Security Tracking Solutions vital to operations

Security Companies are in the business of providing protection for people and assets and it’s highly important that they have a strategy in place to be able to prevent potential crisis or be able to react quickly in the event of hostility breaking out.

Much of the time the security teams are on the ground, either at an event or a venue, but in certain situations a small team may be working remotely as part as a convoy or close protection team. This is where GPS technology can come into it’s own.

By utilising GPS technology security teams can stay in constant contact with their managers no matter where they are in the world. This can be done via Satellite Phone (voice communication) and / or personal GPS Tracking devices that allow the security company to monitor the exact - yes exact - location of the team working remotely.

Security teams are up against different challenges depending on what type of job they are working on. They might be working on a close protection gig for someone famous or powerful, and it’s important that a third eye can monitor the local area for any signs of suspicious activity. The security team might be looking after assets in a convoy that might be valuable to a third party so it’s important that the pathway is clear of conflict and hostility so the convoy and security team can pass without issues.

Security Tracking solutions can help to save lives as part of any crisis management plan. It is possible that hostile situations can arise at any time, especially where there is a person in power (or someone famous). Security Teams are an important part of many operations but without the use of GPS Technology these teams are effectively blind in their work. The GPS Technology provides a lookout for them, a third eye – a safety net in giving them the opportunity to know what potential conflict is around them, giving them time to prepare for the worst case scenario in an attempt to protect and save lives and assets.

GPS Solutions are now a part of everyday life in our cars and even mobile phones. The technology is becoming more and more affordable. But then what price can you put on life?

How GPS Tracking has changed our lives

It's easy to take things for granted, non more so than when it comes to technology that we come to love and use day in day out.  Technology becomes a way of life, and after a while people become dependent on it and very often take it for granted.  Consider the internet, for example.  When people lose their email and ability to browse they can often feel lost or unsure what to do!

The same could be said for GPS Tracking technology.

GPS Tracking technology was a major breakthrough for the US Military back in the 70s as a network of satellites was deployed to transfer communications from global devices back to central command posts.  GPS Technology in the military has become so important know it would be difficult to see how the forces might cope without it.  It is literally saving lives on the front line and allowing tactical teams to plan and deploy with a better understanding of terrain and enemy movements.

But its not just the military who have benefited from GPS technology.  Over the last few years we have seen a boom in the consumer retail trade and many different products targeting different applications of GPS Tracking.  From our pets to our cars, we can know track anything that moves, in near real time, or set up features known as geo-fences so that if something moves outside a designated boundary we receive an alert on our mobile phones or email accounts.

Why have we become so affectionate with GPS Tracking?

The thought of being able to track something of value in near real time is quite an exciting prospect, especially with the cost of purchasing the devices now becoming more affordable due to mass production.  The thing about GPS Tracking solutions is that there is no end to the different applications it can be used for.  It can literally be used to keep track of your car (vehicle tracking is one of the most common uses), boat or caravan - or if you want you could use it to keep track of your children whilst they are out playing with their friends.  

It's not just limited to home use though.  Many businesses make use of the technology by deploying tracking systems to fleets or remote workers.  

Sports teams use GPS tracking devices, not only in extreme events such as mountain climbing and trekking, but they can also provide accurate information for training when it comes to speeds and distances achieved during a session.

There is no definitive list of things that you can use the technology for, but one thing is for certain is that that is has changed the way we live, for the better, and will continue to do so for the years ahead.

GPS Tracking in the Work Place

GPS (Global Positioning System) Tracking technology was first introduced into systems used by the US Department of Defence back in 1973. Prior to that the technology had been undergoing design and investment dating back as far as the 1960s.   24 satellites were launched between 1989 and 1994 as the US declared that the technology was to be made available for civilian use in 1983.

GPS Technology allows us to pinpoint the exact location of devices, in real time, as they travel around the earth making it an ideal solution for tracking assets, vehicles and personnel.

The network of satellites that orbit the earth are still managed and maintained by the United States of America, but now used freely by the rest of the world.  Many manufacturers and resellers of GPS Tracking devices have no appeared on the market which has significantly driven down the cost of the technology and made it accessible to both businesses and consumers alike.

The GPS Tracking devices work by regularly sending co-ordinates to the network of satellites that are they relayed back to earth, sometimes to a central computer system.  This information can then be viewed by civilians using mapping software which allows them to visually determine the location of the device and asset / personnel that it is attached to.

So how do businesses benefit from GPS Tracking Technology?

