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There are several types of vehicle tracking systems currently available. These are categorised by the technology used, installation type, their purpose and function, and the method of data transmission. By knowing the different types available to fleets and the everyday motorist, they’ll know which system is best for them!
Not all vehicle trackers are built the same, and what works for one won’t always work for another. In the same breath what works for the everyday motorist won’t really work for a fleet. This is why it’s important to do research on the different types of tracking systems available and which one is perfect for you!
Key takeaways:
Tracking devices differ by technology, installation type, purpose and data transmission
Fleets require more than just basic GPS tracking
Trackers for personal use require simpler and targeted features with their GPS tracking devices
Cartrack’s vehicle tracking system is designed for both fleets and personal use
What are the different types of vehicle tracking systems?
There are various types of tracking systems that are offered. There are GPS trackers, GSM trackers, active tracking systems that work with telematics and ones that work via OBD plug-in. The best way to explain each of them is to have them categorised.
The four main ways they can be categorised are by the technology they use, their installation type, their purpose and function, and lastly, by the way they transmit their data.
Let’s take a detailed look into each one.
By the technology used
GPS (Global Positioning System) This is the most common type of tracking system used. This is made up of a constellation of satellites that provide precise positioning, navigation, and timing measurements across the globe. These satellites will transmit pings off three or more satellites from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to provide an exact geographical location.
GLONASS-based tracking system GLONASS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System; however, it’s a bit different to GNSS. GNSS is simply the general name for all of the satellite location systems, and GLONASS is one specific system built by Russia. It works with a group of satellites that orbit the earth in three orbital planes and has 8 satellites per plane. This system is often paired up with GPS for better accuracy.
*Other global navigation satellite systems are BeiDou (China’s system) and Galileo (the European Union’s system)
GSM/GPRS-based tracking GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) are forms of tracking that use mobile networks to transmit the tracked data in real time. This type of tracking works the best in areas that have good network coverage. It can work across multiple cities and countries, but this is dependent on the coverage of the network provider.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) System An RFID tracking system is a wireless communication that uses electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling within a radio frequency range. Simplified, it uses radio waves to transmit signals that activate the tag. Once it’s activated, the tag will send a wave back to a scanning antenna, where it’s then translated into data. And that's how it’s able to identify a car or asset it’s placed on.
OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) tracking OBD-based tracking involves plugging a device into the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) port. This device mostly provides crucial insights into the vehicle’s health, fuel levels, and mileage. However, if you have it permanently connected into the port, it’ll send this data and GPS signals to an app or platform for you to view.
By installation type
Passive tracking systems A passive tracking system also uses GPS to track a vehicle’s location; however, this system doesn’t provide you with real-time updates. Data is recorded and stored on a hard drive or memory card to be accessed at a later stage. If you’re not particularly concerned about vehicle theft & recovery and want the historical trip data, then a passive tracking system is perfect for you.
Active tracking systems An active tracking system uses either satellite or cellular networks and is connected to your vehicle (it’s usually a hardwired tracker) and will continuously, or at intervals, transmit location data. This type of system is popular for fleets and motorists who are concerned about their vehicle’s whereabouts and require instant and real-time location updates.
By its purpose & function
Fleet management systems Fleets require tracking systems that can help in tracking multiple vehicles across multiple locations and will work even in the most remote areas. Fleets also require fleet management systems that can assist with things like driver behaviour insights and route optimisation.
Fleet managers remember, you can’t manage what you can't see!
Stolen vehicle recovery systems If your main concern is SVR, you should focus on a system that uses not only GPS or GSM but RFID as well. These work hand in hand for vehicle recovery, because GPS trackers can be blocked with signal jammers that prevent the vehicle’s location from being found. When choosing a provider, make sure they have their own in-house recovery team and a high recovery rate.
Asset tracking systems There are tracking devices that are non-wired and use RFID technology that you can use to track assets. This includes trailers, generators, containers or even heavy-duty equipment that doesn’t have its own power source.
