What is GPS? Introduction to GPS.
Before learning about GPS Tracking, its benefits and other features, lets learn about GPS first. GPS which is short form for Global Positioning System, is space based navigation technology which involves satellites in the space broadcasting navigation signals with network of ground stations and satellite control stations.
GPS is operated and maintained by the Department of Defense (DoD). Largest competitors to GPS are GLONASS by Russia, BeiDou by China, Galileo by European Union, NavIC by India, QZSS by Japan. While NavIC and QZSS are regional services, GLONASS, BEIDOU, Gailleo are international services.
How GPS Tracking Works?
As we know understand what is GPS, now lets understand how it works. Manufacturers have created devices with Radio Antenna that coordinates with Satellite to communicate. Okay, but question might be what does it coordinate or what kind of data it sends over Satellites.
GPS Device acquires current Navigational data like Longitude, Latitude, Altitude and other data from Satellite and combines with timestamp and other analogue and digital data based on the device capabilities to send them to Server it was configured to.
So, there are different providers of Tracking services and they have their own servers so they have their different devices. If you want different devices from different companies send data to a single server, that can only be done with technical expert by modifying the hardware properties.
The device may be capable of sending more data, for example Truck Related Telematics Data, Different types sensors like Temperature, Door Lock/Unlock Status and many other possibilities.
Why GPS Tracking is Necessary for Truck/Trailers?
GPS Device, which are installed in trucks and trailers to track their movement from one place (city/state) to another. This helps transporters and customers to keep track of their goods , which are getting transported. There are many GPS service providers in USA (Tangerine, Verizon, Samsara, AnyFleet, etc.), and it is one of the key areas of trucking business in USA.
How to Track Trucks/Trailers using GPS? Benefits of GPS Tracking
GPS installed trucks and trailers can be tracked by logging in to their connected accounts provided and created by the GPS service provider. Once a user logs in with the connected account he/she can view all the trucks/trailers associated with the user’s account. Benefits of tracking are:
- Estimated time of delivery can be calculated.
- Path can be measured and obstructions on the selected path are alerted based on providers Software which helps us on diverting the path if necessary to avoid delay.
- GPS Tracking Provider has software mobile applications for Android and iOS so these crucial information are available on the go.
- Idle time of a truck/trailer.
- Calculating working hours of a driver.
- Quick RSA services can be provided to driver in case of any issue in truck or trailer.
- Several automations can be done with the help of software to reduce data entry and correct time and location.
This post is written by one of interns of XL Infomatics Pvt Ltd.
XL Infomatics is a Outsourcing company dedicated to Logistics Sector with slogan of Growth Partner for Logistics Sector. We have team of experienced persons from different fields and some of our team member has experience of building product related to GPS Services for Logistics sector. We have helped creating one of the best GPS platform which now runs in more than 20 countries in nearly a million vehicles. We have helped conceptualize services and reports those are very crucial for tracking team, dispatch team and Fleet Managers and Drivers have better visibility as well.