Many people tend to think that business involves sitting behind a desk and working on a computer, but in reality a business could own thousands of vehicles or even have employees working in remote parts of the world.  This is where GPS can help.

Attaching a GPS Tracking device to any valuable asset, such as a vehicle or even consignment in delivery, means that the business is able to keep a track of, not only its current location, but where it has travelled during its journey.  It is able to calculate the average speed of the journey as well as identifying if it has gone off course or stopped for any lengthy period of time.  Vehicle Tracking devices can help to reduce the operating cost of your fleet.

GPS Tracking technology in company vehicles could not only help to reduce fuel costs (as employees know not to abuse the privilege of driving a company vehicle) but also help to reduce the insurance costs of the fleet as there is more of a chance of the vehicle being recovered in the unfortunate event that it is stolen,

For employees and personnel, GPS Tracking is particularly useful for remote workers.  A remote worker is defined as someone working away from the general place of business, so it could be a sales person visiting other companies 200 miles away or it could be an aid worker visiting a unfamiliar, unstable country thousands of miles away.

GPS Tracking technology can not only be used to react to situations, but also to help avoid potential risk.   Risk Management is an important part of any business as they have a duty of care to show for their employees, assets and customers.

GPS Technology can help businesses manage risk and also potentially save money for a relatively small investment.

5 uses of GPS Technology for Consumers

GPS Technology is now widely used in consumer devices. The technology allows us to pinpoint the exact location of anything that it is attached to. The biggest use for this is technology is assets that move or tracking people (for legitimate reasons of course!)

More consumers are using GPS Tracking Devices each and every day. The range of applications that the devices are used in seems to be growing, although the general trend is that it is attached to non static objects, generally of value.

Here are 5 different consumer uses for GPS Tracking Technology :

Cars and Vehicles

One of the most common uses of GPS Technology is vehicle tracking. With a small device fitted to any vehicle it is easy to monitor the exact location of the asset. This means that if you vehicle is lost or stolen you can easily retrieve it. In some circumstances it may even help you locate your parked car if you have forgotten where you left it - it does happen!

Tracking Loved Ones

Kids out playing around the estate or at the local playground? With a discrete GPS Tracking device you can monitor the location of their whereabouts which keeps your peace of mind at rest. WIth certain GPS Tracking systems you can also set up boundaries so if the GPS Tracking devices passes the boundary it signals an alarm or alert.

Tracking Pets

GPS Technology can be used both on dogs and cats. How often have you wondered where your cat gets to at night? With a GPS Tracking device you can monitor its exact location and map out its nightly route. If you have a dog that you often let off the lead, you know how quickly they can react to a scent and often forget about who they are with or where they are. Its easy for them to get lost quickly. With a GPS Tracking device fitted to the collar of the dog you can easily locate and retrieve your best friend!

Remote Assets

Remote Assets are ideal candidates for GPS Tracking devices. Do you own a boat or a Caravan that is often left unoccupied for large parts of the year? With a GPS Tracking device fitted you can keep a third eye on any unexpected movement of the asset which helps to you to react quickly and track down the exact location of its whereabouts.

Sports Events

OK, not all sports events benefit from the use of GPS Tracking devices, but remote sports such as orienteering or mountain trekking certainly can! If your loved one or family member is taking part in a remote trek around a mountain range what better way to keep in touch than knowing exactly where they are. Whats more, some GPS devices also come with the ability to communicate with each other, although these are generally more expensive than standard tracking devices.

All in all, GPS Tracking technology can be used to trace anything that moves. Usually consumers will attach the technology to something of value. There are many more potential uses than the 5 mentioned above, but these are generally the most common.

The role of GPS in Blue Force Situations

GPS Tracking is now common place in the consumer world, but what people don't always realise is how pivotal it is in the military. Blue Force is a term that is often used in the military, meaning friendly forces, or those on your side, and the tracking element of the phrase "Blue Force Tracking" relates to the ability to trace the location of the army personnel.

Blue Force Tracking is ideal, not only to be able to locate the exact position of troops on the ground but also to be able to communicate with them and trace expensive assets.

Military Personnel are often asked to go to work in unchartered and foreign environments. They often do not know the area nor the climate of where they are asked to go to work. GPS tracking devices act as their third eye. By being able to pinpoint the position of forces on the ground, the GPS technology provides the advantage to personnel in a central command post, enabling them to communicate with troops on the ground to help avert conflict, danger and crisis.

