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Fleet management systems have been around a while and have become so complex that it has evolved into Field Resource Management. This article explores 5 reasons why all fleets need at least a basic Field Resource Management system.
Garmin Intl Inc. (GRMN) recently launched the dezl (pronounced “diesel”) series navigation system, designed specifically for the trucking industry. The dezl GPS fleet tracking system is pre-loaded with features that can save truckers time, money, and fuel.
The navigation system appeals to both drivers and fleet management for different reasons. Truck drivers will like the navigation device because it can make finding places on the go as simple as possible. The Garmin navigation device can quickly locate highway exits, fuel stops, rest areas, lodging, truck stops, anything the driver may need along his route. The GPS navigation device also has Lane Assist which helps drivers navigate with confidence and drive safer.
Right here in sunny San Diego a brand new technology is being used to catch graffiti vandals. The high-tech tracking system tracks graffiti in a database, allowing law enforcement to keep track of individual vandals. This makes it easier for prosecutors to seek jail time and restitution after the taggers have been arrested. The tracking system is called Graffiti Tracker.
Did you know that GPS tracking data can be recorded when someone takes a picture of you? Browser plug-ins and certain software programs can reveal the geotag location information of your photos and movies to anyone who wants to see it. Location information (GPS tracking system coordinates) stored inside photos can reveal your home address, work address, places you visit often, etc. Geotags can make it very easy for people – friends, family, bosses, spouses, parents – to know exactly where you are.
Here’s How to Protect Your Privacy:
Modern cameras can track information such as where and when a photo of you was taken and on what type of camera. It is important to make sure that your camera is not revealing more information than you would like. Also be aware when photos of you are uploaded to websites where the public may see such as Facebook, Twitter, Ebay, Craigslist.
The City of Sacramento recently spent over $100,000 on a GPS fleet management system. Many tax payers questioned if the new fleet tracking system was a luxury or a necessity? Turns out, that within the first month of using the fleet management system, the City identified ways to cut fuel costs by over $60,000 in just one month.
According to Keith Leech, City of Sacramento Fleet Management, “The analysis identified savings in excess of $60,000 a month in fuel costs alone, quite an impressive figure considering the cost to equip those 184 vehicles was just over $110,000. Simply stated, the system paid for itself in just two short months making it an excellent investment for the City and a real money saver for the tax payers.”
A real-time GPS Fleet Tracking System can help to Cut Fuel Costs and other Fleet Management Costs. It can also help to:
* Save time and reduce paperwork
* Quickly identify wasteful activities
* Accurately track and measure operating efficiencies
Real Estate Listings on Craigslist Tracked in Real-time and Located by Google Maps With HousingMaps
Craigslist is one of the best resources you can find when looking for a new apartment to rent. It has a ton of listings for apartments, houses, and roommates, but it can be frustrating trying to find the right place in the right location.
Say you find a place you really like, but you’re not exactly sure where it is located, it can be time consuming because you have to click each listing and then cross-reference it to a map. HousingMaps was created to solve this problem and make the search for a new home easier. HousingMaps is especially useful if you are relocating to a new city and don’t know your way around.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) announced they are coordinating with the California Air Resources Board to set fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for model year 2017-2025 cars and light-duty trucks. All three agencies will simultaneously release the proposed rules for vehicle fuel economy and carbon emissions on Sept. 1, 2011.
ven if you don’t drive a GM vehicle, many people have seen the commercials for the OnStar telematics system. The ones where the family vehicle crashes crashes and the OnStar telematics system automatically alerts emergency services. OnStar launched an aftermarket rear-view mirror equipped with its OnStar telematics based communication system this year (2011) at CES. Even if you don’t drive a GM, now any vehicle can use the OnStar system and service.
OnStar services are currently installed in over 6 million vehicles. The OnStar mirror will retail for $299 at Best Buy. The device will hit the shelves this Spring. The monthly fee for the service will be $18.95.
OnStar and other telematics companies are exploring different ways to bring the Internet experience into the automobile. OnStar Telematics, a division of General Motors, currently offers drivers a variety of connected services, including turn-by-turn GPS system navigation, automatic crash response, stolen vehicle location, and much more.
Google Maps (GOOG) just launched a Fuel Cost Calculator to driving directions for Google Maps in Europe. Google’s new Fuel Cost Calculator can be used to estimate the average fuel cost for your journey. When a user asks for driving direction between two locations on the map, it shows an estimate of how much cash your have to spend in order to procure fuel for the journey. The estimated fuel cost appears at the bottom of the list of driving directions.
This new tool can be very helpful for many reasons. With rising gas costs on the horizon (Oil is expected to top $100 a barrel this year.) it would be nice to be able to plan your trips taking gas costs into consideration. If utilized properly, this new tool can help you to become aware of your carbon footprint, and gives you the opportunity to really cut your gas costs, which is a great incentive to take the time to plan your trips more efficiently.
There has been a steady rise in gas prices over the last year. According to AAA, the national average for regular unleaded gas is $3.11 a gallon. Over the last year, prices are up 39 cents a gallon, or 14%. Crude oil is up by a similar percentage, currently trading at just under $90 a barrel.
“Unless we see increases in supply, it’s hard not to see a tighter market,” John Felmy, the American Petroleum Institute’s chief economist, said in a conference call with reporters. Felmy said worldwide oil demand in 2010 hit a record of more than 87 million barrels a day.
New reports out this week show demand for oil and gas is up according to API and some analysts say that could mean paying more at the pump. Many experts are saying drivers could be paying $4 a gallon of gasoline this spring. There’s also claims some experts have been under-estimating prices for months.
The gas price increase may be due to several reasons including:
1. Global demand for oil is increasing as China, India and the Middle East are rapidly expanding.
2. Rising interest in crude as an investment can cause higher prices.
3. Winter weather has been extra cold in many parts the US and Europe, creating more demand for heating oil, which can cause an increase in gas prices.
4. The BP oil spill resulted in Obama administering an oil drilling moratorium, which means no more offshore drilling on the Gulf Coast, further reducing the oil supply.
5. OPEC continues to restrict supply.
