There are four different types of car tracking technologies generally employed in South Africa, each with its own distinct benefits and drawbacks.
According to vehicle telematics firm Cartrack, the most frequently employed technology when it comes to trackers is active tracking systems.
It is also the most diverse segment of trackers, encompassing cellular network, satellite, GPS, and on-board diagnostics-based tracking systems.
Regarding cellular network systems, this is a method where mobile networks are used to transmit the tracked data in real time.
The data from the device is sent to a cellular tower, which then conveys it to a service provider over an internet connection.
The satellite-based tracking, meanwhile, depends on satellite networks to collect and transmit data from a tracking device.
This technology uses time signals broadcast along a line of sight to let electronic receivers to calculate location with great precision, rendering it more reliable than cellular tracking.
Satellite and GPS-based tracking systems are similar but not exactly the same thing.
The key difference is that a GPS tracking system is satellite-based, but not all satellite-based tracking relies solely on GPS.
The key difference is that a GPS tracking system is satellite-based, but not all satellite-based tracking relies solely on GPS.
An article by Online Science explains how there are other satellite navigation technologies, each managed by a different country.
These include GLONASS (operated by the Russian Federation), BeiDou (operated in China), and Galileo (operated by the European Union).
GPS was developed and is operated by the United States of America, and is the most commonly used.
The final form of active tracking is OBD-based technology.
This approach involves plugging a device into the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) port and allows owners to have access to crucial information such as vehicle health, mileage, and fuel levels.
OBD trackers allow both fleet managers and private car owners to monitor risky driving behaviours such as speeding and harsh braking, making them a good solution for both.
Next up is passive vehicle tracking systems which also make use of GPS to track vehicle location.
The main difference between active and passive systems is that you can’t get real-time updates with a passive system.
“They record the data and store it in a memory card or hard drive for later access,” said Cartrack.
“Once connected to a computer, the data will be available for users to view.”
This type of tracking is ideal for users who need access to historical trip data rather than real-time events.
Moving on, an RFID tracking system is one that is based on Radio Frequency Identification Technology.
It can track and identify vehicle locations in real-time as well as record entry and exit information.
The system is composed of three components: a tag, a reader, and vehicle tracking software.
The tag is attached to the vehicle, and the reader emits a radio signal that activates the RFID tag. The software is then responsible for data storage and analysis.
Lastly, we have IoT, or the Internet of Things, trackers.
These integrate sensors and connectivity technologies such as Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and satellite communications to enable advanced vehicle tracking and remote diagnostics.
The sensors and GPS devices collect information from the vehicles, and the data is subsequently transmitted via the internet to a central platform.
From there, it’s processed and turned into easily understandable information.
“This technology helps with predictive maintenance, finding optimal routes for deliveries, real-time monitoring and alerts, driver behaviour analysis, and much more,” said Cartrack.
The key differences and ideal use cases for vehicle tracking technologies are summarised below:
| Type | Technology used | Range | Real-time? | Use in case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cellular | Mobile networks | Wide | Yes | Real-time tracking in urban areas |
| Satellite | GNSS (mostly GPS) | Global | Yes/No (can do both) | Theft recovery, fleet management |
| RFID | Radio Frequency | Short (meters) | Yes | Warehouses, driver tags |
| OBD-II | OBD port, GPS, Cellular | Wide | Yes | Vehicle diagnostics, driver behaviour, fleet management |
| IoT-based | Sensors, GPS, Cellular, IoT | Global | Yes | Advanced fleet analytics, automation |
The right tracker for you
The best vehicle tracking system depends on your specific needs and budget.
As per Cartrack, most individuals require basic tracking services, such as Stolen Vehicle Recovery and the ability to view vehicle locations at any time.
“Additional features, such as driver behaviour monitoring or advanced analytics, are considered an extra layer of protection and will depend on how much you are willing to spend,” said the company.
On the other hand, businesses look for vehicle tracking services from an investment point of view.
“The price is not a huge concern, but the savings and profit as a result of improved productivity are what matter the most,” said Cartrack.
This flows into what you intend to use the tracker for.
For example, personal vehicles are typically tracked for theft prevention and to ensure the safety of family members.
In comparison, delivery fleets require advanced solutions such as route optimisation capabilities, driver alerts, driver identification, and preventative maintenance.
Finally, the routes you drive during your daily journeys matter a lot when it comes to choosing the right protection.
If you constantly move in remote areas, then you need a solution that can give you accurate location updates and data regardless of the low network coverage.
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