GPS and Blue Force Tracking isn't just restricted to personnel. Military assets can cost billions of dollars, and can be destructive if they get into the wrong hands. That is where GPS technology can come into its own. By attaching GPS tracking devices to military assets the forces can keep track of assets should they come into enemy hands, allowing for easy retrieval if required. Valuable military assets that need to be traced could be anything from jet fighters to general artillery and weapons.

GPS technology is not only about the ability to pinpoint the location of personnel, it also combines the ability to be able to communicate with the troops on the ground without relying on local GPRS (Cell) transmitters. The advantage of this over local Cell Towers is that GPS technology does not require local transmitters as it uses GPS Satellites that orbit the earth, so as long as the terrain is clear the signal strength is more than often reliable.

GPS Technology isn't just an aid to Blue Forces in terms of location management, its a way of ensuring that troops are safe and kept away from potential crisis situations. Not only can the GPS technology be used to keep tabs on the friendly forces, it can also be used to keep a location on the enemy and helping to keep the friendly forces away.

In summary, in the Military, the use of GPS Technology and GPS Tracking devices is like having someone looking down from the sky to manage the location of the troops and ensuring that crisis management is at the forefront of the mind at all times.

Why a Vehicle Tracking Device is a sound investment

Vehicle Tracking Solutions are designed to enable you to keep tabs on the exact location of your vehicle or fleet of vehicles. When you sit back and think about the different things that you could actually use your tracking device for you start to realise that rather than being a cost, these devices can actually be seen as a very sound investment.

For example, thinking about the day to day uses of the device. Say you park your car in a large, unfamiliar city and walk into town, perhaps to do a spot of shopping. After a few hours of walking around you realise that you have lost your bearings and not sure which is the right way back to the car. If you have a smart phone with Internet access you could very quickly find out where the last recorded GPS points were and easily make your way back to the car - no fuss, no stress - as easy as that!

The biggest reason that people invest in GPS tracking devices is for reasons of theft. With a discrete GPS Tracking device fitted to the car, even if your pride and joy is stolen you will be able to keep track of its current location, and with the right software even its current estimated speed. GPS Tracking devices in vehicles are a great help to the police and enable them to recover your vehicle quickly before its too late. Having a GPS Tracking device installed in the car may even reduce your insurance costs, which automatically offsets the cost of the equipment in the first place.

Of course, tracking devices aren't just designed for single car solutions. If you run a large business or corporation you may have a large fleet of cars, vehicles or vans. GPS can play a huge part in maintaining the wear and tear cost of your fleet whilst also assisting with the health and safety aspect of your drivers, by making sure they are not driving during 'down time'. Whilst some employees might frown at the idea of being 'tracked' whilst on the road it is also a great way of providing evidence that speed limits were being adhered to and that employees were where they said they were should an incident happen.

In terms of managing fuel costs GPS tracking can also help. With the device fitted your employees are less likely to be using company vehicles for social purposes which would not only cost in terms of fuel but also the wear and tear of the vehicle itself.

So in summary, for a relatively small investment, a Vehicle Tracking device could actually save you money in the long term either through insurance costs or misuse of company vehicles.

5 things that you can keep track of using a GPS device.

GPS Tracking is a brilliant use of technology. As part of a satellite tracking system, a small device can be used for so many different things from tracking a person to vehicle tracking! As long as the device is somewhere on the planet, with reasonable coverage of the above skys, you can track it!

So how do they work? GPS Tracking Devices relay a constant stream of coordinates, via a network of satellites that orbit the earth, back to a central computer that decodes the data and presents it to the end user. The end user can often see this information on a map overlay, such as Google Earth for example. As the Tracking device is always communicating with the satellites, telling them where it is, it is possible to map out the route that the device is taking. This is called real-time tracking.

Real Time Tracking is a great way to keep track of people or assets of value. As GPS technology has become more affordable over the last few years it is now available to consumers, aswell as businesses and the military. You can literally tracking anything you want - even your cat!

Here are 5 things that you can keep tabs on using a GPS Tracking Device :

1. Vehicles


For people who have a car, its probably one of their most important assets. Not only in terms of its value but in terms of how much we rely on them to carry out our day to day tasks. So if you car is unfortunately stolen (or even if you have just forgotten where you parked it!) GPS Tracking devices can help.

2. People!

It might sound daft but GPS Tracking devices are perfect for tracking people, especially during sporting events such as orienteering.