Personal vehicle tracking These are consumer-grade trackers that work for cars, and data is often accessed through a mobile app. These will also use GPS or GSM signals to transmit location data.
Satellite tracking systems If you’re based in a remote area that has poor cellular networks, you're going to need a purely satellite tracking system for your vehicle.
By data transmission method
Cellular-based (2G/3G/4G/5G): This is the most common and usually the cheapest tracking method.
Satellite-based: This method works globally and in remote areas; however, it can be more expensive.
IoT systems: This method integrates sensors and connectivity technologies (WiFi, cellular networks, and satellite) to enable advanced vehicle tracking and remote diagnostics. The GPS devices and sensors will collect the vehicle data and transmit it online to a central platform.
Hybrid systems: This method makes use of both cellular and satellite networks for the highest accuracy.
What vehicle tracking system is best for fleets
Fleets would require a more robust and advanced tracking system. Simple GPS location tracking devices are just not enough. Fleet managers have multiple vehicles spread all over the country that they need to keep an eye on, so what tracking system would be the best?
A fleet would definitely require real-time GPS tracking with GMS/GPRS depending on the areas they work in. Fleet managers not only have to worry about the vehicle but the cargo as well. If a truck is stolen or hijacked during a commute, the valuable cargo is especially at risk.
Having real-time advanced GPS tracking with a backup tracking unit and an SVR team ensures recovery happens swiftly. But fleets also need more than that. There are a lot of aspects to successfully managing a fleet, which is why they need a telematics system that provides vehicle tracking and more.
Route optimisation: get the fastest and most efficient route for your drivers.
Maintenance scheduling: get alerts for when a car is in need of a service.
One centralised dashboard: Have one platform to view your entire fleet and all its information.
Preventing unexpected downtime: preventative maintenance alerts help vehicles stay at an optimal performance level, ensuring they don’t break down unexpectedly.
Operational insights: know how your entire fleet is operating.
Real-time vehicle tracking: keep an accurate eye on your vehicle at all times.
Vehicle and asset recovery: in the case of theft, know that the vehicle and assets can be recovered.
Fleet compliance: ensure that your entire fleet is safe and compliant with local and global rules and regulations.
These features allow fleet managers and owners to ensure the safety of their fleet and of their drivers as well.
The typical cost of trackers for a fleet
For fleets, the cost structure is a bit more complicated. It would be subscription-based per vehicle (a monthly fee), plus any other add-ons you’d like. The types of vehicles you have also play a role in how much it’ll cost.
An important thing fleet managers need to understand is that this type of system ends up paying for itself. Having complete operational insights as well as live vehicle tracking and SVR will help your business save where it was bleeding money.
With the price of petrolbeing R25.42 for 93 and R25.58 for 95 petrol per litre and R26.16 per litre for Diesel 0.05% (500ppm) and R26.39 per litre for Diesel 0.005% (50ppm), fleets can’t afford to waste money on unaccounted-for fuel expenses.
What vehicle tracking system is best for personal use
For the everyday road user that doesn’t need all the bells and whistles, a simple yet accurate GPS tracking unit with a backup cellular & RFID tracking device is the best option. You may not want the backup tracking device, but it’s definitely recommended if you travel and park in high-risk areas or if you have a high-risk vehicle.
The features that are best for personal use are:
Geofencing: Set virtual boundaries around your home or a set radius.
Trip history: Monitor driver trips from younger family members who use the car.
Mileage logs: This data can assist with maintenance and resale.
Remote immobilisation: Stop your car from moving if it’s been stolen.
Theft alerts: Receive instant alerts if your car has been stolen.
Crash detection: Get notified if your vehicle has been involved in an accident, and it’ll send out an alert for assistance.
Roadside assistance: Get medical, legal, and roadside assistance in an emergency.
