I Spy . . . with a GPS Tracker

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/9Vbrv)
If you’ve been keeping up with the news, one of the most interesting recent stories was the arrest of 11 alleged spies last week. These eleven individuals are thought to have come to the United States to establish relatively “normal” lives and infiltrate policy networks, as well as gather information on nuclear weapons. This group did not realize the power of a gps tracker and it's common use by our own government agencies. While it sounds almost like a Cold War era spy drama, there were some interesting details. These individuals are termed by the Russians to be “illegals” meaning that they work under false names and identities and do not have diplomatic immunity if they are caught. In most cases, the 11 accused have lived in the United states for over ten years developing relationships with people seen as important in government circles. Some even have children—one tactic of the Russians is to assign a couple to the States and they often have children together.



One man who was detained was Christopher Metsos, accused of being the “money man,” the person responsible for passing money between agents. The interesting thing about Metsos is the story of a cash swap with another Russian official. The two switched bags in a public location, after which Metsos drove to New York state and apparently buried something in a field.  Secretly, FBI agents had attached a GPS device to his vehicle and tracked the location of his car. After finding the spot with the help of the GPS tracker, the agents found a package buried underground. Two years later, FBI cameras recorded two secret (Russian) agents removing the buried package. We’ve all heard of GPS devices being used for fleet management and tracking teenage drivers, but a GPS device being used to crack a spy ring certainly appeals to the imagination in a whole new way. The FBI uses many methods for its work, and had actually been following these Russian agents for at least seven years. The GPS device was utilized method for obtaining information and for tracking, and provided additional links in the case. GPS utilizes satellites in outer space to determine the location of the receiver on earth, and because GPS tracking devices can keep running logs and download real-time information, it is perfect for undercover operations for the FBI. So far, the courts consider it to be legal for law enforcement officials to use GPS devices for tracking suspected individuals (stay posted on this as technology and new3 uses of GPS devices develops). The spy story continues to unfold as we learn more details, but one thing we know for sure: GPS tracking devices are routinely used by Government agencies to keep us safe.

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?

Excuse Me Waiter, there is GPS in My Soap!

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/l4ieZ)
In conjunction with Bullet marketing agency, Unilever Co. has devised a marketing campaign that is bound to draw a lot of mixed feelings. The company will track fifty consumers who purchase Unilever’s Omo brand laundry detergent using GPS tracking devices that have been placed inside of select packages. While some view this GPS tactic as a clever way to conduct marketing research, others argue that tracking customers borders on an invasion of privacy.

The idea behind the GPS tracking campaign is to follow certain consumers from the time a box of Omo has been removed from a store shelf to a person’s home. Unilever has placed various team members throughout Brazil who will actively track select consumers. Once a Unilever team has reached a consumer’s home, an unsuspecting person will be presented with a video camera and various entertainment events planned by the company.

In addition to tracking a person to his or her home, Unilever will post the whereabouts of those who have been chosen on the Internet. This will allow the general public to follow each consumer as a box of Omo is selected and carried to a person’s house. Unilever devised this marketing campaign as a fun way for consumers to win prizes, though some people aren’t thrilled about the idea of being tracked. Critics of the marketing plan have pointed out that most people don’t head directly home from a supermarket. Many people make other stops along the way – stops that they may not want the public to know about.  Imagine Lucy and Ethel discovering there was a ringing in their box of laundry soap!  Another hilarious TV moment would emerge.  Makes you smile just thinking about it!

Another criticism of the Unilever giveaway plan is that Brazil has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Presumably, most people who live in large Brazilian cities would not open their doors to a group of people claiming to offer a Unilever prize. However, it seems as though the marketing team that devised this GPS tracking plan has already thought of Brazil’s high murder rate. Each box of Omo soap that has a GPS tracker inside of it also has an alarm that can be activated by team members if a consumer refuses to open the door.

Unilever believes that this alarm will prevent consumers from distrusting Unilever team members, though some believe that a ringing soap box may cause additional panic. Unilever has also placed a note inside of each detergent box explaining the promotion. Unilever’s GPS tracking campaign will cost the company close to one million dollars – an expense that Unilever believes will pay off. Marketers worldwide wait to see whether Unilever’s innovative use of GPS tracking technology is viewed by consumers as innovative or simply invasive.  In the meantime, they are enjoying quite a lot of free press!

(Source acquired via Inventor Spot, August 5, 2010, Brazil – Written by Harriette Halepis for Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc.)

Make Every Hour in the Day Count

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/2XrHP)
Have you ever been responsible for picking up relatives at the airport or bus station?  You carefully planned your schedule around the airplane or bus scheduled arrival time. Maybe you even got off work early or missed lunch in order to be ready at the airport or station, only to find when you arrived that things had been delayed and your passenger wouldn’t arrive for another forty-five minutes. You know the frustration that scenarios like this can cause and the kink it can cause in a carefully planned schedule. Bus drivers, understand this because bus companies have begun to use GPS tracking devices on their buses.

