One Small GPS For Man, One Giant Leap for Mankind

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/ZEn1U)
Through our exploration of science there have been many significant breakthroughs that have translated into commercial success.  GPS tracking devices are one of those technological advancements that have made a significant positive impact in our lives.  Many groups currently encourage families and individuals to make use of GPS auto tracking and GPS anti theft devices to keep an eye on the whereabouts of young drivers or track down a stolen car.  Granted, these are legitimate and needed uses of GPS tracking. However, with this emphasis on personal safety and protection of valued possessions, many people fail to realize the benefits of GPS tracking devices for businesses. With just one small GPS unit you can have individuals tracked,  work vehicles monitored or secure the location of your boat - basically the uses for GPS devices are endless. Perhaps even Neil Armstrong himself would never have believed the impact our space program has had on our economy - and how it affects the way we do business today.  Businesses are using GPS in greater numbers everyday.  It has enhanced our lives and secured our valuable assets in ways people never imagined years ago.

With GPS fleet tracking, fleet managers can monitor the location and productivity of their workers. Construction businesses, for example, can make sure all the bulldozers are on the job. In addition, fleet tracking not only allows the fleet managers to increase productivity but also allows them to track down a stolen bulldozer. Many fleet managers may wonder who would ever steal such a large vehicle. What these managers forget is that with the economy failing, thefts of all kinds are on the rise. All construction companies and other large fleets of vehicles need to guard themselves.

Of course, many construction companies will think GPS fleet tracking far too expensive to implement in their fleets. Granted, these systems will cost money, but the cost of replacing stolen vehicles will run higher than the cost of investing in GPS fleet tracking devices. Plus, many insurance companies will give their customers a discount for using these systems. In fact, insurance companies view these systems as so effective that one company, Nationwide Insurance, has instituted a “Bait Vehicle” Program which attempts to fight car theft through giving GPS outfitted bait vehicles to police forces.

While these devices can’t entirely stop auto theft or help businesses maintain perfect productivity, experience does show that the devices help in both areas. The “Bait Vehicle” Program, for instance, has, by all appearances, drastically reduced car theft in some states, an excellent encouragement to invest in fleet tracking.

The same technology which helps families track down their children, making sure they stay careful and safe, and which helps an individual auto owner find his stolen vehicle, can also help businesses running a large fleet of vehicles. Law enforcement routinely turns to small GPS tracking devices to ensure safer and well documented criminal apprehension.  The advances from GPS tracking devices continue to make our lives better every day.  With further technological advances GPS will only make further strides towards making our lives and businesses more efficient.

A trip to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida makes you realize how far we have come in scientific advancements.  By preserving the "Mission Control" equipment used in the 1960's to guide our Astronauts back home to earth you can see visually the difference in equipment and technology based upon what is used today.  GPS technology plays a huge role in our space program and that advances our commercial GPS use as well.  What will be the next unique milestone for mankind?  Makes you wonder, doesn't it?