Types of Trackers Available
Van trackers work by using technology to allow a company to track the location; speed and direction of its vans. There are different types of van trackers available, using different types of technology. Trackers can either be active or passive. Active trackers send a continuous signal to the tracking software allowing a company to have real time information about the location of their vans. Passive trackers differ in that they track the movements of a van but store the data on the tracker to be downloaded at a later date. Hybrid trackers, which are a combination of the two types, are also available. Van trackers are either based on GPS tracking technology or RFID technology.
Tracker Options and Benefits
Trackers can vary greatly in the type of features available. The most basic models simply track the vans, but more sophisticated models include options such as; two way messaging, GPS navigation for drivers and the ability to remotely disable vans than are on unauthorised journeys. There are several benefits to be gained from installing trackers on vans. Knowing the location of your vans will often result in a significant fall in insurance premium, both for the vans, and any assets they are carrying. Another benefit of installing trackers on vans is that business can plan the fastest and most efficient routes for their drivers. This route planning also tends to result in reduced fuel costs. Other benefits of installing trackers are the reduction in unauthorised employee downtime, and reductions in tax liabilities as companies can demonstrate there is no benefit in kind to employees. Lastly van tracker software can be used for van lifecycle management, which can reduce maintenance costs, and the software can calculate the costs of financing new vehicles.
RFID vs GPS
When deciding between RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and GPS trackers, potential purchasers will need to understand what benefits they are hoping to gain from their trackers and what their budgetary limit is. GPS trackers are generally cheaper than RFID systems but are less accurate, and the signal can be blocked if a vehicle is underground, for instance in a car park. It is much harder to block the signal of an RFID tracker; however, they can be much more expensive due the specialised equipment required. RFID trackers can carry put many other functions such as temperature monitoring and automatic key recognition.
Purchase and Lease costs
Trackers can either be purchased or leased. To purchase one GPS tracker typically costs over a hundred pounds, and there are often costs of installation to account for on top of the purchase cost. If you have a fleet of vans, you may consider leasing trackers, as these can be upgraded as the business demands. To lease a tracker generally costs less than a pound per van per day for the most basic trackers with options such as messaging typically adding around twenty pence per vehicle per day. Leases are generally available for between three and five years with costs per day being lower for five year leases.
