Lorry tracking system

Types of Lorry Tracking System

A lorry tracking system is a system that allows the tracking of lorry movements, both inside and outside, in real-time. It provides users with real-time location information about the vehicle and can track the location of the vehicle at any time. The system allows for tracking of the following:

• Tracking History: The tracking system can track the history of lorry movement for a long time. Users can track the exact location of the lorry at any time and date, which helps lorry management and logistics.
• Geofencing: Geofencing is a tracking system that allows users to set a virtual boundary. If the lorry enters or leaves the area, the system will send an alert to the users. Geofencing can be applied in many areas, such as lorry monitoring, logistics management, and illegal entry prevention.
• Speed Monitoring: Monitoring the speed of a lorry is important in terms of safety and lorry management. The lorry tracking system can monitor the speed of the lorry in real time, and if the speed exceeds the set limit, it will send an alert to the users. This function can help prevent lorry accidents and lorry cost management.

The lorry tracking system uses GPS technology to provide users with accurate location information. Users can track the lorry's location through mobile apps or web interfaces, making tracking convenient and simple.

Lorry tracking systems include active lorry tracking systems and passive lorry tracking systems. Active tracking systems use GPRS technology to provide real-time tracking information about the vehicle. In contrast, passive tracking systems store tracking data in a memory module for later download and analysis.

Some common lorry tracking systems include GPS tracking systems, RFID tracking systems, and cellular tracking systems. These systems use advanced technology to provide accurate location information and various functions to meet different needs.

Specification and maintenance of lorry tracking systems

Features of lorry tracking devices make it easy to monitor and manage commercial vehicles in real time. These include accurate location tracking, geofencing, route optimization, real-time alerts, driver behavior monitoring, fuel consumption tracking, maintenance reminders, and a user-friendly interface.

To ensure the lorry tracking system works perfectly, users should perform regular system checks, update software, maintain hardware components, keep tracking devices clean, train users, integrate with other systems, monitor power supply, establish preventive maintenance programs, and perform data backup.

• Location tracking: The GPS tracking device allows lorry owners to monitor the real-time location of their vehicles. It provides accurate longitude and latitude coordinates, enabling precise tracking of the lorry's position on the map. Users can view the lorry's location on a computer or mobile device, allowing them to track the vehicle's movements in real-time.
• Geofencing: Lorry owners can set virtual boundaries or geofences around specific areas. If the lorry enters or exits these designated zones, the tracking system will send instant alerts or notifications. This feature helps in monitoring lorry movements, ensuring adherence to predefined routes, and preventing unauthorized access or deviation from designated areas.
• Route optimization: Lorry tracking systems provide insights into traffic conditions, historical route data, and real-time road information. This information helps lorry drivers and dispatchers optimize routes by selecting the most efficient paths, avoiding traffic congestion, road closures, or other delays. As a result, the lorry can save time, reduce fuel consumption, and improve overall delivery efficiency.
• Driver behavior monitoring: Some lorry tracking systems include features that monitor driver behavior. These features can track parameters such as speeding, harsh braking, rapid acceleration, or aggressive cornering. By analyzing driver behavior, lorry owners can promote safe driving practices, provide feedback or training to drivers, and reduce the risk of accidents or vehicle wear and tear.
• Maintenance reminders: Lorry tracking systems can monitor vehicle parameters such as mileage, engine hours, or performance metrics. Based on this data, the tracking system can generate maintenance reminders or alerts for scheduled maintenance tasks. It helps lorry owners stay on top of vehicle maintenance, ensuring timely servicing, reducing breakdowns, and prolonging the lorry's lifespan.

How to Choose Lorry Tracking System

Choosing the right lorry tracking system can be a daunting task for many businesses. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Business Needs

  The first step is to consider what the business needs. For instance, does the business need live tracking? How detailed does it want the reports? Does it want a system that can track other things, like fuel use or driver behavior?

• Ease of Use

  Another important consideration is how easy the system is to use. A system that is very easy to use will save the business a lot of time and trouble. Look for a tracking system that has an easy-to-use interface. It should also have features like mobile access, so the tracking can be done from anywhere.

