Vehicle Tracking Software

Vehicle tracking software falls into two main groups, internet based tracking software and thin client based tracking software.

The first and most popular type of tracking software is internet based tracking software. This is as the name suggests hosted on the tracking company’s server. You login using your username and password to view the location and information regarding your fleet of vehicles. This is very flexible because it allows you to view your fleet of vehicles from any desktop PC, laptop or smart phone in the world that has an internet connection.

The second type of software is thin client based tracking software. This type of software has to be installed on each PC or laptop that you wish to view the tracking application on. It tends to be much quicker than internet based systems and much more secure.

The downside is that if you the PC does not have it already installed on it, you can’t view your tracking. Another downside is that any updates of the software have to be downloaded and installed. With internet based tracking this is done in place by the tracking company and is not your concern.

 

Other GPS Software Information

Depending on the device that you will be using for your vehicle tracking system you will need different types of software.  There are specific systems for mobile phones and laptop PC’s and you can also get hard wired units.  They can use Java, Windows or other forms of software to operate the system.  The units that you use for the vehicle tracking will determine which type of software is needed.

If you choose to use Java your phone must be Java enabled.  It must also possess a built in global positioning system or have an external Bluetooth global positioning system receiver.   You can check with your service provider where you purchased your phone to find out if your mobile phone has this capability.  Once you know that it can accept the software you must find a service to get the software installed.  There will be different ways to download the software depending on your phone so follow the instructions with the software.  This type of software is great for individuals.

Windows offers software for Smart Phones, Mobile 5+ PDA, and PPC tracking software.  Some of the software will require that the device have a built in global positioning system while others need an external global positioning system.  You may also need to have Bluetooth global positioning system receivers.  Check with your phone provider before you try to download any software for vehicle tracking.

Do you want to use vehicle tracking on your computer?  If so you will have to set up a folder.  Make sure that your laptop runs Windows and has a Bluetooth global positioning system built in or that you can get a Bluetooth “dongle” for your laptop.  Since you will be mobile with your laptop you will need a 3G card or other method to connect with the internet.  Follow the software instructions and you should be ready to use the vehicle tracking system.

The last way to use vehicle tracking software is with a hard wired device.  This is usually provided with a company that you choose.  There are many names for this type of software, but most businesses will go with the one that is recommended by the vehicle tracking service.  These software programmes are easy to install, are accurate, and companies can depend on their reliability.  The programme can use a single screen type of software or you may have to use multiple screens to acquire all the information.

The hard wired system of vehicle tracking software will give your business current tracking as well as a past history.  There will be knowledge of what the vehicle is doing, whether the vehicle is running, idling, or speeding and the route that it is travelling.  The software will generate reports on mileage, time sheets and other important factors for your business.  Your company can find the nearest vehicle to the next job with the hard wired software programme.  Businesses that have large fleets are more prone to use this type of software because it has so many advantages involving cost savings for the company.