileage logs ensure trips are accurately reported. Other useful analytics include starts and stops, and verifying direct routes, for improved productivity and operations. GPS trackers can also detect vehicle usage by unauthorized parties, or during off hours. 

 

Benefits of GPS Trackers for Personal Use

Perhaps you have a new driver in the family, or an elderly loved one who wants to maintain their independence. Real-time diagnostics alerts remind family members to fill gas tanks, or schedule an oil change or tire rotation. Safety functions include location management when monitoring seniors, and managing curfews for teen drivers.

Track Your Vehicle & Diagnostics With Alarm.com ‘Connected Car’ 

Provided through its tech partner Alarm.com, General Security boasts an advanced fleet management system called Connected Car. Featuring GPS location tracking on the 4G LTE network, this records employee whereabouts, and safety and vehicle diagnostics, such as tire pressures, oil levels, and fuel consumption.

Additional features include backup battery, plug-and-play installation, and more. 


Especially helpful with combatting motor vehicle thefts, GPS technology and location management can additionally assist law enforcement with stolen vehicle recovery.

Real-Time Safety & Tracking Notifications

Whether managing a commercial vehicle fleet or your family’s personal car, it’s best to work with a reputable service provider such as General Security. We can assist with GPS tracking devices for all of the aforementioned advantages, along with invaluable peace of mind, critical diagnostics, and other important data.

 

General Security assists businesses and homeowners with vehicle tracking and monitoring devices for enhanced safety and productivity. Request a free quote from us today!

 

*According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services Division: “Examples of motor vehicles include sport utility vehicles, automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, motor scooters, all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles.”