With respect to physical assets, asset management is the process of tracking, monitoring, and optimizing the use of each resource—often using a specialized software system.

In addition to supporting resource efficiency, asset management—and more specifically, GPS tracking solutions designed for asset management—can help you quickly recover stolen or misplaced assets, thus avoiding a potentially devastating financial loss.

Telematics is a combination of telecommunications (i.e., remote communications) and informatics (i.e., information processing). In the context of GPS tracking, tracking devices use telecommunications technology to transmit data like location, speed, and distance to a software application that visualizes this information.

Fleet management is the process of organizing, coordinating, and deploying commercial fleet vehicles in a way that optimizes costs, efficiency, performance, and risk mitigation.

You can track the location of fleet vehicles by installing a GPS tracking device to each vehicle and using a GPS tracking application to view and analyze the resulting location data. The application collects and interprets the data transmitted by the trackers, providing valuable information about speed, driver behavior, distance traveled, and trips completed.

The ideal solution for your trucking fleet greatly depends on your tracking needs. A variety of trackers are available with capabilities ranging from live location updates every second to every 24 hours. In addition to update frequency, you’ll want to consider your ideal battery life as well as other data points you’d like to track—like trip frequency and duration, mileage, and stops.

Spytec GPS offers a variety of GPS tracking solutions specifically designed for commercial vehicle fleets. Check out our offerings here.

Depending on what type of tracker you are using, you may have to wire the tracker to the vehicle or plug it into the OBD port. If you’re using a portable, wireless tracker, you can place it under a seat or attach it to a metal surface using a waterproof magnetic case.

To disable a hardwired or OBD tracker, you’ll need to unwire or unplug the device. To disable a portable tracker, remove the battery.

There are several different types of GPS trackers available, but most are square or rectangular in shape with a hard exterior ranging from 2 to 4 inches in length and 1 to 3 inches in width. You can learn more about different GPS tracking hardware products here.

GPS trackers detect signals from a network of global satellites and calculate location using the mathematical principle of trilateration. Following this principle, the tracking device captures its distance from at least four satellites and transmits that data to a server that can then use it to measure things like location, speed, travel distance, and time.

Accuracy varies depending on geography and other physical factors. In a study conducted in a forested area, locations were accurate within 1 to 4 meters in open areas, 1 to 7 meters in a moderately dense canopy, and 3 to 11 meters in a closed canopy.

Pricing depends on the type of tracker, with hardwired and OBD trackers typically costing more than wireless trackers. You can learn more about different GPS hardware options here.

One of the best ways to improve fleet management is to leverage location tracking technology to gain data-driven insights into vehicle routes, completed trips, and driver behavior. These insights will then allow you to make adjustments that will increase efficiency and reduce costs.

GPS trackers themselves do not require wifi to transmit information. However, you will need an internet connection in order to access the data using a mobile or desktop application.

Technically, yes—GPS tracking devices can transmit data without being connected to the internet. In order to access that information via a GPS tracking application, however, your computer or mobile device typically must be connected to the internet.

Not all GPS tracking devices use cellular data, but many do. Either way, you typically must connect your computer or mobile device to the internet or use cellular data to access the information a GPS tracker collects and transmits—just as you would when using any other web-enabled application.

First, visit our activation page here. Fill in the required fields and select a subscription plan. You’ll then need to charge and reboot your tracking device. For more information about getting started with Spytec GPS, check out this help article.

Log in to the web application here. Then, navigate to the menu icon in the top-left corner and select “Preferences.” Find the menu labeled “Trackers,” and select “Cancel plan for a tracker” from the dropdown on the right side. For more information, refer to this help article.

On the activity tab of the Spytec GPS application, find the tracker you wish to follow. If the ring around the tracker icon is solid red, then the device is not moving. If the ring is flashing green, then the device is on the move—and clicking on it will allow you to view the tracker in live follow mode on the map. For more information on live tracking, check out this help article.

You can use the event tiles located in the activity tab to see individual snapshots of past events. Each time a tracker starts and completes a trip, a new activity card will display in this section of the application. Activity cards record information like starting and ending address, trip duration, and time. To learn more about event tiles, refer to this help article.

We offer three different subscription plans to meet your specific GPS tracking needs: Basic Tracking, Premium Tracking, and Elite Tracking. Schedule a demo of our platform to learn more about which plan is right for you.

To track a vehicle, simply place your tracker beneath a car seat—or pair it with a waterproof magnetic case to attach it to a metal surface. Magnetic cases are usually placed under your car.

All Spytec GPS trackers come pre-installed with SIM cards. To start using your tracker, simply follow the instructions on this activation page.

No. Our trackers are completely silent.

Trackers are shipped in unmarked packaging, and purchase information is not detailed on billing statements.

Our trackers and tracking software work with virtually any smartphone or tablet. You can access your tracking information via our iOS or Android app or by using an internet browser.

The GL300 tracker comes with a built-in rechargeable battery. With standard updates every minute—and an average driving time of one hour per day—the battery will last 14 days. OBD trackers and hardwired trackers are specifically designed to track vehicles and are powered by the vehicle, rather than a battery.