Vehicle Tracking

Vehicle Tracking in Leeds

James — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:00:03 +0000

There are many businesses in and around Leeds are that rely on their vehicles to provide their goods and services to customers. Although many companies in Leeds have adopted vehicle tracking and are experiencing the many benefits, which include cost savings and increased productivity, there are still a large number of businesses ‘sitting on the fence’.

Real time vehicle tracking systems provide many features that help businesses to manage their fleet of vehicles. A real time tracking system keeps companies up to date with their vehicles movements, providing updates as frequently as once a minute. They normally provide a range of tools that can make managing a fleet and dealing with incoming customer queries much more efficient.

A good example of this is a feature commonly called ‘Locate Nearest Vehicle’; this feature allows users to calculate the distance of each of their vehicles from any point/address on the map.

Leeds, as with many other cities, suffers from congestion hotspots which can significantly affect a vehicles daily productivity. To help companies to tackle this problem many fleet tracking systems now provide ‘live traffic updates’. This feature displays highway incidents, congestion and road works on the tracking map. It is used by many fleet managers to notify drivers of congestion and prevent losing time and by office workers to maintain good customer service by keeping customers informed of driver progress.

Driver Identification & Immobilisation

James — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:12:13 +0000

Modern GPS fleet tracking systems offer customers much greater functionality than ever before. New features that allow businesses greater control and visibility over their vehicles and drivers can provide fantastic benefits. Driver Identification and Immobilisation are key features of many tracking systems and are of particular benefit to those companies that have vehicles which may be operated by a selection of drivers.

Most driver id and immobilisation installs are not included in the price of a ‘standard’ tracking system. This is mainly because these systems require the installation of additional hardware to be able to function. In addition, installing these systems can require more time, which may also increase the cost.

Driver id systems are normally operated by either a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag or a Dallas Key (these are small electronic tags that are often seen being used in restaurants to operate the tills). A driver is required to press and hold their specific Dallas Key for a few seconds (RFID is automatically detected) against the terminal in the vehicle. The tracking system will then report which driver is using the vehicle.

Driver ID systems that include immobilisation will not allow a driver to start the vehicle unless a Dallas Key is used or an RFID tag is present. Not only do these systems ensure that drivers identify themselves each time they operate a vehicle but they also significantly increase the security of a vehicle.

Increase Business Using GPS Fleet Tracking

James — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:51:51 +0000

GPS fleet tracking is proving itself to be an essential tool amongst many vehicle operating businesses throughout the UK. This can not only be accredited to its ability to help companies to save costs but also that it helps companies to increase the productivity of their drivers which means that they can cater for further business.

GPS fleet tracking systems have been available for some time now and over the years the price of this technology has significantly reduced, which has made tracking more affordable, especially for smaller businesses. In addition, this has increased the potential return on investment that can be gained by these systems which means that even businesses with just 1 or 2 vehicles can make substantial savings that will far outweigh the cost of the tracking system.

Fleet tracking systems continually monitor vehicles and plot their real time locations against an in-application map. This allows fleet managers to instantly identify their vehicles locations as well as be able to look back at historic journeys using the reports that are generated by a tracking system. This helps business owners and fleet managers identify where improvements can be made to boost efficiency and ensure that they are maximising their driver’s potential.

Vehicle Tracking Options

James — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:56:02 +0000

The majority of vehicle tracking systems available on today’s market offer customers a solution that includes many core features. However, in addition to these, customers have many optional features that they are able to add on although normally at an additional cost.

Many of these optional features may be specific to particular requirements, such as temperature sensors, which is why they are not included in a standard vehicle tracking system. Most tracking systems as standard will provide customers with a range of real time features such as live mapping and traffic information as well as historic features such as reporting. For many customers these core features suit their requirements and can provide them with the return on their investment that they are seeking. However, those that do have specific requirements may also benefit from some of the optional extras that are provided.

Just some of these optional features include 2 Way Messaging, Sat Nav Integration, Driver Panic Button as well as European tracking. Another common option is a PTO (Power Take Off) switch which provides a means of additional monitoring on a vehicle such as its doors. These are used by many companies to monitor the tail lifts or cranes that are mounted on the vehicle. A PTO switch keeps users informed of specific vehicle activity in real time and the data can also be made available in a report.

Why Do You Need Vehicle Tracking?

Amy — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:39:13 +0000

Vehicle Tracking is an amazing management tool that all companies should grasp with both hands and embrace as it can not only change the entire workings of your business but the customer service you can offer and the outgoing costs your company sustains.

Vehicle Tracking has become extremely popular and far more companies are now looking for tracking systems to improve their service to their customers and improve their in house processes. By having tracking fitted to your fleet it allows the fleet manager to be able to see where a pacific vehicle is at any given time, they can then give accurate instructions and route planning to each driver plus accurate delivery times and locations of the vehicle to their customers.

On top of this driver time sheets can be monitored and administration time cut which is taken to process such paperwork along with overtime figures which can be generated via the tracking system and any history needed to be looked back on can be at the touch of a button.

Vehicles can be watched in real time and traffic alerts can be set up if any of the routes being travelled are congested and therefore an alternative route can be organised. Drivers no longer need get lost on route as fleet managers can view street maps to give them precise details of the location and road names, one way streets to avoid and much more.

Employee’s Benefit From Vehicle Tracking

Amy — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:03:07 +0000

Employees sometimes feel concerned when their company announces that they are installing vehicle tracking into their vehicles and think that they are not trusted and that their company is turning into big brother.

However, after talking to many companies who are indeed looking for vehicle tracking and it is the first time it appears that they are looking mainly to structure their delivery managment and time schedules and also to ensure correct and efficient routes are being taken. Also to know when alternative routes must be taken.

