What is a GPS Tracker? A GPS (Global Positioning System) tracker is a device that uses GPS technology to determine the location of an asset. GPS trackers can be small and portable for assets such as trailers or compactors, or larger and installed in vehicles and machinery. They typically use a combination of GPS and cellular technology to transmit location data to a remote server. GPS trackers work by using GPS satellites to determine the precise location of the device, and then transmit that location data to a remote server using cellular networks or other wireless technologies. The server then processes the location data and presents it to the user in a user-friendly format, such as a map or dashboard. GPS trackers can be used for a variety of purposes, such as tracking the location of vehicles or assets, and monitoring the location and movement of people. Some GPS trackers also come with additional features, such as geo-fencing (which alerts the user when the tracker moves outside of a pre-defined area) or real-time alerts (which notify the user when the tracker reaches a certain location or moves at a certain speed). Overall, GPS trackers are a useful tool for tracking the location and movement of people and assets, and can provide valuable information for a variety of users. What do GPS Trackers do for different applications? Vehicle tracking: GPS trackers can be installed in vehicles to track their location, speed, and direction of travel. This can be useful for fleet management, logistics, and tracking of stolen vehicles. You can add to this with the addition of Canbus data which allows you to see insights into the vehicle's data system such as coolant and oil temperatures, fuel levels and more, and set up alerts if required. Asset and Plant tracking: GPS trackers can be attached to valuable assets such as plant machinery, trailers, containers, and equipment to monitor their location and prevent theft. Often used in conjunction with an immobiliser, which we will cover in a separate blog, Trackers in plant are a great way to keep an eye on your assets, particularly within the hire industry where unauthorised usage is often prohibited. You are able to either lock a machine over weekends, or receive text alerts to let you know that your machine is being used and therefore you can bill for that time! As with vehicles, Canbus data is a great addition to a hire fleet, enabling you to determine why machine 'X' is having issues. You can run a report and see that it keeps running out of fuel for example, and then using the 'driver id/immobiliser' system, kindly ask whoever was operating it at the time, to not let this happen again... Usecase A great example of one of our customers who has found that our trackers have changed his business entirely, is a local concrete crusher hire firm. They have a fleet of 4x £750,000 McCloskey Crushers (amongst other machines), charged to the customer by an agreed 'hours of usage'. This meant that although the engine may be running, their customers are only charged for the time the crushing element of the machine itself is actually running. This was incredibly hard to keep on top of until we fitted trackers which could monitor engine hours, and crushing hours separately. This then allowed our customer to bill his client for the real-time used rather than a predicted use (which was always understated!) Since opting for this feature our client has seen an average increase in revenue of £30,000 per machine in the first 8 months alone! Don't forget that trackers can be as complex or as simple as you like. From a simple tracker on a van, to a pin code immobilised, remote Canbus reporting tracking and telematics device for the biggest of quarry machinery. You can build the perfect package for what you need, and we're here to help with that. Don't let suppliers oversell and overcomplicate things. Call O.J.Plant today and we'll help you find the best solution for you!