Vehicle tracking devices: What’s the difference

Professionally installed vehicle tracking devices

Professionally installed vehicle tracking devices are hardwired into the cab of the vehicle and are usually tamper-proof. Hard-wired devices add an additional layer of data security and reliability that other devices do not provide.  

Pros of professionally installed vehicle tracking devices

• Security: Since these devices are hardwired into the vehicle’s engine diagnostics system and securely fastened underneath the dashboard, they tend to be the most secure, tamper-proof option.
• Reliability: With sensors that alert management anytime a device is tampered with and the capability to connect peripheral devices through wired connections, a professionally installed device is the most reliable choice.

More data: Beyond basic engine diagnostics, hardwired systems collect far more data than other devices through a range of sensors and other in-vehicle devices, allowing fleet managers to monitor more and get a full picture of fleet performance and driver behavior.  

Cons of professionally installed vehicle tracking devices

• Cost: Professional installations are more expensive for several reasons. Excluding the additional cost of hardware and installations, professionally installed devices take longer to install and requires planning to limit vehicle downtime.
• Hard to move: If you sell or otherwise decommission a vehicle, switching the vehicle tracking device to another vehicle needs planning and can take more time.

Businesses that value safety and security are more likely to choose hardwired, professionally installed vehicle tracking devices. This is especially true when important business and customer data is being used for invoicing or other critical business workflows, or when implementing and managing driver safety incentive programs.

 

Self-installed vehicle tracking devices

Self-installed vehicle tracking devices are what their name implies: devices that can simply and easily be installed without a professional installation engineer. These are popular for a number of reasons, including quicker installation times and easier movement between vehicles.

Pros of self-installed vehicle tracking devices

• Ease of use: These devices do not require any hardwire connections, they can simply be plugged into your vehicle's OBD-II, JBUS or another diagnostics port and commence vehicle tracking.
• Portability: It is easier to physically move these vehicle tracking devices from one vehicle to another which is handy for fleets that have high volumes of vehicle turnover or run short-term seasonal fleets. Once switched you will still need to notify your provider so they can update vehicle assignment.
• Cost: Plug-and-play devices don’t need to be professionally installed, lowering the cost to implement the technology and vehicle downtime.

Cons of self-install devices

• Security: Easy to install means easy to remove. Since these devices are not securely hardwired to the vehicle, removing them is easy, which makes stolen vehicle tracking nearly impossible.
• Limited data: Plug-and-play devices typically only record vehicle engine data, such as milage and ignition status.
• Other sensors: including seatbelt monitoring, can be added but is dependent on less reliable Bluetooth connections.

Businesses with a high level of turnover in their fleet, or those that use seasonal or rental vehicles, typically choose self-install devices for their flexibility. They are also more frequently used for fleets that don’t rely on the data for state or federal compliance. They are also more frequently used for fleets that don’t rely on the data for state or federal compliance.

 

Mobile applications

As Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) increases in popularity, mobile applications are becoming a huge trend in fleet management, offering flexibility and a wide variety of features not found on other vehicle tracking devices. Choosing a mobile application will depend greatly on the type of data you wish to collect.

Pros of mobile applications

• Mobility: Mobility, which is the ability to work from virtually anywhere, is sweeping the nation. This level of flexibility in fleet tracking means businesses can monitor far more than just vehicle data with business workflows and tracking information in a single application.
• Cost: With the ability to use your own devices, businesses can save on the cost of hardware and installation.
• Usability: Your employees are most likely very familiar with their mobile devices, removing learning curves and reducing barriers to entry.
• Tracking away from the vehicle: When your system is not tied directly to your vehicle, it can double as a way to track employee location, which is especially important for lone workers working in remote locations.

Cons of mobile applications

• Security and accountability: Mobile devices are easily lost, stolen or damaged. They can also be turned off if a driver or employee decides they don’t want to be tracked.
• Data limitations: Mobile devices are good for collecting employee data, such as location and timecard information, but when it comes to vehicle diagnostics, such as fuel use and miles driven, mobile devices have limitations.
• Not designed for a purpose: Because mobile devices were not designed specifically for vehicle tracking they may face issues with battery life and drain (while apps are running).

With ease of use being a major deciding factor, mobile-only applications tend to be appealing to businesses that need better communication and the ability to track employee location as well as vehicle information.