Saying this, it is unfortunate that some employees do take advantage of a flexible role and are not always where they say they are when their boss calls up. There is certainly no doubt that this can also help companies and by doing this the employee loses the company money and does not offer the customer the service they require or should get

Employees can benefit from their company having vehicle tracking systems installed as some companies will reward good driver performance and this encourages drivers to drive in a more efficient manner and encourage them to aim for targets.

By a driver cutting out harsh acceleration and harsh braking, fuel usage can be reduced and in return the company can see savings in their fuel bills.

Timesheets and overtime can also be monitored and recorded which saves time with paperwork and any uncertainty over hours worked.

Need a Vehicle Tracking System?

James — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:04:31 +0000

Are you looking for a vehicle tracking system for your business and are not sure where to start? In the UK more businesses are becoming familiar with vehicle tracking and are keen for their company to benefits from the many advantages of installing a tracking system such as increased driver productivity, improved customer service as well as reductions in fuel and overtime costs.

For many individuals looking at vehicle tracking for the first time it may seem daunting at first as there are many different solution providers offering tracking systems at different prices. In addition, these systems also offer different features and functionality. At TrackCompare our mission is to make purchasing a tracking system faster and easier for our website visitors. We provide a unique tracking comparison table which, once having entered their fleet size, location and contact details, will allow visitors to view a range of tracking systems. Visitors are able to make comparisons on prices, features, warrant length and companies themselves.

In addition to the comparison table, visitors that request a quote from a tracking supplier using TrackCompare are also offered a free Vehicle Tracking Buyers Handbook. This helps tracking buyers to understand the various tracking features and their benefits as well as providing information as to the various payment options that are offered by tracking suppliers.

To find the ideal tracking solution for your business use TrackCompare’s free comparison service today.

Employee Tracking Systems

James — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:39:39 +0000

Many employers are keen to find the right kind of tracking system to monitor their employees; the difficulty can be knowing which type of tracking system will best suit their business.

In today’s market there is a wide choice of systems available and making the right choice first time is essential. The first step to making this choice is by deciding what needs to be achieved by installing a tracking system, such as increasing employee safety or improving their efficiency and productivity.

It may seem that the different types of tracking systems share many similarities and can seem to provide the same functionality. However, this is not necessarily always the case. For example, a business whose employees need to be monitored to ensure good time keeping and productive days may experience frustrations using a mobile phone tracking system. This is because a mobile phone can be switched off or consumes its battery power, when this happens the individual carrying the phone can no longer be tracked. A vehicle tracking system that is hardwired to a vehicle can not be easily disconnected by a driver and uses power provided by the vehicle battery.

Lone worker & mobile phone tracking systems are highly popular amongst companies that need to ensure their employees safety. Since these systems have been introduced, the safeties of employees that are required to work alone in high risk environments have been dramatically increased.

Use Trackcompare To Help You Find The Right Tracking System

Amy — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:53:39 +0000

Are you interested in Vehicle Tracking and just struggling to know where to and how to start looking. Trackcompare is definitely the right site for you. We offer free advice on many different vehicle tracking products and systems on the market and also reports on the top suppliers and their company history and the products they offer along with the terms and purchase options on the systems.

You can use our simple comparison table to ascertain which products offer what and how they compare against each other in terms of features including update times/traffic alerts/driver behaviour and also the cost of the system and how long the warranty is in comparison to contract terms and so on.

Trackcompare is a really simple way of finding the right system for you and also making contact with the best tracking companies on the market. Your chosen companies will contact you back and provide you with a quotation that suits your needs on the relevant system they have. You can also discuss further your exact wants and needs from the tracking system and any particular features you are looking to have on it, or alternatively any particular reports that you will need it to generate for you.

Invoice Factoring

tcadmin01 — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:07:21 +0000

Invoice factoring can help to solve your cash flow problems. Do many of your clients take 30 days or more to pay? Invoice factoring could be the answer to this problem.

With invoice factoring you sell the debt of a particular invoice to another company called a factor. This will be sold for less than the invoice is worth. You will not receive the full value of the invoice, but you will not have to wait for the client to pay the invoice before you receive the money.

The factor will tell you how much they will pay you for the invoice and you will receive a percentage of this money up front.

Once this is done the factor will usually inform the debtor that they now own the debt and the factor will be responsible for collecting the money. Also if the debtor does not pay the money owed, it is the factor that will take this loss or be responsible for taking further actions to recover the money owed.

As the seller of the invoice, you will get the upfront payment quickly and this guaranteed regardless of whether the payment is ever collected from the debtor. The only downside to you as the seller of the invoice is that you will not receive the full amount of the original invoice.

Once the debtor has paid the factor you will receive the remaining amount of the money owed to you by the factor. So basically you will receive your money in two parts. One the initial amount paid as soon as the deal had been struck with the factor and a second amount once the money has been collected from the factor.

Some factors will charge you interest based on how long it takes for the debtor to pay. Also some will charge a flat service charge. These will be deducted from the amount the second payment you receive from the factor.

As the seller of the invoice you must not collect the money from the debtor for the invoice you have sold. This is forbidden as the money owed for this invoice is no longer owed to you. You can of course collect money owed by the same debtor on other invoices that you have not sold.

There are many invoice factoring companies and it is a good idea to shop around to make sure you get the best deal. There are various elements to compare when looking for invoice factoring services. These include the percentage that you receive of the total value of the invoice, are their additional charges associated with the transaction and do you get charged interest based on the time it takes the debtor to pay.

Invoice factoring is different from a bank loan. You are not borrowing money, but simply selling your invoices to another company. Many businesses that are not able to get a loan will be able to use invoice factoring services.