The Differences between Vehicle Tracking and Person Tracking

If you are unsure about the different types of vehicle tracking systems that exist, you are in the right place.  There are many types of systems, but we can narrow those down by referring to them as vehicle tracking and personal tracking devices.  All tracking systems will fit into one or the other categories mentioned.  These two tracking systems will work in different ways.  So let’s take a look at that first.
              
Vehicle tracking systems are installed in the actual vehicle.  The device will record and send feedback information to the data centre.  It will offer information about the movements the vehicle has made.  Typically the vehicle tracking system is a Ground Positioning System or GPS.  The GPS system will talk via the Global Positioning System using satellites to transfer the data.  It will record and transmit the most accurate information it can obtain.

Personal tracking systems are more invasive because they are part of tags, identity badges, or mobile phones.  These systems will track the movements of the employee rather than a vehicle.  You will be able to determine if the employee is still in the building or if they have left.  The devices do have a limited range depending on what type is used.  Personal tracking is done with either radio frequency identification (RFID) or GPS.  The mobile phone network uses GPS as well.

Now you are probably asking yourself which is better for your business.  You will of course have to answer that for yourself, but we can help narrow down the choices a little more.  You should ask why you are going to track mobile workers.  Are you worried about their safety when they go to a home?  Employee safety is very important and you will want to protect them.  You may also decide you need to increase employee productivity, fleet management, reduce maintenance costs or just know where your employees are.

Is there a specific environment you want your employees to be tracked in?  If the employee will spend a lot of time on the road with public transportation, home visits, or on construction sites you may want personal tracking.  For example an airport is rather large, so you want to know that your employee is working and not off in other parts of the airport.  Personal tracking will certainly help with this.

If you are less concerned about where your employee is you will probably want vehicle tracking.  Vehicle tracking will monitor driver ID’s to tell you who is in the vehicle.  It will also have an SOS button, insurance discounts, Mobile data terminal, and increase vehicle security.  If the vehicle is stolen you will be able to track it down.  You are also able to track the employee to an extent.

Lone workers have panic buttons and satellite messaging.  These personal tracking devices tell you when your employee is in trouble, but not the vehicle.  For all around protection you might want to have both since there is a difference between the two.