Tracking Device Software
The end user rarely sees any mention of software / firmware being used on GPS Fleet Tracking (or asset management) equipment since it is usually proprietary and sold pre installed on the hardware rather than separately however without software GPS tracking hardware is essentially non functional (think computer without an operating system). The software enables the hardware to actually do something (e.g. communicate its GPS position to a server).
Typical software features include:
- Position reporting via the GSM GPRS data network.
- Ability to manually request vehicle tracking units current position by SMS text message.
- Option of position reporting when movement (above a certain specified threshold) is detected only to save on GPRS data costs.
- Adjusterval position reporting interval time - user adjustable such that a balance can be achieved between GPRS traffic (i.e. data cost) and position accuracy required.
- Geo-fence support i.e. ability for the user to set one or more virtual fences around an area (e.g. construction site) and for an SMS message to be sent if the vehicle exists out of that area.
- SIM Pin support such that if anyone were to remove the SIM card from the tracking device they would not be able to use it for calls and potentially run up a large bill.
- Ability configure software features - basic software may require editing of text based configuration software, whereas more advanced software may present the user with a graphic user interface to update settings.
Other slightly more advanced features include useful for those developing their own systems include:
- Support for simple easy to implement position reporting protocols such as sending data via HTTP GET / HTTP POST which can be supported by most servers, and which most developers even those with only a basic understanding can write software for.
- Ability to switch GSM band used by units for compatibility in different countries.
In the case of the EZ10-GPS vehicle tracking functionality is achieved via the use of custom Python software loaded onto the units via the serial port. This can either be developed in house (for information on programming the GM862-GPS module used inside the EZ10-GPS see GM862-GPS downloads) or alternativly purchased from a commercial supplier such as Parallel Track (see yellow advertisement on right hand panel for further details).