GPS tracking systems are essential for every motorist or fleet business. They offer numerous benefits, such as personal safety and continuous updates that help businesses keep track of productivity. However, as reliable as they are and like any other form of technology, GPS tracking systems also come with a few challenges that can have significant implications. Understanding these issues and how they may affect you is essential.
Today, we explore the most common GPS tracking problems and how Cartrack effectively resolves each one to provide you with the best possible service.
GPS tracking issues can lead to a wide range of consequences, such as delayed emergency responses, resource wastage, loss in revenue, and legal implications. Before choosing a service provider, you must know the possible challenges and what solutions they have to overcome these obstacles.
Here are 7 common GPS tracking problems and the measures we take to overcome them:
Cause:
GPS tracking devices usually consist of two modules. A GPS model that connects to satellites to determine the vehicle’s location and a GSM module that relies on a SIM card and cellular network to send location information to the GPS tracking platform. This means if you are in a remote area, where the mobile signal is weak, some updates might be missed or very delayed.
Additionally, GPS signals can penetrate through materials like glass and plastic but are obstructed by dense structures such as concrete and metal. For a GPS module to function properly, there must be a clear view of the sky. For this reason, signal loss may occur when vehicles go through tunnels or tall buildings. Severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, may also affect the signal.
Solution:
Cartrack’s GPS system utilises cloud-based technology to provide precise, real-time location updates, ensuring seamless monitoring even in challenging environments. Our vehicle tracking system gives you nationwide network coverage.
When you are in an area with little or no coverage, there will be no missed updates as the unit will continue to record up to 5000 data points (location, speed, etc.). This ensures continuous tracking even in challenging environments. Once the signal is back, you will receive all the data you need about what was happening in that area.
Cause:
As mentioned in the previous point, a GPS tracking system heavily relies on cellular and satellite communication to function effectively. Due to international roaming restrictions, many GPS tracking systems stop working or experience limited functionality when vehicles are outside the country. This can be troublesome for businesses such as logistics companies that have drivers who frequently travel in and out of the country.
Solution:
The Cartrack GPS tracking system is globally compatible and supports international roaming. This feature ensures continuous and accurate tracking across borders for both individuals and businesses if you choose this package. It also enables us to recover vehicles that are stolen and then smuggled out of the country.
Cause:
Some tracking devices are built using low-quality materials. This results in them being fragile and prone to external factors such as extreme temperatures, blown fuses, and general wear and tear that can affect functionality. It also means that they constantly need to be replaced, which can be costly. Additionally, faulty wiring during installation may cause device malfunction.
Solution:
A tracking unit with durable hardware. Cartrack’s GPS tracking devices are built with robust hardware that is weatherproof and can withstand wear and tear. We produce devices that are manufactured in-house with high-quality materials to ensure you get the best out of your device and prevent hardware failures. Our skilled technicians ensure smooth and professional installations to avoid inaccuracies caused by faulty wiring.
We also have a Lifetime Maintenance Warranty as a value-added service. This option comes with unlimited repairs and no call-out fees on our tracking unit. Clients can also call in at any time to test-check their devices and ensure everything is still in good working order. We monitor device performance in real-time, alerting users to any potential issues.
Cause:
In an effort to prevent the ability to locate a vehicle, criminals use signal-jamming devices to block or interfere with radio communications, such as GPS tracking systems. As a result, if your vehicle is stolen, the recovery service will not see where it is and therefore cannot recover it. It also gives the criminals more time to search for the device and cast it away.
Solution:
One of our newest innovations to tackle this issue is the Cartrack-Tag. When paired with a Cartrack tracking device, the Cartrack-Tag can detect and alert our control room services of any signal interference that may occur when a vehicle has been stolen. Through this powerful technology, we are still able to find your vehicle despite the attempts made by criminals to block us from receiving information.
