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.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
5 potential uses for GPS Tracking Systems
GPS Tracking systems are now a regular feature in today’s day-to-day lives. Common devices such as Mobile Phones are now coming with GPS Technology built in – something we would never have considered just 5 years ago! Naturally this means that the advances in technology now means that GPS tracking solutions can be built into tiny devices, making it easier to conceal them when used by people and on vehicles.
Thanks to these wonderful advances in technology GPS tracking can now be used in many environments and applications. Below are 5 of these:
So these are just 5 examples of how GPS Tracking devices can be deployed in the field, but it certainly isn’t limited to this list. GPS Tracking can be used in any situation where there is the potential of risk or crisis in a remote environment, on land, in the air or at sea.
Thanks to these wonderful advances in technology GPS tracking can now be used in many environments and applications. Below are 5 of these:
- Military Tracking Systems. One of the strongest cases for using GPS tracking systems is in the military. As we deploy troops on the ground it is vitally important that we are able to offer them reliable advice on the terrain they are in. Very often these troops are in unfamiliar foreign lands with potential crisis just around the corner. GPS Tracking and Communication systems help keep them in touch with a command base at all times and can quite literally save lives.
- Maritime Tracking. Consider ships way out at sea, no land in sight. By using GPS tracking solutions port authorities are able to monitor the location of the ship and advise on weather conditions. In the event of piracy the exact location of the ship can be monitored and backup sent (usually via air) within a small matter of time.
- Aid Workers. We often take aid work for granted, but what we need to remember is that people are offering themselves to go and work in areas of conflict and high risk. It is important that the aid workers feel a degree of safety and GPS tracking systems can offer that by monitoring the locations of the remote workers and enabling a reliable communications link back to a central base and support team.
- Convoy Tracking. Convoys can often be transporting valuable goods, or even people and in the event of a hi-jack situation it’s important that the convoy can be traced to its exact location. Very often GPS tracking systems come with a panic alert device, which can be triggered when the Convoy comes into difficulty. Again, it’s all about communication and the location of the convoy in times of need.
- Remote workers. Whilst maybe similar to aid workers, employee location management is an important demonstration that the employer is taking responsibility towards their workers. Even an office worker who has to travel the globe can utilise a GPS tracking device knowing that there whereabouts is being monitored and that with the quick push of a button an alert can be send back to their office base.
So these are just 5 examples of how GPS Tracking devices can be deployed in the field, but it certainly isn’t limited to this list. GPS Tracking can be used in any situation where there is the potential of risk or crisis in a remote environment, on land, in the air or at sea.
Saturday, 29 May 2010
5 Risk Management tips for Aid Workers
Often based in 3rd world countries aid workers and volunteers often have to work in a high risk, often volatile environment. This is due to general conditions, extreme weather and people who try to obstruct aid getting to their community in what usually is seen as a struggle for power.
Working in a remote place, in a foreign country can be a frightening experience and aid workers have to quickly adapt to their new environment in order to get on with the tasks in hand.
There are many ways in which their organizations can help them feel more at ease when it comes to working in remote locations.
The list below details 5 simple ways in which you could help remote aid workers:
1. Education
Where possible educate your workers on the surroundings and environment. What are the possible pitfalls and where might risk be an issue. The education process should include the provision of navigation materials and technology, communication processes and how to react in the event of a crisis breakout.
2. GPS Tracking Technology
To help your remote workers feel at ease you should supply them with tracking technology and communication devices. This not only helps the remote workers but gives constant communication between a central command post and the workers on the ground. It can also be used to help direct the remote workers to a ‘safe-house’ in the event of a situation breaking out.
3. Basic Provisions
Where possible the remote workers should be provided with enough food and water to last their assignment.
4. Basic First Aid
First aid training is of paramount importance. Should the worst happen it is essential that each aid worker should be able to administer basic first aid to help their co-workers.
5. Clothing and Materials
Remote locations, especially in the 3rd world are often hit by extreme weather conditions. It can be very hot in the day and very cold at night. It is important that the remote workers are kitted out with the correct clothing to help them through these conditions.
These are just 5 simple points which could make a big difference to your remote workers and teams on the ground. Just making these changes a huge difference can me and lives can be saved.
Track 24 provide Risk Management technology and crisis management solutions. The Pocket Buddy Personal Tracking Device is specifically designed to help remote teams, such as aid workers or military personnel
Working in a remote place, in a foreign country can be a frightening experience and aid workers have to quickly adapt to their new environment in order to get on with the tasks in hand.
