Global Positioning System, or GPS, is a radio-navigation system that provides positioning, navigation, and timing services. It was initially designed and built by the United States government for military purposes but is now accessible to civilian users.
The system works 24 hours a day in any weather conditions and is available anywhere on Earth. It uses 24 satellites that circulate the planet in precise orbits and send signals.
1. Collecting Location Data
GPS is the global positioning system that uses satellites to track your location. It’s a valuable tool for businesses, especially fleet managers, who use it to optimize vehicle performance and track employee safety.
GPS tracking works by comparing radio signals received from multiple satellites. These signals are constantly broadcasting, and receivers on the device can determine the distance to each one based on the time it takes for the signal to reach them. A GPS receiver typically needs to receive signals from four or more satellites to calculate its location accurately.
It’s important to note that the data collected by GPS is free of context, meaning it doesn’t record a person’s identity or demographics. This makes it a potent tool for businesses to provide better services, perform studies, and improve lives, as long as the information is collected with appropriate consent conditions.
Most GPS tracking systems integrate with innovative highway technology to provide users with a primary route to their destination and suitable alternative ways in case of traffic jams or other problems. GPS is also used in digital mapping software, mobile devices, wearables, and outdoor camping gear. Adding GPS capabilities to your workflow will help to ensure that data is reported consistently, accurately, and in the right place for analysis.
2. Creating Reports
GPS combines signals from several orbiting satellites to determine an exact location on the Earth using radio wave technology. Its accuracy depends on the precision of clocks in the satellites, receivers, and computers used for data processing. Those precise clocks make it possible to accurately track your position based on how long it takes for the signal to reach the receiver.
GPS tracking solutions automate the collection of critical safety information, timesheet data, and receipts, eliminating the need for manual documentation. This saves significant time and reduces employee records, invoices, and payment errors. Check here at https://www.retailmenot.com/view/Garmin.com to learn more.
Employees who use GPS technology feel more accountable for their performance and productivity levels because they know they’re being monitored. This increased accountability promotes work ethic and morale, boosting business efficiency.
Many GPS solutions come with facial recognition and geofencing capabilities, which help to verify worker identities and prevent payroll fraud, such as buddy punching. Additionally, geofencing allows businesses to set up perimeters around job sites and be notified whenever an employee or asset enters or leaves the site. This helps to optimize routes and minimize fuel consumption, which can also reduce costs and increase productivity.
It can also provide vehicle maintenance reminders, avoiding expensive repairs down the road and improving the overall vehicle lifespan. This is important for companies that rely on their fleet of vehicles to carry out their operations, as a failure to maintain vehicles can result in lost revenue and missed opportunities.
3. Managing Workflows
GPS tracking technology can help you improve workflow processes by allowing you to better manage the location of devices and people throughout your facilities. This can help you eliminate manual steps that may create the chance for error and streamline the movement of equipment, supplies, and other assets. It can also save you time by automating routine processes that may otherwise take valuable employee and management resources away from other important work.
GPS uses a network of time-synchronized satellites to send signals to devices on Earth, which determine their location by measuring the distance and timing of these signals. This works best in outdoor environments with a clear view of the sky. GPS is inexpensive with many applications, including wayfinding, tracking assets and equipment, and managing service workflows.
RTLS real-time location systems use radio-frequency (RF) technologies like UWB, BLE, and Chirp to digitally track the location of people and objects in indoor spaces where GPS is ineffective. They can be used to visualize the areas of key personnel, critical equipment, and more on live indoor maps or integrated into automated workflows, safety applications, asset & supply chain management solutions, and more. Service organizations often use these to ensure that the right team members, tools, and equipment are on-site when needed to meet customer expectations and achieve business outcomes.
4. Getting Started
Getting your team on board with GPS tracking can be challenging, especially for employees working without it for a long time. It’s essential to help them see how it will make their job easier and benefit the company. Employees are more likely to stay on board if they understand the benefits for themselves, and this will ultimately improve performance and productivity levels.
Aside from the telematics features that allow for route optimization and dispatch services, a GPS device can also provide insights into fuel and energy consumption and help you plan for future projects with more precision. Fuel and energy are two major cost centers for fleets, and you must know precisely how much you will need before heading out on a new project.
GPS-based solutions can give you visibility into how many miles your crew will be driving so that you can anticipate prices at fuel stops and battery charging stations.
Conclusion
GPS tracking offers numerous benefits for businesses, from optimizing routes to ensuring compliance with labor laws. Embracing GPS technology can lead to improved performance, increased efficiency, and cost savings.
