With crime on the increase, installing GPS tracking devices to your valuable assets is an extremely reliable, efficient way of safeguarding your property.
A GPS asset management system is a financial investment but could save you a huge amount of trouble, in the long run, if your machinery or assets are stolen.
Tracking devices
The two main types of electronic tracking devices use either a Global Positioning System (GPS), or Very High Frequency (VHF) signals. There are also a few devices that incorporate both. Let’s take a look at both types of device:
1) Global Positioning System
GPS tracking systems work by picking up signals form the Global Positioning Satellites that orbit the earth, just as a car sat nav does. They can therefore track can track agricultural vehicles, construction equipment and other assets wherever they have been taken in the world. GPS systems do rely on the GPS signal which can be blocked if the vehicle is taken into, for example, a building or a container. The TRAAKiT system though has the ability to locate via triangulation of the mobile phone network. All you have to do is to call us if this is needed. Most GPS systems will provide the user with a mapping interface which allows you to see where your assets are at all times.
2) Very High Frequency signals
The VHF systems can track assets, even if the thieves have hidden them. This is the system a lot of the world's police currently choose when they need to track stolen contraband.
The VHF signal itself is triggered when it is discovered that the asset is stolen. The contraband's location is then transmitted directly to the central monitoring system. These systems are typically more expensive, as a special network of VHF transmitters is installed, and are often not as practical as you can only start the tracking once you have discovered the theft, reported the theft to the police and obtained a crime number. By then it can often be too late, which is why GPS systems, such as TRAAKiT, give you an immediate alert should something unplanned happen.
How Do GPS Tracking Systems Work?
GPS tracking devices contain a lot of electronics including a GPS module, which calculates the position of the device from information received for the Global Positioning Satellites, and GPRS module which is used for transmitting the data back to the tracking system server via the mobile phone network, where it is then displayed on a map. The mapping allows the user to send instructions back to the device, such as how often it should report. The user can also set the device to alert on movement or on leaving a pre-defined area, which is the trigger to let the user know a possible theft is in progress. .
The Value of Tracking Systems
Tracking systems have the potential to save significant amounts of money, let alone inconvenience, in the event of a theft. Just think of the costs involved in hiring a replacement vehicle or machine whilst the stolen asset is recovered, or having to replace the stolen asset. Insurance will pay only so much towards the cost of the replacement and it is highly likely that future insurance premiums will increase. And don’t forget the cost of business disruption. For anyone in charge of valuable machinery; having a GPS asset tracking system installed is a very worthwhile investment.
For more information, please download our free eBook: The Guide To GPS Asset Tracking Devices by clicking here.