There are many ways in which their organizations can help them feel more at ease when it comes to working in remote locations.
The list below details 5 simple ways in which you could help remote aid workers:
1. Education
Where possible educate your workers on the surroundings and environment. What are the possible pitfalls and where might risk be an issue. The education process should include the provision of navigation materials and technology, communication processes and how to react in the event of a crisis breakout.
2. GPS Tracking Technology
To help your remote workers feel at ease you should supply them with tracking technology and communication devices. This not only helps the remote workers but gives constant communication between a central command post and the workers on the ground. It can also be used to help direct the remote workers to a ‘safe-house’ in the event of a situation breaking out.
3. Basic Provisions
Where possible the remote workers should be provided with enough food and water to last their assignment.
4. Basic First Aid
First aid training is of paramount importance. Should the worst happen it is essential that each aid worker should be able to administer basic first aid to help their co-workers.
5. Clothing and Materials
Remote locations, especially in the 3rd world are often hit by extreme weather conditions. It can be very hot in the day and very cold at night. It is important that the remote workers are kitted out with the correct clothing to help them through these conditions.
These are just 5 simple points which could make a big difference to your remote workers and teams on the ground. Just making these changes a huge difference can me and lives can be saved.
Track 24 provide Risk Management technology and crisis management solutions. The Pocket Buddy Personal Tracking Device is specifically designed to help remote teams, such as aid workers or military personnel
Risk Management Technology – Preventative action to save lives
It doesn’t really matter how you dress it up, Risk Management is a process of assessment and procedures that help to stop potential crisis situations occurring. In the common work place this is usually done by carrying out regular checks to ensure that certain criteria is being met, ensuring that the health and safety of the employees is not at risk.
However, outside of the normal 9-5 working day, people across the world are facing many different situations in places where crisis is only a matter of minutes away.
For example, take your aid workers or military troops, performing their day to day tasks in a foreign land, extreme weather conditions and the risk of ambush or hijacking. Risk Management plays an extremely important part of not only helping these people go about their day to day jobs but also keeping them alive! By utilizing technology it is possible for the location of remote workers to be monitored at all times, and for constant communication to be in place. This is made possible by GPS satellite technology.
GPS Technology sits on a framework of satellite communications which means it can be used anywhere in the world, irrespective of the local communications infrastructure. This makes the technology perfect for remote workers who can often be many, many miles away from the nearest sign of civilization or working in a deprived 3rd world country where there is no communications infrastructure.
GPS Technology allows for central teams to monitor the whereabouts of remote workers and check their location in terms of the distance away from potential crisis. It also allows them to stay in touch with a central team and should an unfortunate event occur a backup or medical team can be quickly dispatched to the exact location reported by the technology. The ability to react so quickly and precisely is sure to save lives and reduce the risk of injury.
As well as aiding people, GPS Technology is also useful for monitoring and managing assets (such as vehicles and artillery), buildings and goods. As it is now common place in the world of technology the cost to introduce technology into Risk Management plans is no longer prohibitive and through a relatively small cost it’s easy to see how it can quickly repay the investment.
However, outside of the normal 9-5 working day, people across the world are facing many different situations in places where crisis is only a matter of minutes away.
For example, take your aid workers or military troops, performing their day to day tasks in a foreign land, extreme weather conditions and the risk of ambush or hijacking. Risk Management plays an extremely important part of not only helping these people go about their day to day jobs but also keeping them alive! By utilizing technology it is possible for the location of remote workers to be monitored at all times, and for constant communication to be in place. This is made possible by GPS satellite technology.
GPS Technology sits on a framework of satellite communications which means it can be used anywhere in the world, irrespective of the local communications infrastructure. This makes the technology perfect for remote workers who can often be many, many miles away from the nearest sign of civilization or working in a deprived 3rd world country where there is no communications infrastructure.
GPS Technology allows for central teams to monitor the whereabouts of remote workers and check their location in terms of the distance away from potential crisis. It also allows them to stay in touch with a central team and should an unfortunate event occur a backup or medical team can be quickly dispatched to the exact location reported by the technology. The ability to react so quickly and precisely is sure to save lives and reduce the risk of injury.
As well as aiding people, GPS Technology is also useful for monitoring and managing assets (such as vehicles and artillery), buildings and goods. As it is now common place in the world of technology the cost to introduce technology into Risk Management plans is no longer prohibitive and through a relatively small cost it’s easy to see how it can quickly repay the investment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)