Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I access the real-time or historical information about my vehicles?

Q. Which wireless cellular networks are supported?

Q. How do I access the real-time or historical information about my vehicles?

Q. What are the advantages of tracking installed GPS units versus GPS cellular phones?

Q. What are the limitations of tracking cell phones that I should be aware of?

Q. What is involved in purchasing, installing and activating a system?

Q. What is the minimum size fleet I can track

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Question: How do I access the real-time or historical information about my vehicles?: Answer:You may access your fleet from any PC on the internet, simply by logging on to your iFM account with your secure account information and password. As the iFM system uses a java-powered internet browser, your PC will need to have the SUN java system installed. Chances are, your PC already has this installed and if not, it can be downloaded for free by clicking on a link on our login page.

Question: Which wireless cellular networks are supported?: Answer: The iFM system can be used to track installed-in-vehicle GPS devices (iTRAKpro) or GPS capable cellular phones. (iTRAKjava) For commercial applications, the installed units (iTRAKpro) will work with the leading wireless carriers in North America. Our installed GPS units are provided as a package complete with wireless network data, so you will not need to worry about activating a data plan.

Question: What are the advantages of tracking installed GPS units versus GPS cellular phones?

Answer: For commercial vehicle tracking, an installed GPS unit will provide a much more reliable and accurate solution than a cellular phone. Unless you are wishing to track people that are most often not in a vehicle, an installed unit is the best way to go.

Although there is a an initial one-time cost involved in purchasing an installed unit, it is really not that significant compared to the cost of the vehicle itself or the expense of keeping that vehicle on the road. The installed units are much less hassle, as once they are installed, they simply work 24/7 and you always know the location and status of your fleet and drivers.

In addition to improved GPS position accuracy , the installed unit can monitor vehicle inputs such as engine on, door open, driver emergency, etc. Knowing when the engine is running is the key to knowing when your vehicle is wasting fuel by idling. With fuel prices at record levels, saving only 5 minutes of unnecessary idling per day will pay for the monthly lease cost of an installed unit.

Question: What are the limitations of tracking cell phones to be aware of?

Answer: If you need to track people that are out of their vehicles, or if you are trying to avoid the capital cost of a GPS unit, then it is important that you understand the limitations of tracking cellular handsets so that you can maximize the system reliability, usability and accuracy:

1) The biggest issue with tracking GPS cellular phones is that the person carrying that phone can shut off the GPS tracking application on his phone at any time. Therefore, if an employee wishes to hide, he can simply turn off the java application temporarily. As a result, it takes strong management to overcome this situation. If you let your employees get away with turning off their tracking application, it won't be long before this becomes the norm.

2) After your handset is powered up, it will take up to 1 minute before it can lock onto the GPS satellites. Once it gets first lock, then it maintains GPS lock very well.

a) The same situation holds true if an employee takes his handset indoors and then comes back outside. The handset will lose GPS signal while inside and then can require about 2 minutes to re-acquire GPS lock when the employee comes back outside to vehicle.

b) However, the time it takes for the handset to gain initial lock is affected by the vehicle starting to move before initial lock has been acquired. For example, if iTRAKjava is just started or the handset just powers up and then the vehicle immediately begins to move, it could take much longer than 2 minutes to acquire GPS signal.

c) Therefore, if possible, encourage your employees to maintain a stationary position for a couple of minutes prior to driving away. This applies both to when they first power up their handset and when they return outside with the handset.

4. iTRAKjava defaults to reporting its position every 1600 meters. (or whatever you set it to) In addition, it reports a stop after the handset or vehicle has been stopped for 2 minutes. If an employee is driving, then immediately enters a building or underground parking lot, the handset will be unable to send the stop position, as it will lose satellite view.

a) In the above situation, you may still see the vehicle’s last position some distance away at the last location it reported while moving. (The handset has not traveled a complete mile –so there is no reason for it to report its distance-based position yet) And, as stated above, you will not see the stop report, as it was not stationary in satellite view long enough to send the stop report.

b) Therefore, if it is possible to have your employee park for 2 minutes prior to entering the building, this will ensure that the stop report gets sent. Alternately, you could have them leave the handset in the vehicle at all times or use separate handsets for voice communications and tracking.

5. Running a GPS java application will result in reduced handset battery charge. Therefore, it is important to equip your employees with an extra battery or vehicle charger.

6. It is important to understand that the handset cannot send GPS information while it is being used for voice communications. If your employees only use Direct Connect, this will not be an issue, as push-to-talk communications transmissions tend to be short and infrequent. If employees will be making a lot of handset calls, however, you may wish to use separate handsets for voice communications and tracking, or purchase an installed GPS system for their vehicles.

Question: What is involved in purchasing, installing and activating a system?

Answer: Click on the "Get an Instant Instant Quote" button at the top of this page to receive an immediate, accurate quotation for a complete GPS system. Once you make the decision to proceed, click the "Buy Now" link on the quotation to convert it to a purchase. Feel free to call our Order Desk at any time if you would rather speak to one of our representatives about placing an order. (See the contact link at the top of the page)

If you are purchasing cell phone tracking, you will be responsible to obtain the GPS phones and activate a data plan on them. Typically, monthly data charges will be $10.00 to $20.00 per month, depending on your location, billed by the cellular company. Future Quest will bill you monthly for the tracking service.

If you are purchasing installed units, these will be provided by Future Quest complete with wireless network access, ready to install. Future Quest will bill you monthly for a single package that includes both the data and tracking service. Installation is simple -many of our customers self-install or we can arrange installation for you locally. Full installation documentation and support are provided.

Question: What is the minimum size fleet I can track?: Answer: If you wish to track cell phones, the minimum size fleet you can track is 5 units. If you are tracking installed units, the minimum size fleet you can track is 2 units.

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Web Based GPS Fleet Tracking
Overview
Fleet Manager Features
GPS Fleet Tracking Benefits
GPS Tracking Devices
Personal Cell Phone GPS Tracking
Commercial Vehicle GPS Tracking
Fleet Supervision
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