Global Positioning System or GPS is one of the terms commonly used these days. It is also one of those technologies that have completely transformed the lives of modern people with its varied applications and benefits. This technology is beneficial in everyday home life, as well as for business applications. In order to understand how it works and ways to maximize this technology, it is important to understand more about what GPS does.
Introduction to GPS Trackers
When you think about GPS, most people would think of it as a complex technological system used for satellite and space or for vehicle navigation. While this is true, this is not the only thing that GPS trackers are used for. It has gone beyond map navigation and vehicle tracking to deliver more practical uses.
Over the last few years, there is great expansion with the use of GPS as a technology. In fact, it is used in various industries from the military, science, marines, and businesses (small or large ones alike). Somehow, this technology has been utilized to suit specific tasks that are intended for each industry or type of business. Even when at home, there are many uses that can be utilized with this technology.
If you are thinking about investing in a GPS tracker, you can use the guide below to help you maximize your investment.
GPS Trackers for Businesses
The use of GPS technology for businesses is nothing new. However, this technology has made great leaps since it was first introduced into the market. Find out the different ways that you can utilize GPS trackers to benefit your business.
- Use it for fleet tracking.
Fleet tracking is one of the obvious applications of a GPS tracker for a business – big or small. Big or small businesses deal with the movement of cargo and other essential business supplies. Therefore, the use of a GPS-enabled fleet ensures that you can maximize business efficiency and resources. You can use the information tracked on the device to ensure there is no lack of compliance or unauthorized vehicle use. This is one way for your business to stay on top of your resources so you can keep operational costs down.
At the same time, businesses dealing with delivery of goods and services can also use the GPS tracker for the same purpose. It enables real-time monitoring of location of your vehicles so you can keep customers up to date on the progress of delivery. If there are any delays, it will also help you track down the location of your fleet so that any hiccups, such as emergency repairs or vehicle trouble, can be resolved at a prompt manner.
- Protect your business assets.
The use of GPS tracking technology is another way that you can protect your valuable business assets. Whether you are a big or small business, you can keep an eye on your valuables at all times with the help of GPS. You have a warehouse or designated storage for your business equipment or tools.
By enabling GPS tracking on them, you can rest assured that they are safe in their designated storage. This is also an added layer of protection for your business in case of theft. You will be able to easily locate your business assets and track down the culprit behind it.
- Monitor your employee activity.
Aside from fleet tracking, GPS trackers can be utilized to keep an eye on employee activity. Your employees are your business’ most important asset. However, they are only considered an asset if they perform their responsibilities dutifully within the designated working hours. With the help of GPS, you can ensure that employees are completing tasks within the allotted time frame. You can track their activity in real-time if deliveries and other logistical operations are being completed in a timely manner.
The more productivity your employees are within the designated work hours, the more you can generate profit for your business. This technology is helpful so you can keep a close tab on your employee productivity without being there to physically look after them.
- Great for commercial fleet and vehicle rental businesses.
If you are into the business of commercial fleet and vehicle rental, then the use of a GPS tracker is a must. It is not uncommon these days to hear stories of vehicle theft. Save your business from major losses by preventing vehicle theft.
Enabling GPS tracking on your vehicles and commercial fleet will enable you to know their exact location at any given time. In the event that any of your vehicles and fleet is stolen, you will be able to pin its location. You can have peace of mind knowing that your business is secure and protected from those who might take advantage of it. As a bonus, you can also lower your insurance premium when you take this extra measure to protect your business assets.
- Simplify logistical operations with efficient mapping.
The use of GPS for businesses that are involved in the delivery of goods and services can help promote efficiency. You can use the technology to map out driving directions for your employees so they can identify the best (and shortest) possible route to take. You can avoid congested roads or closed roads with an interactive map that is built into your vehicle. In fact, you can even adjust the route on-the-go. This will make it easier and more efficient to handle perishable goods and other essential deliveries.
GPS Trackers for Home Use
Contrary to popular belief, GPS trackers are suited not just for business use. They can also be utilized at home such as the following practical applications.
- Keep an eye on your home while you are away.
The issue of burglary or home invasion is a real threat that is persistent regardless of where you live. This explains why a lot of homeowners invest a lot of money on home security systems to ensure that they have an extra set of eyes. The installation of a security device is designed to deter crimes and to keep an eye on your property while you are asleep or away from home. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your family is safe.
However, you can also use a GPS tracker to ensure the security of your family members, especially the elderly ones. Make sure that your senior family members do not wander on their own (or be able to track them when they do) when you are out of the house. You can also do the same with your kids. The GPS technology can be used so you can determine exactly where your children are all the time. Or, you can also use this technology on your pets. There are plenty of cases of missing pets and you won’t have to deal with that anymore because the GPS tracker that is built into your pet’s collars can be used to determine their exact location.
This invaluable technology is beneficial not only for tracking family members when you are out of home. It is also beneficial when you travel so as to make sure that everyone is easily tracked, or when going to places with a huge crowd (such as malls or concerts). When you travel, you can be at ease when you allow your kids to separate from the group and venture even in unfamiliar places. With a GPS-enabled device, you can easily find them later on. This useful technology is also a great way to secure your luggage or any personal items (especially lost baggage is a common problem in airports).
- Find everything you need in a matter of minutes.
Aside from its security benefits, the GPS tracker can also be utilized to meet your family’s lifestyle needs. This technology can help you find shortcuts or show directions to get to your destination in the shortest amount of time possible. You can use it to avoid traffic when going to the office, grocery, or a restaurant. This is especially helpful when you have a time-sensitive engagement or meeting.
You may also use the technology to locate new restaurants in your nearby area. In particular, use it to find new bars or restaurants to check out. You can easily find directions to these restaurants so you won’t have to drive around searching for one.
In addition, you can use a GPS-enabled device in your own car when you want to call for emergency services. For example, your car broke down and you need emergency roadside assistance. The GPS tracker will make it easier to find your exact location so that you can get the help when you need it.
As you can see, there are plenty of practical applications for the GPS tracker at home or in business settings. Whatever you intend to use it for, you can expect that this technology will continue to evolve and develop in the years to come. This will open up more possibilities in terms of its use so make sure to capitalize on its use to make life easier and better for your business or at home.