What is a vehicle tracking system?

A vehicle tracking system consists of a tracking device installed in a vehicle to enable the owner or a third party to track the vehicle's location. Most modern vehicle tracking systems use Global Positioning System (GPS) modules for accurate location of the vehicle, also called tracing. Sometimes the location definition is based on a triangular model of GSM transmitters. Many vehicle tracking systems are now using or a form of Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) to allow for easy location of the vehicle or remote asset.

What does AVL mean?

Automatic Vehicle Location or AVL is a means for determining the geographic location of a vehicle and transmitting this information to a point where it can be used. Automatic vehicle location is a powerful tool for managing fleets of vehicles, from service vehicles, emergency vehicles, and construction equipment, to public transport vehicles and remote assets, such as construction equipment, trailers, and portable power generators.

What is fleet management?

Fleet management is the way how you to manage your fleet to optimized fleet productivity. Fleet management is the management of a company's vehicle fleet. Fleet management includes:

Vehicle Tracking. The most basic function in all fleet management systems is the vehicle tracking component, also known as the tracking device.

Mechanical diagnostics. Advanced fleet management systems can be connected to the vehicle's onboard computer, and gather data for the user. Details such as mileage, fuel consumption, and much more, are collected and can be reported.

Fleet security and control, which includes over-the-air security of the vehicle while stopped or not in operation and the ability to safely disable a vehicle while in operation. This allows the fleet manager to recover stolen or rogue vehicles while reducing the chance of lost or stolen cargo.

Driver behavior, by combining received data from the hardware and software, it is possible to form a profile for any given driver.

Immobilization. To immobilize a vehicle or remote asset.

Panic button for emergency cases.

Base station software. Fleet management software enables people to accomplish a series of specific tasks in the management of any or all aspects relating to a companies fleet of vehicles.

What can C-track tell me that I do not yet know?

We simply increase the efficiency, speed and accuracy of your existing information gathering process to reduce the paperwork and help you make faster decisions. A range of reports are available at your fingertips to enable you to corroborate time sheets, assess routing effectiveness, prove your crew has visited specific locations and check the individual driving behavior.

Why should I choose for the C-track solution?

C-track is a server-based solution which offers multi-user capability and easy-to-use yet powerful functionality. It is a solution which allows you to set up a whole range of automatic alerting mechanisms so you don’t have to be glued to the screen all day. Instead, C-track will simply tell you when things are not going to plan so you can operate “management by exception”. C-track is effective in fleets ranging in size from 2 vehicles to more than 1000 vehicles. All status can be send to your mobile phone and you are also able to poll from the base station or your mobile phone.

What does GPS mean?

GPS means Global Positioning System , a space-based radio navigation system comprising a series of satellites orbiting the earth and associated ground infrastructure. The tracking devices in the vehicles continually communicate with the GPS system and by a process of triangulation are able to work out the location of the vehicle which is then displayed on the base station, generally to with 5-10 meters accuracy.

What does GSM mean?

GSM means Global System for Mobile Communications. This is the current standard network that is used by mobile operators.

What does SMS mean?

SMS means Short Message Service (a text message). The C-track can also communicate vehicle location and status information back to the base station via SMS. By the use of advanced encryption and compression techniques, the system allows users to specify up to 25 location/status events to be communicated back to the base station for the price of a single text message. C-track units can be configured to drop down into SMS mode when GPRS coverage is lost, resuming GPRS communication when coverage is resumed. SMS is also suitable for clients who require only a relatively low frequency of communication to and from the vehicle.

What does GPRS mean?

GPRS means General Packet Radio Service. This is a high speed 'always on' data transfer link which is used to communicate captured vehicle location and status information from the vehicle back to the base station software. Because GPRS is charged out as a price per MB of data per month, GPRS can offer attractive cost savings to clients who have a requirement for higher frequencies of communications with their vehicles.

What will C-track cost?