This utilizes the normal GPS tracking system, which consists of a series of twenty-four satellites orbiting outer space (plus a few extras in case of technical failure). These satellites work together in groups of twos or threes to determine the latitude and longitude (otherwise known as location) of the receiver on earth.  The receiver is attached to an individual, a pet, a car, or in this case, a bus. The information downloads to the internet or a mobile device.  Active tracking gives real-time information whereas passive logs simply record the data for later review. GPS tracking has many capabilities, including geofencing, routes, speeds, and many more.



This idea is a variation on fleet tracking devices already used by companies like UPS.  Managers use GPS tracking to determine if their drivers are following the most efficient routes, if any delays or problems arise, and if the vehicle travels off route. A gps tracking system reports the information on location as well as delays and other alerts.  The estimated arrival time will update to reflect information on delays.  One example of how this works is at MIT.  MIT has implemented this system on their campus buses in order to prevent long waits by students during inclement weather or during nighttime hours.  The students are able to see exactly where the bus is on a map and when it will arrive. The information downloads to the internet where students can check the information in real-time.  While it may seem like overkill to use this type of tracking system just to save a few minutes, those minutes can be priceless to a busy college student. More studying at the library could mean a better grade on that exam. Efficient students make every hour count so that jobs and socializing can fit on their schedules.  Even for non-college students, saving a few minutes and avoiding the inconvenience of delay is beneficial and well worth the investment for transport vehicles. After all, if your customers are inconvenienced - they will not use the system and resort to alternate modes of transport. It's best to make every hour in the day count! Gps tracking can help you discover your inefficiencies and tighten them up for better customer satisfaction.

Where are your Company Work Vans Right Now? Find Out!

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/0LlGT)
You need to use every advantage that you can find to run your business lean and mean these days.  If not, you’ll find yourself stuck in a bind financially in a hurry.  Technology is a great place to look for ways to run an efficient operation and here are five of the best reasons to implement GPS Tracking to help you run lean while maximizing profits.

Employee Safety and Responsibility

Driver safety is of the utmost importance and once you have installed GPS Tracking devices into your fleet of vehicles it will send a message to them that you care about their safety.  But, with their position comes responsibility while they perform their job.  They are on the streets and roads for hours at a time.  The ability to ‘look over their shoulder’ with GPS Tracking helps them maintain a heightened sense of awareness to the task at hand and gives you an advantage not heretofore realized in being able to monitor their location, direction of travel and speed.

Compliance with Traffic Laws

Ever notice that when one is being followed by a police car they instantly turn into the best driver ever?  That is essentially the same thing that happens when GPS Tracking devices are on-board with your fleet drivers.  And, they know that adhering to traffic laws is mandatory, but unless there is a way to make sure they do, they won’t.  So, GPS Tracking does this job for them.  They become better drivers, you notice that there are fewer incidents with moving violations.

Better Route Management

Monitoring routes via remote mapping helps managers discover things about the routes that might be hampering the speed at which a driver can make his or her rounds.  One of the main things is traffic flow.  While fleet businesses are powerless in getting traffic signals changed, it might be worth a try to see if that can happen.  Making the point that is would be good for all traffic (including public transportation like buses) just might get traffic managers to lend assistance.  If this is not possible, then routes can be modified to make sure that it happens.

Accounting and Insurance Advantages

Information that goes into billing customers is crucial in the delivery business.  With GPS Tracking systems, reports can be generated to show the positive things that are done to help insure the best of service. Accurate billing systems in place keep your accounting costs lower as well!  Knowing your vehicles can be found if a theft occurs will give you a lower insurance rate.  Don't forget that it is not just the vehicles themselves that would be stolen, but also the valuable tools and equipment inside the vans need to be recovered!  Wouldn't you sleep better knowing that gps tracking was always "on the job?"

Provide Evidence of Activities

Has your firm ever been accused of not delivering on time?  Was your truck and driver where it was supposed to be?  Now you can provide that information in court-admissible form from your system.  Peace of mind?  Now you’re talking. Factual data speaks for you and tracking data has been proven in court many times.

To top this all off, customer service goes through the roof.  When clients realize the amount of time and effort that is expended in making their satisfaction a top priority, they will stay with you for a long time to come. Consider that you will be doing a lot more than your competition.  It’s a great feeling and it is made possible by your GPS Tracking device.

Where are your Company Work Vans Right Now? Find Out!

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/2rkjg)
You need to use every advantage that you can find to run your business lean and mean these days.  If not, you’ll find yourself stuck in a bind financially in a hurry.  Technology is a great place to look for ways to run an efficient operation and here are five of the best reasons to implement GPS Tracking to help you run lean while maximizing profits.

Employee Safety and Responsibility

Driver safety is of the utmost importance and once you have installed GPS Tracking devices into your fleet of vehicles it will send a message to them that you care about their safety.  But, with their position comes responsibility while they perform their job.  They are on the streets and roads for hours at a time.  The ability to ‘look over their shoulder’ with GPS Tracking helps them maintain a heightened sense of awareness to the task at hand and gives you an advantage not heretofore realized in being able to monitor their location, direction of travel and speed.