• Coverage

  For lorries that often travel to remote areas, it is important to consider the coverage of the tracking system. Some systems use satellite that provides tracking in many areas. Others use mobile networks that may not work in all places.

• Installation and Maintenance

  It is also important to consider how easy it is to install and maintain the tracking system. Some systems need a lot of complicated equipment that can be hard to put in and can cost a lot to maintain. Others are easier to install and need little maintenance.

• Cost

  Cost is an important factor when choosing a lorry tracking system. Businesses should choose a system that fits their budget while offering the needed features and benefits. It is also important to consider the long-term value of the system, not just the initial cost.

• Customer Support

  Good customer support is important when choosing a lorry tracking system. The business should choose a provider with a very supportive team that can help with any problems or questions. Look for providers that offer many support channels, such as phone, email, and online chat.

• Scalability

  The tracking system should be able to grow with the business. If the business is planning to add more lorries or expand into new areas, it should choose a system that can easily add more lorries or cover more areas.

• Additional Features

  Some lorry tracking systems offer extra features that can benefit the business. These can include route optimization, geofencing, and real-time alerts. Consider if the business would benefit from these extra features.

How to DIY and Replace Lorry Tracking System

Installation of active tracking system for lorries is quite easy and straightforward. Some of the steps to consider as a business owner are:

• Find a Tracking Service

  At this point, the user has to decide on the service plan to go for. Different providers offer different kinds of services and coverage. It’s important to research and find out which provider suits the business needs.

• Prepare the Device

  At this point, unpacking the tracking device to lorry is important. Following the manufacturer instructions to charge the device or insert batteries is important. Also, updating the tracking device is important to ensure it has the latest software.

• Choose the Mounting Location

  At this point, choosing a discreet location on the lorry where the device won’t be visible to thieves is important. Also, it’s good to consider a location that won’t interfere with the lorry's operations. Such places include under the dashboard, inside a door panel, or in the engine compartment.

• Install the Device

  At this point, following the manufacturer instructions to install the tracking device is important. Mounting the device using screws, adhesive, or Velcro at the chosen location is important. Also, connecting the device to the lorry's power supply is important if it’s required.

• Configure the Device

  Setting up the device according to the manufacturer instructions is important. Also, connecting the tracking device to a smartphone or computer is important to enable monitoring.

• Test the Device

  At this point, testing the device to ensure it’s working is important. Moving the lorry to see if the tracking information is received at the monitor is important.

• Secure the Device

  At this point, securing all the tracking device's settings and ensuring it’s protected from unauthorized access is important. Setting up alerts and notifications to monitor the tracking system is important.

• Regular Maintenance

  At this point, regularly checking the tracking device to ensure it’s working is important. Also, updating the tracking device’s software is important to ensure it’s up to date.

Q and A

Q1: How does a lorry tracking system work?

A1: The tracking system uses GPS technology to receive signals from satellites. The system onboard the lorry processes the GPS data and sends it to a tracking platform through a mobile network. The tracking platform shows the location of the lorry on a map, which can be accessed through a web interface or a mobile app.

Q2: What are the benefits of a tracking system for lorries?

A2: The tracking system allows real-time location monitoring, safe lorry recovery after theft, route optimization, lorry tracking in remote areas, and lorry maintenance needs alerting. All this leads to reduced operational costs, increased lorry safety, improved customer service, and increased overall efficiency.

Q3: Can a lorry be tracked without a tracking device?

A3: It is possible to track a lorry without a tracking device, but the methods are not as precise or real-time as tracking with a device. Users can track the lorry using mobile apps with location sharing or use online maps combined with phone calls to get the lorry's approximate location.

Q4: Is it legal to track a lorry?

A4: Yes, it is legal to track a lorry. The tracking system is widely used for lorry fleet management, ensuring lorry safety, and tracking lorries in logistics services. However, it is important to inform the tracked lorry's driver or owner about the tracking system to comply with privacy and data protection laws.

Q5: Can the tracking system be installed on any lorry?

A5: Yes, a tracking system can be installed on any lorry. There are different types of tracking systems, such as tracking devices that can be connected to the lorry's OBD port or installed in a hidden place. Some systems use tracking apps combined with GPS modules, allowing tracking systems to fit any lorry.