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.

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.