This is a quick update to our previous post detailing the New York court decision to allow limited, but warrantless GPS tracking of government employees. In a dissenting opinion, the controversial decision has been called a “dangerous precedent”. The decision was made as a result of Cunningham vs. the New York Department of Labor, where a government employee was tracked on his off time for the purpose of investigation whether or not he was honestly reporting his time spent on the job. Government actions (employee GPS tracking) in this case were deemed unreasonable by the court.
Yesterday, the New York Daily News reported that New York’s top court has decided in favor of limited GPS tracking government employees. But the decision to allow some use of tracking devices, related to a 2008 misconduct case against a Labor Department official, didn’t come without clarification of what the court considers to be overstepping employee privacy. Drawing a fine line between acceptable and excessive, the court ruled that while the government can utilize vehicle tracking during hours they claim to be working, after hours and vacation time are off limits. With the court citing that employees have a “reasonable expectation” of privacy, and that government employers should exhaust other options before resorting to GPS tracking, the decision is considered significant in it’s challenge to the government’s previous stance that around-the-clock GPS tracking was acceptable. Tell us what you think about this decision!
Visit TrackingTheWorld.Com for tracking devices and GPS tracking software.
Debate Continues on GPS Tracking for Dementia Patients
We have blogged on multiple occasions about the increasing use of GPS tracking for dementia patients, and it looks like this is a conversation that will continue for some time. According to Medical News Today, a recent report in the British Medical Journal has generated attention on the degree of usefulness for GPS tracking devices and protecting the safety of dementia patients. While some experts recognize that, due to GPS trackers, authorities are able to much more quickly locate a wandering individual, which greatly reduces the risk of harm or death, others are concerned that tracking devices for dementia are merely a “quick fix” for stressed caregivers. Send us your thoughts.
GPS Stolen for Serious Pizza Craving
When you want pizza, well, you really want pizza. According to My Suburban Life, such was the case for a Carol Stream, Illinois man who allegedly stole a GPS tracking device in order to find the nearest pizza restaurant. Now the man is charged with three counts of trespassing and one count of possession of stolen property. We can understand the craving for a delicious pie, but surely there was a better way to go about this one. And, we can’t help but wonder, did he get his pizza?
If you’ve ever been interested in starting your own GPS tracking business, you’ve probably wondered if you should market tracking devices to any and all consumers, or specialize in a specific market. While many GPS dealers successfully launch businesses with no particular tracking market in mind, there are also successful and growing niche market options. And, one of the most profitable and growing markets within the GPS tracking industry is covert tracking.
Here are a few tips for getting started with a covert GPS tracking business:
Know your Customers
As with any growing business, it is important to understand who is interested in your products and why. For covert GPS tracking, you will likely find that law enforcement departments, government entities, military operations and private detectives comprise most of your customer list. Since covert tracking usually involves vehicle tracking GPS trackers are widely used to save human resources by reducing the need for 24-7 human surveillance.
GPS Tracking Software for Covert Tracking
As one of the most important features of any covert tracking operation, the quality and capabilities of the GPS tracking software used absolutely must meet the needs of the operation. For covert tracking needs, features such as detailed mapping options, geo-fencing, and automated emergency alert settings are essential.
Covert Tracking Hardware
GPS trackers used for covert operations must be equipped to meet the physical rigors of the task at hand. For covert tracking needs, GPS trackers that are weather-resistant, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, and durable enough to tolerate continuous use are important. Another deciding factor is the availability of an extended life battery pack to increase tracking time between charges, and other accessories.
For More Information
TrackingTheWorld exclusively specializes in GPS tracking devices and hardware. If you’re interested in launching your own GPS tracking business in the market of covert GPS tracking or another area, please contact us today at 650-692-8100.
No More Lost Luggage?
Did you know that an average of 4 pieces of luggage are lost on every Boeing 747 flight? That’s a lot of suitcases and it adds up to billions of dollars every year. The Daily Mail Reports that Airbus has developed new smart luggage which includes a built-in satellite GPS tracker and a barcode display to both locate the luggage if lost, and identify the owners. The system works with a smart phone app, which involves passengers sending their flight information to the airline, and the airline responding with a unique bar code for every piece of luggage–which then shows on the bar code display.