3. Pets

Ever wondered where your cat has strayed to? Or maybe you have a dog who keeps escaping. GPS Tracking devices are now small and discrete enough to sit on the collar of mans best friend.

4. Assets.

Did you know that your mobile phone might already have GPS technology installed? If you have access to a mapping application and it can tell you where you are, you can probably also get applications that tell you where you phone is if you were to lose it.

5. Marketing(!)

Some companies offer GPS Tracking devices to willing participants who are happy to be tracked over an agreed period of time. There is usually some reward for this and the company carrying out the market research can end up with some valuable data.

There are plenty of different applications were GPS Tracking devices can be used. There are the standard day to day scenarios but then also some more 'out-of-the-box' thinking ways of applying the technology.

What is Blue Force Tracking?

Many people are familiar with GPS Tracking technology and applications in the consumer market. What people probably don’t know about is Blue Force Tracking. So what is it?

Blue Force Tracking (also commonly known as BFT) is a US Military term that describes a GPS Tracking System, providing the military command with location data about its forces and assets.

Why the colour Blue? In NATO Military symbology the color blue is used to identify friendly forces.

Blue Force Tracking systems essentially combine the use of Computers, Satellites and hand held GPS receivers. The GPS receivers are carried by personnel (or Blue Personnel if you like) or fixed to Military assets. These receivers then transmit data, on a regular basis, via the network of satellites that orbit the earth and send the information back to a central command post.

The central command post will then have computers than can interpret the GPS location data and output it to a map overlay on a screen. This gives the command post a very good idea as to the location of a vehicle, asset or personnel which means that in the event of a crisis or high risk situation they can react very quickly in deploying teams to the exact last recorded location that the GPS Tracking device recorded.

Blue Force Tracking Solutions are not only able to send location information back to a central command post, but can also be used as a communications platform. For example text messages, both containing images and text can be sent back to the command post and Blue Force Tracking systems are able to report the locations of enemy forces. This is particularly useful for strategy when it comes to planning routes via potential threats such as damaged bridges, mine fields etc)

Blue Force Tracking Solutions will continue to be improved and developed to ensure the continued safety of military personnel and the protection of assets that cost millions of dollars. It’s no exaggeration when people say that this precision technology plays such a huge part in saving lives of Blue Force Personnel and there is absolutely no doubt that with it in place, lives are saved.

The many faces of GPS Tracking Devices

GPS Tracking Devices are becoming more and more common. The reason? The technology is becoming more affordable. This means we are seeing consumer devices hit the market that allow us to keep track of people and assets. Consumers are probably most familiar with GPS navigation systems in their cars. This technology works by 'knowing' where they currently are and working out where they need to go to get to their destination.

GPS Tracking devices work in a similar fashion. Using Satellite technology they virtually pin-point the exact location of the device and are able to record this information back to a central system. This system can then be accessed by software that can analyse the coordinates and present it to an end user on a map overlay on the screen. As the information is stored it is able to map out a path of the route taken by the device and its owner.

GPS Tracking Devices can take many different forms. They can be used for many different tracking applications from people to planes! Here is a quick overview of the different types of tracking devices available:

Personnel. Personnel Tracking is becoming a more and more important part of life these days, especially with Blue Force Personnel traveling overseas to hostile environments. The personal tracking devices are small and discrete and allow central management teams to keep track of their employees and monitor their health and welfare.

Asset Tracking. Wether you need to keep track of a military or personal asset, GPS Tracking is the perfect solution. By attaching a discrete device to the asset you can monitor movement or location in the event that it might go missing.

Maritime Tracking. Own a boat? Why not keep peace of mind by monitoring its exact location. The ocean is a large and lonely place and GPS technology can help to keep an eagle eye on your prize asset at all times

Vehicle Tracking. If it moves - track it! Vehicle Tracking is now common place both for the consumer and military. Vehicles are the perfect application for GPS Tracking technology as they are constantly on the move. GPS Tracking on a vehicle might even bring down your insurance cost and play an important part in the recovery of the vehicle in the tragic event that it is stolen.

Sports. Sports? Yes, GPS Tracking is also very common when it comes to sporting events such as mountaineering and orienteering. Trekking the Himalayas? Don't leave base with your GPS Tracking device. If the unthinkable happens and you stray off track it might just save your live.

Many of these GPS applications can be considered for the consumer market, but there is also a wider field - even going as far as the military and defence sectors. GPS Tracking technology is not only priceless when it comes to the recovery of expensive assets, it can also save lives.