Online Fleet Tracking: Track Your Fleet From AnywhereKeeping track of a large fleet of vehicles is a difficult job, and when installing a system to help in the process it can be a good idea to look at online vehicle tracking, a system which uses the web to enable fleet management staff to access fleet management software on a central database and keep tabs on every vehicle. This type of software will usually use a global positioning system (GPS) in order to track vehicles in real time. It is usually also done through an online vehicle tracking provider who provides the software and server on a contract basis. This article will look at these points and what needs to be researched before buying an online vehicle tracking system. The tracking software uses the web to enable staff to log into the tracking software via a central database. This is known as web-based vehicle tracking and makes the software extremely flexible since it can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection. If staff are located in different offices in different geographical locations then they can still access the database without trouble. Alternatively if required the staff can work in a central vehicle tracking office and yet still keep control of the entire fleet from a central location. The tracking data will include such things as the location of the various vehicles within the fleet, the roster information of the drivers, and whether a particular vehicle has any upcoming maintenance needed or is actually in maintenance at that moment. Since this is held in a central fleet management database, the fleet management staff will be able to access all pertinent information about each vehicle and control the fleet accordingly, bringing greater efficiency. The web-based tracking software should have an easy to use interface which enables staff to see a full picture of each vehicles activity and print reports if need be. In order to take full advantage of a web-based tracking system, the software should track the vehicles in real time, which means the vehicle position reported by the application should be the true position with as little delay as possible. By giving real time information, the online software enables staff to make decisions promptly and to solve any problems that might occur such as the late running of a freight consignment. Historical tracking systems are still used, but the advantages of real time tracking via the web is one of the major advantages of online fleet tracking software. In order to set up an online system, a provider is usually chosen which will provide the computer system and the tracking application. Any decent online fleet tracking software provider should give guarantees of service, such as a certain percentage uptime. It is essential that the company uses reliable servers, and that the tracking software itself is constantly being upgraded to cope with developments in fleet tracking technology. Many online fleet tracking companies will provide the service on a fee basis, with the client paying a certain amount per month and agreeing to a minimum contract for the use of the software. There are several things to think about when choosing online tracking software, and this article has touched on just a few of them, though they do need to be borne in mind, especially the existence of real time vehicle tracking through the online interface, and the reliability of the provider. By considering these factors, you can ensure you have a good grounding in all the essential points before choosing an online tracking package that is right for your company. |