C-track is very cost effective and competitively priced. Pricing will vary from one organization to another depending on individual needs in terms of system configuration and numbers of users requiring access. However, generally a saving of a fuel reduction of a couple of liters per day will result in the system begins to pay for itself from the first day.

What do I need to run C-track?

Beside one or more C-track tracking devices, you will need the C-track base station loaded with the C-track base station software.

What is a C-track tracking device?

The C-track tracking device acts as a central processing unit that is installed in a vehicle or remote asset. Together with the antennas for GPS and GSM it forms the basis of the C-track fleet management system hardware.

What is a C-track base station?

The base station is a PC that is loaded with the C-track base station software. The base station can also be networked for additional client PCs via LAN, WAN or dialup.

What is the C-track base station software?

In general, the fleet management software that is installed on the C-track base station is a tracking, mapping and reporting application that enables people to accomplish a serie of specific tasks in the management of any or all aspects related to a fleet of vehicles. The software, allows the fleet manager to add locations on the map, to monitor the position, violations (like speeding), and route of the vehicles. The software provide remote control features such as polling, geofencing and immobilization. The fleet manager is also able to create several reports. 

Where will the C-track tracking device be installed in my vehicles?

Usually we fit the sealed hardware unit covertly behind the dashboard to avoid clutter and reduce the temptation to tamper, but it can be mounted anywhere upon request.

How long does it take to install the C-track tracking device in my vehicles?

This depends on the specification of the system required, but in essence a standard “3 wire” installation (power, earth and ignition) typically takes around 90 minutes and can be done in any (ideally covered) location that is convenient for your drivers. We strive to prepare an installation schedule in a manner that causes a minimum disruption for your business.

What is polling?

A vehicle is polled to find its exact 'real time' location. Via the C-track base station software, or via a mobile phone, a SMS message is send to the specified vehicle. This vehicle responds by sending a data packet giving all the current information that is has being stored in the C-track tracking device on the vehicle. The results are then displayed on the C-track base station.

What is immobilization?

Immobilization provides the fleet manager or authorized users at remote locations the ability to prevent an engine from starting, prevent movement of a vehicle, and to stop or slow an operating vehicle.

Why do I need a panic button in fleet management systems?

In an emergency, a driver can send an emergency alert by pressing the Ctrack panic button on the dashboard. Then, the fleet manager or approved organization will be remotely alerted to allow authorized personnel to evaluate the situation, to communicate with the driver, and/or to immobilize the vehicle or remote asset.

What is geofencing?

C-track allows you to define areas on the C-track base station which are then loaded down “over the air ” as location coordinates to the C-track tracking device in the vehicle. The C-track base station software can then be configured to alert on-screen or by mobile phone when such areas are entered or exited by the particular vehicles. C-track supports 3 different types of geo-fences – waypoints, no go areas and preferred working areas.

What does DCU mean?

This means the C-track Driver Communication Unit, also named a driver communication console. It can be installed in a vehicle to establish communication via SMS messaging or voice between the driver and the fleet manager. SMS messages and dail numbers are pre-defined with the C-track base station software.

What are C-track driver ID keys?

Also called a Dallas key, this key the driver has to identify prior to start a vehicle or remote asset. With the C-track base station software the fleet manager can decide who is egible to perform the task.

I am able to re-configure the system later?

Yes. The system is configurable by the fleet manager so you can change the configuration settings in the C-track base station software which the system then downloads “over the air” to the units onboard your vehicles. This allows you to adapt the system as your business needs change.

Can I manipulate the data for reporting & planning system integration purposes?

Yes. The system provides a comprehensive suite of management reports which have been developed with the input of customers worldwide. Additionally, C-track supports ODBC to allow organisations with IT expertise to interact with the C track database directly or pull the data across to a separate application for bespoke reporting purposes using a reporting tool of their choice.

What about third party add-ons?

The C-track tracking device allows you to add door sensors, temperature sensors, anti fatigue monitoring systems, fuel tank sensors etc. The case for adding extra sensors and functionality is clearly different for every individual organization and we assist you to carefully think the likely cost-benefit case before committing to such additional investment.