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With the emergence of mobile phone-based GPS tracking features, are vehicle-installed GPS trackers still necessary? For commercial and government vehicles, the answer is certainly yes. Although both allow you to view real-time locations, dedicated GPS devices can provide far more detailed information. Which option is more suitable for your needs? Take a look at the following information on mobile phone GPS tracking and vehicle GPS trackers below.
The Main Differences Between Cell Phone GPS Tracking and Vehicle GPS Trackers
The GPS tracking function on mobile phones, available through various Android and iOS applications, tracks the mobile device being carried. If your driver leaves their phone at the workplace, you will not be able to track your vehicle. The same applies if the driver’s phone is switched off. In contrast, you can track your vehicle at any time with a GPS tracker installed in the vehicle. Even if the vehicle is outside mobile network coverage, the GPS tracker will continue operating and store the information on the device. The stored tracking data will be transmitted once the vehicle is back within coverage range.
Vehicle GPS Trackers Offer Added Value
All types of trackers are useful for tracking the location of your vehicles. When they first emerged, that function was already considered sufficient, but today it is no longer the minimum benefit expected from a vehicle GPS tracker. Vehicle GPS tracker providers now offer various added values, expanding vehicle monitoring functions into complete fleet management systems. In addition to monitoring vehicle locations in real-time, GPS trackers can also be used to monitor productivity, reduce fuel consumption, optimise mileage, improve maintenance scheduling, and enhance driving safety.
In addition, many fleet vehicles have specialised functions or additional equipment, such as refrigerated cargo units, ploughs, cranes, and towing hooks. With the appropriate additional sensors, GPS trackers can monitor the use of this equipment on vehicles. Some of the sensors that can be integrated with GPS trackers include temperature sensors, fuel sensors, cargo door sensors, concrete mixer sensors, CAN Bus, and power take-off. You can also remotely disable the vehicle starter with the additional remote immobiliser feature. These capabilities are simply not possible with mobile phone GPS tracking, especially when combined with the technical support and lifetime warranty provided by certain GPS tracker companies to their customers.
Mobile GPS Tracking is a Budget-Friendly Option
One of the reasons commercial fleets have not yet installed GPS trackers is budget constraints. Mobile phone GPS tracking therefore becomes an alternative option because of its lower cost. You only need to pay for internet data, as well as the service if the application is paid or includes premium features. Some mobile phone GPS tracking application providers offer monthly subscriptions with convenient payment through mobile phone credit, meaning there are no complicated subscription contracts.
In addition to tracking location, some mobile phone GPS tracking applications also provide features such as geofencing, as well as monitoring call history and social media activity. Furthermore, implementing this mobile phone-based GPS tracking solution is very quick — you simply download the application and configure the necessary settings within it. There is no need to wait for a tracking device to arrive and be installed in the vehicle.
If budget is the reason you have not yet implemented a monitoring system for your vehicle operations, you may consider using mobile phone GPS tracking rather than having no tracking at all. However, you are unlikely to obtain the same level of detailed information as with a vehicle GPS tracker. In addition, driver integrity and discipline significantly affect the effectiveness of mobile phone GPS tracking. You need to ensure that drivers do not leave behind or switch off their work phones during working hours so that you can always track their location whenever required.
For those of you looking to start using a vehicle GPS tracker, Cartrack offers a range of solutions that can be tailored to your needs. Our technicians will come to your location to carry out the installation. You can immediately monitor and manage your vehicle fleet via the Cartrack application or website thereafter. Do not worry — Cartrack’s software is easy to understand and use. Contact us now to start your best vehicle monitoring experience!
