Global Positioning System uses satellites to determine the position, the position can be of an individual, a fleet, a vehicle or of a device. Originally designed to assist the military, global positioning system was further extended for civilian use as well. GPS uses the time, latitude and longitude to determine the exact position.
In recent trends GPS technology is also used in fleet, which is a collection of ships or vehicles. It is used to identify, locate and establish a communication with fleet vehicles. GPS gives access to the location history of fleet vehicles, which helps in planning journey and responding to the changing traveling conditions. Finally, reports are generated which store the records.
Before GPS technology was introduced, it was a cumbersome process to find directions to our destination. But with the advent of GPS, we not only know the exact directions but also manage to find the shortest way, which ends up saving a lot of fuel. Use of the GPS technology increases the efficiency of fleet vehicles and also decreases the operating cost of these vehicles. This in turn increases the productivity and extends the life of fleet vehicles.
This technology aids in monitoring driver's behaviour, which helps the company to know his whereabouts. It also directs the movement of vehicles, which is of a great assistance while reconfiguring routes or rescheduling the timetables. Use of this technology also minimizes the vehicle investment and the staff cost.
Global Positioning System assists a company in maximizing the number of deliveries while minimizing time and distance. It also has environmental benefits, as it cuts down the fuel usage and hence vehicle emits less carbon, making it environmental friendly and at the same time helping in saving some fuel.
GPS is proving to be handy for the companies that want to keep records of their fleet vehicles. GPS enables the company to identify where it is losing its money, time and whether or not their fleet vehicles are wasting fuel.
GPS systems have a display screen, which gives mileage information of the vehicle. It also gives live traffic information that can help in determining best possible route. GPS vehicle tracking technology can also be used for viewing interactive maps online.