When should you use a hybrid tracking system
If you have vehicles that operate in remote areas, if you live or work in a remote area, or if you travel across the country often with your car, you should use a hybrid system. By combining satellite and cellular systems, you have the best chance of continuously tracking your vehicle’s GPS location.
What tracking system can Cartrack offer you
Cartrack’s system combines GPS and GSM tracking with a backup anti-jamming Cartrack Tag (RFID) tracking device. We have a 24/7 control room to assist you at any time of the day, and on top of that, we have a recovery success rate that’s unmatched!
Cartrack’s system is designed for both fleets and personal use. We know that one size doesn’t fit all, so you’re able to customise your add-ons to meet your requirements. All of our tracking devices are built in-house, unlike other providers who outsource their trackers. This means we know exactly how they work and how to fix an issue if one ever arises.
Our tracking units have tamper alerts as well. Our control room agents will receive a warning, and they’ll immediately alert you. This helps prevent theft from happening in the first place! Our stolen vehicle recovery service is included in our most basic tracking unit package, and our recovery teams are readily available across the country!
Worried about what happens if your car is stolen and taken across the border? Don’t worry; we have a value-added service that includes cross-border stolen-vehicle recovery! So we’ll be able to trace it even if thieves have managed to take it into a neighbouring country.
Cartrack case study: Mr Build
Mr Build is a well-known hardware store that specialises in woodworking, timber, plumbing, cement, and a wide range of home decor. They have a workforce of 200 across seven branches and a fleet of about 40 vehicles that deliver their products to customers.
Their main challenge was keeping track of where drivers and vehicles were during deliveries. They couldn't pick up any signs of drivers experiencing delays, which meant customers could not be updated on deliveries.
How Cartrack vehicle tracking solutions transformed operations:
Our vehicle tracking system allows Mr Build to see exactly where their vehicles are at any given time. They also get detailed history reports of all completed trips. This also means they no longer waste time and resources trying to call and locate drivers.
The live-location tracking feature allows Mr Build to manage delivery updates and inform customers. There are now a limited number of unnecessary route deviations, boosting productivity and promoting driver accountability.
As an extra layer of security, Mr Build has added our CarWatch feature to their package. When activated, this feature acts as a virtual car guard and alerts Mr Build and our 24-hour control room service the moment any unauthorised vehicle movements occur around parked vehicles.
“Cartrack helps us monitor the fleet much better; I always know where all the vehicles are. There's no part of the day when I have to look for a vehicle or driver. If I can't get a hold of the driver, I know where the truck is.” | Mohammed Haider Yacoob, Manager - Mr Build, Tzaneen
Looking for the best vehicle tracking service? Then look no further because you found it! Click on the link and get one of our highly trained agents to call you back today.
FAQs
What is the problem with buying a tracking device from an online retail site?
The main problem with buying a tracking device from an online retail site is that you have no support. If something goes wrong, you won’t have a reliable team to track and find your vehicle. Another problem is the reliability of the device. There’s no guarantee it’s going to work or give accurate GPS tracking.
Can a tracking device reduce my vehicle insurance fees?
Yes, a tracking device can reduce your vehicle’s insurance fees. However, this is completely dependent on your insurance provider. When you have an insurance-approved tracking device, it can reduce your insurance fees because it adds a strong layer of protection against vehicle theft.
How can I track my non-powered assets?
If you have non-powered assets, they can be tracked with Cartrack’s CT Tag. This tag has its own long-lasting battery source that works off our unique radio frequency. It’s also weatherproof and has a 5-year battery life. You can set up geofences with this device so you’ll be alerted the second it leaves a set area.
Can fuel and operational costs really be optimised?
Yes, with the right technology you can optimise your fuel and operational costs. By monitoring fuel consumption you can easily spot any inefficiencies. And the telematics software can help you cut waste, lower your costs and improve your fleet’s overall sustainability.
Get a comprehensive breakdown of the many different types of vehicle tracking systems and find out which one would work best for you.
