Vehicle tracking systems generally use Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate the vehicle although there’s also a Radio Frequency (RF) product available on the market too. Whether you use GPS Vehicle Tracking or RF Vehicle Tracking will depend on what you want from your system.
If you’re a fleet manager you should opt for the GPS service, also known as Satellite Tracking. GPS tracking products can track multiple vehicles at the same time and transmit the information directly to your computer in real time. It can tell you where the vehicle is, how fast it is travelling as well aswhether the driver is revving the engine too much or how hard they are breaking etc; giving you the ability to work with the drivers to help modify driving techniques, to save on fuel consumption and wear and tear.
There are several types of Vehicle Tracking systems but they are usually categorised as either active or passive.

Active Tracking

Active tracking collects GPS location, vehicle speed, and direction as well as monitor events such as the turning on and off of the engine, the opening and closing of doors etc. This information is transmitted, in real-time, via cellular or satellite networks to a computer or data centre for evaluation.

Passive Tracking

Passive tracking devices will store the same information as the active tracking system. When the vehicle returns to base the device can either be taken out of the vehicle where you can transfer the data to your computer or some passive tracking systems can wirelessly transfer this data for evaluation.
There are vehicle tracking devices which will combine both active and passive tracking capabilities. This is useful because if the cellular network is not available the active tracking system will switch to passive mode and the system will store the relevant data, then automatically download the information when the network is available again.

Benefits Of Vehicle Tracking

Vehicle Tracking can help reduce vehicle running costs by helping reduce fuel costs and making journeys more efficient
You can keep track of and manage your vehicle servicing requirements
Insurance companies will often offer reduced fleet insurance when you use vehicle tracking
With vehicle tracking you can start to manage driver productivity, keeping an eye on unscheduled stops and long breaks