At Fleetware, we have a diverse range of customers with various needs for us to create and implement a tailored telematics solution. However, there is something that all of our customers share; the need to increase efficiency, safety and compliance. The easiest way to achieve these goals is through a telematics solution, however, some people find that they become stumped when choosing between a GPS solution and an In Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS). So, we’ve decided to break down the major differences between the two to help you better understand which solution is right for you!
In simple terms, IVMS includes GPS tracking, but a GPS solution may not include in vehicle monitoring. Both of these systems involve monitoring vehicles and their locations, but IVMS offers a wide array of features that go far beyond the standard features of GPS tracking.
GPS Tracking
GPS solutions primarily focus on location data, providing real-time vehicle positioning and route tracking. The essence of GPS tracking is simply monitoring the vehicle, its speed, its location and where it’s been. For some people, this is all that they require – a basic solution that can record data and provide them with new insights into their vehicles and business processes. But, for a more comprehensive solution with detailed data on both your vehicles and drivers, we suggest turning to an In Vehicle Monitoring System.
In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems
As stated in the 2022 Major Crash Investigation Report by the NTI NTARC, 62.5% of road crashes in the transport industry were caused by ‘human factors’, so it’s vital that businesses address their driver compliance. IVMS can provide real-time data on both the vehicle and the driver through a range of Driver Behaviour Monitoring features such as:
- Speeding
- Harsh braking and acceleration
- Seatbelt usage
- Door status
- Four-wheel drive-lock activation
- Handbrake usage
- And driver identification using iButtons, RFID fobs or digital pin pads.
IVMS solutions can be uniquely tailored and are highly customisable. When it comes to driver management, we often see the inclusion of in-cab cameras that record driver behaviour, ensuring adherence to company policies and promoting safe driving habits. Plus, if a driver is found to be distracted whilst on the road or driving in an unsafe manner, the IVMS system can issue in-cab alerts to drivers using a buzzer to notify them immediately and change their behaviour.
Protecting both your vehicles and drivers is paramount, and IVMS poses a critical advantage for this. We can connect an Iridium satellite modem to the IVMS device, meaning that you are able to access vehicle location and movement information when outside of cellular coverage! When it comes to ensuring your drivers’ safety, they are able to activate an in-cab duress button in the case of an emergency – triggering an alert on the software platform and notifying the control centre to act. Connecting an Iridium modem to the device means that critical information is always relayed immediately, and your drivers are never left in the dark.
The choice between GPS tracking or IVMS really depends on your specific needs and priorities, but ultimately, whether you choose IVMS or standard GPS tracking, these technologies are indispensable tools for increasing efficiency, safety and compliance.
If you think that a solution like this could solve some of your problems, please get in touch!
Find out more about our IVMS and GPS tracking solutions.
