home | tracking samples | FAQs | GPS customer login | contact
  Return to Store  
   
 

GPS Frequently Asked Questions

Q - What is GPS?
A - The Global Positioning System (GPS) is an array of twenty-four satellites which orbit around the earth. Launched and maintained by the US Department of Defense, these satellites send a continuous stream of signals to the earth's surface enabling a GPS receiver to determine a vehicle's position. This is how our vehicle tracking systems can pinpoint the position of every vehicle you own, no matter how large or small your fleet.

Q – Are there different types of GPS tracking systems and how do they work?
A – Yes. All GPS units can be largely grouped in two categories: Logging tracking systems and real/near real time tracking systems. Logging systems are units that record the tracking data onto itself (like a recorder) and make the information available at a later time when it is downloaded onto a computer. Real or near real time tracking systems utilize technology such as cellular technology to transmit the tracking data to a centralized location. These systems require a subscription and the data is accessible at any time via a secure website login.

Q – Is there a significant difference in price of the different GPS systems?
A – Yes. Logging tracking systems have a low cost of ownership since the only cost is the unit, while real or near real time tracking systems have reoccurring fees and subscription fees that vary based on use.

Q --What is a Shadow Tracker™?
A - The Shadow Tracker™ is a family of products that features a built-in GPS receiver which utilizes satellite technology to pinpoint your mobile fleet, virtually anywhere, anytime. The Shadow Tracker™ records the day's travel activities, where they are then stored and downloaded into your computer system. A summary of the day's activities is conveniently printed out with detailed maps and reports displaying your employee's actual stops, customer locations, mileage traveled and elapsed times at each location - complete with street names, block numbers and vehicle speed. This GPS product line is ideal for fleets and other instances where more than one vehicle is to be tracked.

Q - What is a TravelEyes™?
A - The TravelEyes™ is a family of products that features a built-in GPS receiver which utilizes satellite technology to pinpoint your vehicle, virtually anywhere, anytime. The TravelEyes™ records the day's travel activities, where they are then stored and downloaded into your computer system. A summary of the day's activities is conveniently printed out with detailed maps and reports displaying your employee's actual stops, customer locations, mileage traveled and elapsed times at each location - complete with street names, block numbers and vehicle speed. This GPS product line is designed for single vehicle tracking and is much more user friendly than other units. Perfect for personal use.

Q - What is a TrackStick™?

A - Tracksticks are small GPS location recorders capable of continuously logging their own location histories for extended periods of time. These detailed recordings include time, date, location, speed, heading and altitude. Built-in flash memory and long battery life allows for the storage of months of travel information.

Q - What is a SpyTracker?
A – SpyTrackers are GPS location devices that use cellular technology and are capable of transmitting their own location and other related data to a central decoding location (managed by us). These detailed tracking data include time, date, location, speed, heading and altitude as well as battery life. The user can easily access this information by logging into our secure GPS portal for any computer where high speed internet is available.

Q - Does your GPS vehicle tracking systems require any input from my drivers?

A - No. Driver input is not required with our vehicle tracking systems. In fact, some owners install the system without the knowledge of their field crews.

Q - How can I tell what route has been taken by my driver?
A – Depending on the unit detailed reports are easily accessible to determine information such as routes and driving times. For instance, The Shadow Tracker™ records the day's complete route for each driver. When the driver returns, the Shadow Tracker™ can be downloaded and the route of each driver is displayed and printed out with detailed maps showing the driver's entire route, including all stops, customer locations and street addresses.

Q - Can a GPS tracking system help me prevent employees from using company vehicles for personal business?
A - Yes, the systems can tell you the location and length of time for each stop made, so you can document any unauthorized use of your vehicles, twenty-four hours day seven days a week.

Q - Can your GPS vehicle tracking system identify employees that are committing time sheet fraud?

A - Yes, you can tell which employees are falsifying time sheets simply by comparing the employee field reports and time sheets with the Shadow Tracker™ stop and travel reports.

Q - What kind if people use your tracking systems?
A – Many customers in the following industries have successfully used our products: Construction, Plumbing, Roofing, Carpet, HVAC, Lawn Care, Electrical, Independent Contractors, Health Care, Pest Control, Delivery, Florists, Equipment Service, Oilfield Service, Appliance Repair and City and State Governments and Municipalities, and many more.

Q - Are there any monthly fees?
A - There are no monthly fees for logging tracking system but real and near real time tracking systems do have subscription costs and other reoccurring costs, which vary per unit and usage.

Q – Are your GPS systems difficult to use?
A - No, our GPS tracking systems are designed for ease of use. In addition, our support team is ready to help you if you get stuck.

Q - How can I afford NOT to use the a GPS tracking system?
A – For business use and many times for personal use all units (even those with reoccurring fees) pay for themselves in many ways, including substantial improvement in the efficiency of your mobile operation, greater field productivity, better customer service, more accurate reimbursements, liability protection, and peace of mind. As a result, it's hard to justify a decision NOT to invest in a GPS tracking system.