Causes:
GPS tracking devices that are not strategically hidden can be easily located and tampered with. Common reasons for tampering are for employees to evade monitoring, for criminals to be able to steal vehicles, or for hackers to manipulate GPS tracking data for illegal activities.
Solution:
Cartrack’s devices are designed for discreet installation in hard-to-reach areas, reducing the risk of tampering. Our technicians are trained to perform fitments that are as close to tamper-proof as possible. As an extra layer of protection, we also have power event notifications that send an alert if your vehicle battery is disconnected, which could indicate some sort of tampering.
Our control room agents will get instant notifications, call you immediately, and then take the necessary steps to safeguard your vehicle.
Causes:
Technical glitches are common with every software. In the vehicle tracking industry, they can lead to data inconsistencies and huge delays. These glitches are caused by outdated software, fleet management tools that do not work directly together, or technical bugs that can cause system failures. For example, if the data on a fleet management platform is outdated, fleet dispatchers may not receive live updates. This results in drivers getting dispatched for delivery jobs that are further than the ones that they are closest to.
Solution:
Cartrack ensures that all devices and software are regularly updated for optimal performance. Cartrack’s software undergoes regular updates to maintain optimal performance, prevent glitches, and ensure seamless fleet operations.
Our fleet management solutions are integrated, which means all our solutions can be found on one platform. We also have technical support and a customer service line that is available throughout the day to troubleshoot and resolve any possible software or compatibility issues you might encounter.
Cause:
Constant GPS tracking updates can result in an overload of data. This makes it difficult for users to manage and prioritise information. Some alerts are irrelevant to a specific user, which leads to the person ignoring all notifications and missing the critical ones.
Solution:
Our platform allows users to customise alerts so they get notifications and updates that are only specific to their concerns. For example, a big concern in fleet management is driver behaviour. Fleet managers can set up alerts on speeding to ensure drivers are practising safe driving habits on the road. We also have a user-friendly dashboard that helps our customers easily filter and prioritise data, making tracking more manageable.
As GPS tracking data has become more advanced over the years, so has the information it can provide about one’s personal life. Many users worry about how their sensitive information is collected, stored, and used. Improper handling of tracking data can lead to privacy violations and security risks.
Cartrack prioritises your privacy. We are fully POPIA compliant, guaranteeing your personal data remains secure. We employ end-to-end encryption and uphold a strict policy against sharing your information with external parties.
In conclusion, a GPS tracking device is an invaluable tool for improving vehicle security and operational efficiency, but common issues can cause disruptions that may jeopardise the safety of people and vehicles in critical situations.
These inconveniences may also lead to costly errors for businesses. It is important to choose a vehicle tracking service that can manage and overcome these challenges so you can get the best possible experience and value for money.
Cartrack’s advanced GPS tracking solutions address these issues, providing reliable, real-time tracking, secure installations, and cost-effective preventative measures to keep vehicles safe and business operations running smoothly. Join our over 2 million subscribers and experience unparalleled vehicle security and tracking reliability.
What is the most common cause of a GPS location error?
The most common GPS location error is satellite blockage due to obstructions such as trees, tall buildings, and mountains. They prevent satellite signals from directly reaching the receiver (e.g., a vehicle tracking unit). This causes delays in location updates and inaccuracies.
Why is my GPS tracker not sending the location?
A GPS tracking device may not send a location update due to poor signal, such as when in a remote area. Other reasons for this could be device malfunctions, battery failure, or software updates. Ensure that you contact your service provider as soon as you notice to find the root cause.
How to improve GPS tracking?
Choose a GPS tracking service that provides high-quality devices and has backup plans in place for issues that may arise. Regularly update your software to ensure that the information is always accurate, and filter your alerts so you only keep track of the thing you are interested in.
Ensure that you secure your vehicle(s) with a trusted GPS tracking service provider that can tackle any issue. Contact us today!
GPS tracking systems sometimes come with challenges that may have significant implications. Let us get a good understanding of these mishaps and find out how to solve them.
