If you are the owner of a business that involves shipping, then GPS tracking devices are a must-have for you. They not only allow you to monitor your vehicles but also act as a potent tool in case of theft. In this article, we are going to tell you about which GPS tracking devices will be a perfect fit for your business. Keep on reading to learn more.
What is a GPS tracking device?
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It uses the aid of 24 satellites all around the world to establish the position of an object or person on Earth. GPS tracking devices can determine the course of direction, latitude, longitude, and speed of an object with incredible precision. This functionality allows you to always keep an eye on the vehicles that your business owns and in the unfortunate case of a theft track those vehicles.
Main Types of GPS Tracking Devices on The Market
There are several different types of GPS tracking devices available on the market. All of them have their pros and cons. It is important to do your homework and understand the advantages of all the different types of GPS tracking devices before investing in one. Here are the main types of GPS tracking devices that you will find on the market.
- 1. OBD II Plug-In GPS Tracker
This is perhaps the most common and most easy-to-use GPS tracker that you will find out there. The OBD II Plug-in GPS tracker can be installed in a truck in a matter of seconds. All you have to do is use the diagnostic port and connect the tracker with it. All trucks that were produced after 1996 have a diagnostic port and are compatible with OBD II Plug-in GPS trackers. The main advantage that this GPS tracking device offers you is that it can be installed without any professional help and swapping trackers is also very convenient.
Real-life application
- It is the ideal GPS tracking device for letting your employees know that the vehicle is being tracked.
- It is a very potent tool in case of theft. You can avail the optional extension cable to better conceal the tracker.
- These GPS tracking devices can also be used for delivering vehicle diagnostic code alerts that can be relayed back to the servers. This can alert the management on any issues that might occur.
Cases
A business owner who had OBD II Plug-in GPS tracking devices in all of his business vehicles noticed that one of his vehicles that was carry valuable merchandise had been stolen. He immediately accessed the dashboard of the GPS tracking devices which showed him the location of all of his vehicles. Although the thief had pulled out the tracker and discarded it on the road, the owner was able to get the exact location where the GPS tracking device was disconnected from the vehicle. He provided this information to the law enforcement officials and armed with this crucial piece of information they were able to track down the thief.
- 2. Hardwired GPS Tracking Devices
A hardwired GPS tracking device is a more concealed and battery-efficient type of GPS tracking device. It is connected to a vehicle with the help of two hardwires. It is usually installed by a professional. The installation process can take 25-35 minutes. The tracking system comes online as soon as the device is connected. Hardwired GPS tracking devices are connected to the vehicle’s power supply. They can be used in EVs, construction machinery, motor cars, and any other vehicle that has a battery.
Real-Life Application
Hardwired GPS tracking devices can be used as multifunction devices with the use of accessories they can be used to:
- Remotely cutting off the engine of a vehicle.
- They can be connected to an SOS button.
- They can be used with an IButton for identification purposes.
- They can also be used in conjunction with temperature sensors to gather data about the vehicle.
Hardwired GPS tracking devices are great for tracking your vehicles and for anti-theft purposes. Here are some applications of these GPS tracking devices in that regard:
- They have a vibration alarm.
- They have a speeding alarm.
- They have a cut-wire alarm.
- They have a low-voltage alarm.
- They have a tow alarm.
- They also have Geo-Fence and Tamper alarms.
Cases
A business owner uses hardwired GPS tracking devices to monitor his fleet of logistic trucks. These devices allow him to always know where his vehicles are in real-time. It also allows him to know about freeload and if all his trucks are on the scheduled paths. These GPS tracking devices allow him to operate his business with the peace of mind that none of his trucks are stolen or going of the scheduled path.
This type of GPS tracking device is used to track an asset. They can be used to track the location of valuable equipment, trucks, machinery, and containers. These GPS tracking devices are wireless and are powered by a battery which means that they will be active for a limited amount of time. They also have the ability to send you notifications about the location of the object that is being tracked.
Real-Life Applications
Battery-powered GPS tracking devices are easy to set up and can be concealed very conveniently. This makes them the ideal GPS trackers for assets. These GPS trackers are excellent anti-theft tools. The batteries that are used in these trackers are lithium-ion which means that they can be replaced without having to spend a lot of money. Their construction is also very robust which makes them durable and ideal for rough conditions.
Cases
A business owner had a battery-powered GPS tracker installed in his trailer. When his trailer which was full of valuable equipment was stolen. He simply tracked the trailer with the GPS tracker and informed the police of its location. The trailer was recovered safely.
Making the right choice for you
All the different types of GPS tracking devices have their own pros and cons. The right GPS tracker will be the one that first of all fulfills the needs of your business and secondly fit your budget. All of them are good in different scenarios. We hope that you find this article helpful. Let us know your thoughts down in the comments section!
