GPS Location Technology - Moving Beyond Vehicle Tracking to Protect Non-Vehicle Based Lone Workers

The use of GPS Fleet Management, also known as Vehicle Tracking or Vehicle Telematics, is increasingly common in today's business environment, both in the private and public sectors.

As the use of GPS Location technology has developed and become more widespread, so has the scope of its use widened. Once the domain of the Fleet Manager used as part of Vehicle Tracking system, GPS Location technology has now extended beyond the fleet department and into the hands, literally, of non-vehicle based staff.

Many organizations with a reliance on a vehicle based workforce have invested in GPS Vehicle Tracking technology to help administer a number of functions related to fleet and driver management, including: Vehicle journey time calculations, Vehicle mileage monitoring, Route planning, two way messaging, Driver behaviour analysis, Fuel usage reporting, Vehicle Service Scheduling and Job Schedule Adherence reporting.

Being able to monitor the real-time location of vehicles across a fleet, means organizations are now more able to respond dynamically to changing events and meet the increased expectations of their customers. Assigning the nearest available fleet asset, based on actual and accurate information produced by a vehicle tracking system improves response times and improves customer service levels.

The advent of person based GPS Tracking can complement existing Vehicle Tracking systems and ensure that non-vehicle based mobile personnel, such Street Cleaners, Park Rangers or Community Support Officers can now also be efficiently deployed, based on precise and accurate Location information.

Increasingly defined rules and guidelines pertaining to employers responsibilities under Health and Safety and Duty of Care legislation, means the benefits of this technology is increasingly being as much more than just a tool used to increase efficiency and productivity.

Advice published by both the HSE and Business link says that if you employ lone workers, you have the same responsibilities for their health and safety as for any other employees. You may, however, need to take extra precautions to ensure lone workers are at no greater risk than your other employees.

What is a Lone Worker? According to the same advice, a lone worker is anybody who works alone. The term itself makes is quite clear. The advice continues; A Lone Worker can include; self-employed people and employees who work away from their business base. This occurs in a wide range of business activities, such as transport, construction, maintenance and repair.

In addition to being a tool that provides a location and journey history, Lone Worker GPS Tracking devices, now also serve as personal security devices and include the ability to make and receive voice calls, send a Panic Alarm, which when pressed, transmits an Alarm message with the precise location of the device carrier. Many units also include a Motion Sensor which transmits an alert location if the carrier falls, is lying prone and perhaps requires emergency assistance.

Businesses and organizations, who may have initially introduced GPS Location technology such as vehicle tracking, primarily to maximize the efficient use of their fleet and drivers, are now finding that GPS Location and Tracking technology can also help them meet their other duties and responsibilities.

Matthew Wright is the publisher of the UK Telematics Online website. Vehicle Telematics solutions such as vehicle tracking are now widely available from a huge number of suppliers; many of whom promote themselves as the "market leader" and promise to deliver 'cost benefit' and 'return on investment.' With extensive experience of working with both suppliers and customers "I feel that users of vehicle telematics, if they are actually to see the benefits promised by suppliers and manufacturers, want and need to be better informed."

UK Telematics Online is an independent source of free information, tips & advice to assist visitors with buying decisions and to aid better implementation of vehicle telematics and vehicle tracking solutions.

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