Cemetery Robber Caught on Video
After visitors began complaining to a Sandusky, Ohio cemetery about items such as flowers, vases, and plants missing from graves, the Sandusky Police set a trap for the thieves by placing a GPS tracking device in a potted tree. After about a week of surveillance, the thief was spotted on video stealing the tree. Using the tracker and GPS tracking software, police were led to a home where multiple items such as urns, vases, and plants were found.
Here Kitty, Kitty
Ever wonder what your cat is up to when you’re away? The BBC recently requested a study using GPS tracking collars and cameras to track the movements of 50 cats. Results from the one week project showed that cats can be pretty sneaky, including one cat who entered his neighbor’s home through the cat door to steal cat food.
In the US alone, ground transportation represents a multi-billion dollar industry largely responsible for connecting consumers with the food, clothing, and goods Americans use every day. In an industry where efficiency can mean the difference between success and failure, transportation providers depend on GPS tracking systems for effective fleet management. Below, we’ve outlined some of the ways tracking devices and GPS tracking software help transportation providers remain on the move.
Safety First
Perhaps one of the most costly components of the transportation industry, accidents and increasing insurance costs can take a big bite out of profits for any provider. Fleet management with GPS tracking software allows dispatchers to monitor drivers for exhaustion and excessive speed. In addition to protecting drivers, GPS trackers help transportation providers minimize accidents and, as a result, unnecessary insurance claims.
Customer Satisfaction
In a digital world, customers expect on-demand updates in just about every area of their lives from work to play. With GPS tracking software, transportation providers are able to provide to- the-minute updates for their customers, including estimated arrival times, possible delays, and more.
Fuel Savings
For a transportation providers, rising fuel costs represent a serious threat to profitability, and minimizing fuel consumption is paramount to success. Tracking devices, and GPS tracking software give transportation providers the edge they need to get ahead of fuel costs, including monitoring driving habits and idle time, and establishing more efficient routes of travel.
Here are our favorite GPS tracking news stories for Friday, June 7, 2013:
GPS Inventor Says Self-Driving Cars to Come
Brad Parkinson, former United States Air Force colonel credited with the invention of GPS, says that the future of GPS tracking technology is self-driving cars. Due to the advancement of GPS tracking technology, Parkinson said self driving cars could be just a few years away–especially since companies like Google are already testing them. Parkinson is now a professor at Stanford.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/07/tech/self-driving-cars-inventor-gps/
GPS Technology for Tsunami Warning Systems
The BBC recently reported that GPS tracking technology may soon be used to increase early warning time in the event of tsunamis caused by earthquakes. According to the report, GPS will be used to measure even the slightest changes in the geography of the coastlines in countries most likely to be affected by tsunamis to provide faster warnings than current tsunami warning systems which use seismic activity data.
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22572096
NASA Working On GPS for Navigating Space
Popular Science reports that NASA is developing an “intergalactic” GPS system aimed at facilitating space travel anywhere in the universe. Navigation for space travel currently relies on radio signals sent from Earth, but those signals weaken with distance. The GPS project is designed to rely on light beams produced by neutron stars known as pulsars which spin rapidly and emit steady beams of light.
Source: http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-06/nasa-working-intergalactic-gps
Unmanaged loss prevention can take a big bite out of your business profits. One of the most effective tools business owners are using today to prevent loss and deter thieves is GPS tracking systems. Along with GPS tracking software, these devices can help you get a grasp on the profits you could be missing out on.
Prevent Theft with a GPS Tracking System
GPS tracking systems provide a powerful deterrent for both theft and the misuse of company assets and time. When staff members are aware of GPS trackers deployed on your vehicles or heavy equipment it greatly reduces temptation. For example, an employee who knows that his routes of travel are being tracked is far less likely to use a company vehicle for personal travel.
Recover Stolen Assets
If you happen to be the victim of theft, GPS tracking devices installed on your corporate assets can assist authorities in recovering the stolen asset and avoiding a loss. With GPS tracking software, the location of the stolen item will be pinpointed, allowing authorities to reach it faster, and reducing the likelihood of damage.
