Types of Vehicle Tracking
Rather than begin this article with an explanation as to what vehicle tracking systems are, let us assume that you already know the answer, but want to discover more about individual types of system and software. Vehicle tracking systems can be split into two main categories, which are known as Active and Passive.
There are two major differences between these types of vehicle tracking systems. Active systems collect and store detailed information including GPS location, speed and essential engine/braking information. This and a host of other data is then sent and received in ‘real time’ ensuring a constant, up to the minute transfer of data. Real time tracking ensures that fleet managers have all information on hand, as and when they need it.
Passive vehicle tracking on the other hand can provide all of the same information as Active tracking but instead of monitoring vehicle data in real time, the data is recorded on to the device itself and then viewed once the journey is over and the tracking device has been removed from the vehicle. Some Passive systems may also have the facility to transfer the information wirelessly.
For most fleet managers, choosing between these systems is easy. Active vehicle tracking has a distinct advantage over the Passive variety because of its ability to track in real time. It is this on demand nature that gives it the edge because fleet managers can retrieve specific information as soon as it is necessary not to mention the ability to monitor a vehicle or vehicles 24/7.
However, there are vehicle tracking systems available that contain elements from both Active and Passive vehicle tracking. Systems that are able to utilise both technologies may be beneficial if a fleet of vehicles needs to operate in areas where there may be a loss of GPS signal. In such instances, the Passive mode would kick in and record essential information until the connection was re-established.
SupaTrak vehicle tracking software falls into this last category, and gives fleet managers the ability to track their entire fleet of vehicles no matter how big or small, day or night. SupaTrak benefits from 60-second updates that mean the data received is almost as it happens. The passive function ensures that no critical data is lost in the event of signal loss. Information is then stored in a ‘black box’ to be viewed at a later date.
CMS SupaTrak’s range of vehicle tracking systems can be implemented in both the business, and mobile worker sector. Easy to set up and maintain, CMS SupaTrak’s tracking systems provide fleet managers and business owners with comprehensive vehicle information on demand.
