What should I look for in an online GPS tracking system?
More than meets the eye
Most companies who are shopping for a GPS tracking system are not familiar with the behind the scenestechnology that is the backbone to the performance of the system. Wehave several customers who bought systems from our competitors based on price alone and were sorry in the end. Don’t make the same mistake,contact MotoMon first.
When implementing technology into your company, it is important to remember this truism:
There is a price to purchase, and a cost to own, and if you purchase the wrong product, the cost to own will exceed the purchase price several times over.
What to keep in mind
When shopping for an On-Line GPS tracking system, there are several components that need to be carefully examined:
- The vendor – purchase from a reputable vendor who develops andmaintains the software themselves. Are they passionate about theirproduct? We are!
- Software used – Examine the software that the end-user will berunning to track and report on vehicle/asset activity, is the softwareevolving or stagnate?
- Customizing the software – can the vendor customize their softwareto best suit your individual needs, will they charge you extra?
- Wireless Network – What is available and what are the different rates, what best suits your GPS tracking needs?
- Hardware Component – How does the tracking look, is it accuratelyfollowing the roads, does it control the inputs you need to control?
- Unlimited Use – Go for a flat monthly fee. Use it, use it a lot.Check for hidden charges and surcharges. Examine the Polling rate andMonthly Billing Fees.
- Ask about the Maps – Check if maps used are detailed enough for your tracking areas, are your maps the latest and greatest versions?
- Multi language – Do you need more than just English? What languages are available?
Examine the Company you are considering as your vendor
The Internet Service Providers do not screen a company’s qualificationsor concern with providing a quality service. Many vendors are simplyre-sellers and cannot provide a quality product. These systems areout-dated and operate on out-dated software. Most GPS vendors sellingproducts over the Internet can hardly even operate it themselves! Takethe time learn about your vendor.
The reputable companies generally will react quickly to your inquiry,provide you with a demonstration of systems available or give a demoaccess, provide references, offer multiple products to review anddisplay their customers on their web site. At MotoMon, we allow you toview our product demonstrations online. We are proud of ourdistinguished list of customers, and we promote many of them on our website: www.auto-gps.eu
Wireless Networks
For On-Line GPS tracking, the wireless network is used to communicatethe stored GPS data from the vehicle/asset, so location, speed and stoptimes can be viewed live in real-time. Think in terms of how mobilephones work. There are two types used: Digital Cellular, and Satellite.Obviously, digital cellular is more popular due to cost. This is thesame with communicating On-Line GPS data for vehicle tracking.
Wireless Networks: Cellular vs. Satellite
- Digital cellular hardware is less expensive
- Digital cellular monthly service fees are less expensive
- Digital cellular offers superior network reliability
A digital cellular-based system is the best way to go for the vastmajority of companies that want to use a real-time system for nearly anytype of tracking.
Digital Wireless Networks
If you are looking to purchase a MotoMon GPS tracking system, then youshould be looking for a system that operates on a GSM/GPRS digitalwireless network. All of the 1st tier wireless communication companiesin the U.S. market have moved to digital wireless networks. There aretwo types of digital wireless protocols that the major communicationcompanies have utilized for the build-out of their wireless networks
Satellite Wireless Communications
Should only be used when worldwide or 100% coverage is an essentialcustomer requirement, then usage of satellite communication isjustified.
Web-based Client Software
A demonstration of any GPS system should show the software and reportingcapabilities. The web hosted software interface determines the mappingand reporting features that the system offers as well as the overall enduser experience and functionality. The software and the ability toadapt and customize it to suit your company’s needs are paramount.
Hardware
The hardware is the actual GPS unit and antennas (GPS/GSM) that aremounted inside or outside of the vehicle. Most GPS units contain GPS,CPU, memory buffer and a wireless communication parts. All of ourtracking hardware also has built in FLASH memory for storing trackingdata when GSM coverage is not available.
Communication intervals & Monthly Fees
All On-Line systems have a monthly fee. In our case the monthly feecovers the unlimited usage of web tracking and reporting software, mapdata licenses and customization, technical support and data storagedating back 2 years at no additional costs. Data communication feedepends on the Wireless Provider of the customer’s choice and is to bepaid directly to them.