Compliance with Traffic Laws

Ever notice that when one is being followed by a police car they instantly turn into the best driver ever?  That is essentially the same thing that happens when GPS Tracking devices are on-board with your fleet drivers.  And, they know that adhering to traffic laws is mandatory, but unless there is a way to make sure they do, they won’t.  So, GPS Tracking does this job for them.  They become better drivers, you notice that there are fewer incidents with moving violations.

Better Route Management

Monitoring routes via remote mapping helps managers discover things about the routes that might be hampering the speed at which a driver can make his or her rounds.  One of the main things is traffic flow.  While fleet businesses are powerless in getting traffic signals changed, it might be worth a try to see if that can happen.  Making the point that is would be good for all traffic (including public transportation like buses) just might get traffic managers to lend assistance.  If this is not possible, then routes can be modified to make sure that it happens.

Accounting and Insurance Advantages

Information that goes into billing customers is crucial in the delivery business.  With GPS Tracking systems, reports can be generated to show the positive things that are done to help insure the best of service. Accurate billing systems in place keep your accounting costs lower as well!  Knowing your vehicles can be found if a theft occurs will give you a lower insurance rate.  Don't forget that it is not just the vehicles themselves that would be stolen, but also the valuable tools and equipment inside the vans need to be recovered!  Wouldn't you sleep better knowing that gps tracking was always "on the job?"

Provide Evidence of Activities

Has your firm ever been accused of not delivering on time?  Was your truck and driver where it was supposed to be?  Now you can provide that information in court-admissible form from your system.  Peace of mind?  Now you’re talking. Factual data speaks for you and tracking data has been proven in court many times.

To top this all off, customer service goes through the roof.  When clients realize the amount of time and effort that is expended in making their satisfaction a top priority, they will stay with you for a long time to come. Consider that you will be doing a lot more than your competition.  It’s a great feeling and it is made possible by your GPS Tracking device.

You Know My Methods, Watson.

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/PS3I4)
A good detective embraces new technologies and Sherlock Holmes would have used every tool conceivable to prevent and/or solve a crime. You can too with today's tool of choice - GPS tracking devices.

Now that things look like they might be in the early stages of improvement from a business standpoint, it is a good idea to assess how you are doing and if there are any other things you can do to protect your momentum. Theft not only robs you of assets that you need to run your business, but also that momentum that helps keep your outlook positive and your energy focused on the task at hand. Hard work pays off in the end, but you also could use some help from technology to maintain profitability. Since the early days of apprehending criminals via the style of Sherlock Holmes, we have reached a new level of hi-tech anti-theft solutions that are simple to use and maintain. Even Watson would embrace such a user-friendly technology. Here are some ideas to consider.

Secure and Prepare

Prepare for the worst and guard yourself against it. Using GPS Tracking devices help you not only locate your assets, but know where they are being used. When theft occurs, you feel cheated and it angers you. Someone has the audacity to steal something that you own and is using right now for themselves. That’s YOUR item – you paid good money for it. When you use GPS Tracking devices, you make it possible to track down that elusive item and find the perpetrators who did the stealing in the beginning. Let the police deal with them, paybacks through the criminal justice system have their own reward. Keep track of what you have now and keep your costs low. Recovery momentum will be maintained and your business will emerge a leader.

Squeeze Insurance Premiums

Many insurance companies will give you a break on your premiums if you can show that you are using a GPS Tracking device in your car. They like having their risk lowered by the actions of others. These lower costs will allow you to pay for the price of the unit and perhaps some locate fees when you need it most.  Knowing that you are protecting your assets gives you a better rating with the insurance company in general.  Think about combining that lower car insurance with your home insurance as well for added discounts. Position your expenses low. Keep your margins high. Fill that savings account and save for emergencies - both personal and professional. You will sleep better too!

Research, Compare and Purchase New Technology

Look to Rocky Mountain Tracking for assistance on which device to purchase.  There are both passive and active types of devices.  Really think about how the unit will be used now and in the future.  Can you use this tracking device for other uses?  Tracking an elderly parent?  Recording speeds of a new teen driving? You have the ability to locate assets when needed. The cost of these units is surprisingly low. Just a few hundred dollars separates you from the ability to secure your assets in the fight against theft.

In these economic times we need to keep track of things that are important to our families and our businesses. As the economy turns around businesses that can run with what they have now will be better positioned to recover faster than other businesses that need to purchase new equipment. This includes our vehicles, construction equipment, various lost assets - you name it.  We need to keep things close and under our watchful eye at all times. We no longer have our Sherlock Holmes and Assistant Watson on every street corner solving crimes. If you need assistance with "keeping an eye" on things - reach out to Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc.  We will introduce you to the world of gps tracking - your peace of mind solution for asset protection.  Don't worry - if lost - we will find it fast! Just get us involved to keep you in the game.

"The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes." - from The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.