Manage Payroll Costs
Payroll can be one of the most daunting costs for any business. If your business needs to trim the fat from overtime or other hourly wages, a GPS tracker and GPS tracking software may be just the tool you need. For example, staff members who are aware that there time and movements are tracked using GPS tracking software, are less likely to claim time that wasn’t actually worked. Plus, GPS tracking systems can reduce your overall payroll costs by helping you find more efficient ways of doing business, such as using less fuel, correcting inefficiencies in routes of travel and dispatching.
In a world where cutting business costs is necessary to remain afloat, the last thing any business needs is lost profits through inflated payroll costs, or the theft or misuse of company assets. Consider GPS tracking for business to manage loss prevention.
EnduroPro : All-Weather GPS Tracker
In addition to providing helpful information for business operations, GPS tracking systems are also used for personal safety. Here, we’ve outlined some of the best safety features today’s GPS trackers have to offer.
The Panic Button
Perhaps the most important feature of a GPS tracker for personal safety is the panic button. With the press of a single button, a GPS user in an emergency situation can immediately alert others. The panic button feature on most GPS tracking systems activates a rapid fire sequence of location alerts, followed by automated cell phone alerts via GPS tracking software.
Voice Capabilities
The ability to communicate with another human being in the event of an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. If you’re selecting a GPS tracking system for personal safety, TrackingTheWorld recommends a tracking device with two-way voice capabilities.
Extreme Weather Durability
For personal safety, a GPS tracker with all-weather durability is important, particularly if you are an outdoor enthusiast. In situations such as mountain biking or snow skiing, your safety may depend on the ability of your GPS tracker to reliably function in less than desirable temperatures. Be sure to ask a GPS dealer for specifics.
Long Battery Life
Another of the most important safety features for GPS trackers is the ability of the tracker to operate for as long a period as possible without a charge. Depending on locate update intervals (how often you want the tracker to report your location), today’s GPS trackers can go as long as a month or more between charges. With this capability, or something similar, you can rest assured your GPS tracking system will function even if you forget to charge it once in a while.
While almost everyone has heard of GPS tracking systems, some may be wondering how the units are actually used. Ranging from wilderness hiking to improved customer service, here are five of the most popular ways people are using GPS tracking systems today.
Outdoor Sports
GPS tracking devices are often utilized as an added measure of security for enjoying outdoor sports. Not only do the units allow family members to track excursions using GPS tracking software, they also provide invaluable location information in case of an emergency situation. Some GPS tracking devices feature panic buttons which activate a rapid series of location updates and automatically alert specified cell phone numbers.
Improved Customer Service
Ask anyone in the service industry, and they’ll tell you that today’s digital age consumers expect instant and reliable access to the information they want. From real time tracking of shipments and deliveries, to knowing if public transportation is running late, GPS tracking allows management to deliver in-demand information on a silver platter.
Teenager Tracking
Oh, the parental worries that seem to arrive hand-in-hand with every child’s teenage years! Any teen driving a car, dating, and having the freedom to come and go is enough to make any reasonable parent nervous. As a result, parents are now using tracking devices and GPS tracking software to monitor teens’ driving habits, including speed and idle time.
Asset Protection
Construction contractors, business owners and individuals use GPS tracking to protect valuable assets such as heavy equipment, tractors, lawn mowers, vehicles and central air conditioning units. In addition to allowing for speedy recovery of stolen items, GPS tracking may also qualify users for an insurance discount depending on the provider.
Employee Tracking
One of the most painful and hidden costs of doing business is waste caused by unscrupulous employees. Administrators are now using GPS trackers and software to determine if employees are effectively managing their time, obeying the rules of the road, or abusing the use of company vehicles. GPS tracking software quickly provides the answers employers need to operate their businesses as efficiently as possible.
From tracking teenage drivers to identifying sources of financial waste in business, the use of GPS trackers has increased exponentially over the last decade. And, as technology continues to advance, we can only expect that GPS tracking will be used in an ever-increasing number of ways. How could you use GPS in your business or home life?
