The Army and Marine Corps of the United States has recently done some tests to help improve vehicle tracking software. These tests will translate into options United Kingdom residents and companies will be able to take advantage of. While no changes have been made yet to the software systems the tests may eventually help companies or people keep better track of their vehicles.
US military tested the Blue Force Tracking Systems on the battlefield. They looked at increasing communication options. The information gathered will be in use by the US military by 2010. The software is called Joint Capabilities Release. It was built on the existing system the military used previously.
We will not go into detail regarding the system the military uses. However, the implications are important. Vehicle tracking will benefit your company communication in several ways. While you cannot have access to the military software, the implications of their tests will eventually trickle into the public market. Thus you will see improvements to company communication in the next couple of years.
Let’s take a look at how communication with vehicle tracking works. When GPS vehicle tracking was first designed the only way to communication with the fleet driver was CB radio. The driver would be turned to the base station and have to call in. You would know when they arrived, but map information was not a priority with the first GPS vehicle tracking system signal.
In the last few years vehicle tracking has combined with navigation information. Home base can now look at a Google or other map to find where their vehicles are. The information given will offer the call sign, name or number of the driver in the vehicle. You can even look at the vehicle on the map as it moves.
Built in the truck GPS vehicle tracking device is also the MDT. MDT stands for mobile data terminal. The device has a map on the screen for the driver to watch. This device will also tell the driver where to turn. Part of the MDT is a communication radio. The signal transmits from the base to the driver. You can leave messages in email style format or talk directly with the driver.
Communication is easier because you get real time information. You also get to leave messages for the driver to pick up while they are working on a job. For example, if a change of location is needed you can give that to the driver without interrupting a current project.
In turn the communication you have between driver and the fleet office will offer better communication with the consumer. You can contact the consumer or answer consumer questions with more information. You no longer have to be vague or say “let me contact my driver and I’ll get back to you.” The driver also has the option of being patched through to the customer in case they need better directions or they get stuck in traffic. The benefits of vehicle tracking and communication are definitely there.