Vehicle tracking frequently asked questions
by Fiona Taylor
Your vehicle tracking questions answered
If you are looking for vehicle tracking you will have questions, here are some vehicle tracking frequently asked questions answered for you.
Vehicle tracking frequently asked questions – units and costs
How does vehicle tracking work?
A vehicle tracking unit is installed into your vehicle, or asset, and it sends data to our servers regarding its current state and position, taken from GPS. You can then access this data via your secure vehicle tracking site. You can see current location, as well as historical activity data.
How much does it cost?
Here at Satmo we offer a huge range of price plans so there will be something to suit your budget. With monthly plans from just £10.99 + vat a month can you afford not to track your vehicles?
How long is the contract?
We offer a number of contract lengths from monthly payment plans anywhere from 3 months to 5 years. You can save some money over the term of the contract by taking our pay upfront option.
Isn’t it just a cost that I don’t need?
Understandably this is the first thought that many people have. An extra cost out of the business is never good. However vehicle tracking and fleet management could actually save you time and money when used correctly. The increase in productivity from the reduction in admin is a huge advantage to those who have vehicle tracking. Not to mention the reduction in fuel costs.
More vehicle tracking frequently asked questions
There are systems I could buy online, why shouldn’t I get one of these?
Most of the tracking units that are sold online are just units, you don’t get the backup and support with the software that you might need.
Does the tracker know if the driver is speeding?
Yes. Your vehicle tracking site will show the last speed that the unit recorded, and will give you breakdown of the highest speed and average speed for each journey. The software will also show you all speeds recorded throughout each trip.
The system is smart enough to show you speeding events against road speeds throughout the UK too.
How accurate is the tracker?
The vehicle tracking unit will display its position to within a few metres.
Information and data
What information can we see on our computers, tablets and mobile phones?
The system is clever enough to know whether you are on a laptop, tablet or smartphone and will resize the screen accordingly. You can see where the vehicles are, where they have been, routes taken and speeds travelled.
Are the reports automatic?
You can set up scheduled reports
How often do I need to log in to see the data?
You can log in whenever you need to. Alternatively you can also have a screen set up with just the live map page, therefore everyone in the office can see where the vehicles are if needed.
How can I make sure that my staff don’t think that I am just watching them?
There is always the worry that your staff will think the system is very ‘big brother’. However, if you involve them from the start and explain why you are getting the system they are more likely to accept it. Here is a blog we have written about privacy buttons that may be helpful for you.
Do I have to tell my employees I have the system?
They are your vehicles, and you can track them, however you cannot use the information from the tracker in a disciplinary situation without the driver knowing that the vehicle is tracked.
We always suggest that it is best practice to get the drivers buy in from the start.
Why Satmo?
Why should we use Satmo?
Satmo are a customer focused company who want to work with you to ensure that the vehicle tracking system works for your business. We are staffed by people who have been in the telematics business for a long time, so our knowledge and expertise is second to none.
Installation
How long does it take to install a tracker?
About 30 to 45 minutes
How big are the tracking units?
The units are about the size of a match box, they can be fitted covertly behind the dashboard so from the outside nobody would know that there is a tracking kit fitted.
You can also buy plug in units that fit into the OBD port in the vehicle, these units are not covertly fitted (depending where your vehicles OBD port is) but are easily moved between vehicles if you need to.
Finally if you need any information about vehicle tracking that we haven’t answered here in our vehicle tracking frequently asked questions, please feel free to give us a call in the office on 01274 587748 and one of the team will be happy to help.
Fiona Taylor
Fiona Taylor is the Sales Manager at award winning Satmo Vehicle Tracking. If you feel you need help with your fleet, want to gain back control, save some money and time then please get in touch.
