The Unseen Eyes Behind the Wheel: My GPS Tracking Experience

Have you ever caught or been caught cheating by a GPS tracker? This is an experience that involved not only myself but also my colleagues. I worked as a professional in the industry for several years, and at one point, I drove a company vehicle. The vehicle, a Chevy HHR sport, was used as a demo unit to showcase how it worked and looked inside. My role was typically to drive the vehicle to destinations, often out of state, and I frequently felt the need to push the limits of the posted speed limit of 80 mph, especially when driving uphill or passing slower traffic.

The Night of Overdrive

One evening, I did just that. Without hesitation, I went into overdrive, practically synchronized my arm and foot, and pushed the pedal to the metal. Only about 30 seconds later, my cell phone rang. It was my boss, informing me that the oil temperature was high and the flex capacitor was under pressure. Interestingly, he never mentioned that I was possibly going 120 mph, a clear indication that the GPS tracking system was monitoring my speed. This was one of the few times I was directly notified about my driving habits using a GPS tracking system.

24/7 Monitoring and Data Collection

I was monitored 24/7 by the networkfleet 3500 unit, which collected an extensive amount of data, including mileage, fuel consumption, and even on-board diagnostics. Most of the data was merely for backup in case of an accident, but the amount of information gathered is staggering. This system provided assurance that I did not get a ticket unless I was a problem driver who talked my way into one, as was the case with some of my colleagues pulled over.

Teaching and Onboarding New Customers

Although I was being monitored, my primary role involved data collection and teaching and onboarding new customers. I was very serious about putting the 'S' in SAAS (Software as a Service), knowing that if customers did not know how to use the system correctly, they would not use it, and if they did not use it, they would not renew their contracts. I ensured that all the intricacies and nuances, as well as necessary shortcuts, were clearly communicated to the customers.

Tracking Employee Vehicles

One of the primary uses of the GPS tracking system was to monitor employee vehicles. There were several instances where the tracking system was crucial, such as tracking vehicles used for personal driving after hours, driving infractions, or even in cases of vehicle theft. In one specific instance, a thief thought he could escape by disassembling the unit, but the system sent a signal to a vehicle next to where it was disassembled, proving to me that having a robust and precise system is valuable.

In conclusion, GPS tracking systems offer unparalleled visibility for vehicle usage, assisting not only in compliance but in teaching customers the value of proper vehicle use. The experience I had with a GPS tracking system was both an eye-opener and a learning curve, especially in understanding the importance of compliance and the need for training in technology usage.