Category Archives: Vehiclepath GPS Fleet Tracking vs. LoJack

From Airport to Carport, GPS Tracks Down Stolen Assets

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If you’re reading this on a laptop computer in an airport, watch out. Don’t let it become a statistic. Computer maker Dell found that about 12,000 laptops are reported lost or stolen annually in U.S. airports. And keep an eye on your BlackBerry, too. Like your laptop, it’s full of private and corporate data you don’t want a thief to get ahold of.

Wait a minute. Maybe you’re reading this on a stolen laptop at the airport. Well, get ready to rumble, pal, because you’re about to be busted by GPS fleet tracking-style technology. You will, that is, if the computer is loaded with new software that barks out, “Help, this laptop is reported lost or stolen” from the speaker if you don’t enter the right password. Then the message “Stolen laptop” appears on the screen every 30 seconds, along with the owner’s contact information (might not be the best idea unless you want the thief to track you down).

For its final act, the software automatically connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi, so the owner can track the laptop’s location in real time on a website. It doesn’t use GPS fleet tracking yet, but some big names in communications plan to offer it in similar products later this year.

As for the BlackBerry, you can embed it with a chip that not only tracks the phone’s location via GPS, but on command can also start deleting data so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

All of the above sounds like great ideas for tracking your employees’ mobile PCs and phones. But if you need to keep track of the company vehicles they drive, we’ve got a solution that’s better than LoJack: It’s called GPS fleet tracking. All you need is a web-connected computer to view their vehicles’ locations in real time or see where they’ve been as a “breadcrumb trail.”

But wait, there’s more! You’ll be able to monitor drivers’ speeds to help enforce company policies, see if a driver ventures out of any preset geographic boundaries, and receive text or email alerts if a driver exceeds company-mandated engine-idle times.

And if a vehicle should be stolen, you’ll be able to find its current or last-known location so you can start the recovery process. As for the laptop and cell phone inside, tell your drivers to keep them well-hidden…or consider the options mentioned above.

Oh, and if you’re still reading this on a stolen laptop, you better look over you shoulder.

Vehiclepath GPS tracking vs. LoJack vehicle recovery

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Let’s compare three distinct differences between Vehiclepath GPS tracking and LoJack’s vehicle recovery system.

Fact 1: Vehiclepath GPS tracking uses GPS satellites and cell phone service that blanket the country. LoJack uses FM radio waves, which have a limited coverage area, to recover vehicles.

One Vehiclepath owner’s opinion: “I’ve heard radio waves go places cellular signals can’t, but what happens if someone steals my car and drives it to a city or state that LoJack doesn’t have FM coverage in? I mean, I know how often FM reception cuts out in my car radio. I don’t want my tracking device inoperable that often!”

Fact 2: Vehiclepath GPS tracking systems come with user friendly software that allow customers to view all of their vehicles, 24/7, in real time. LoJack’s vehicle recovery system is linked to police software in some states, plus customers do not have direct access to locating software if their vehicle is stolen.

One Vehiclepath owner’s opinion: “First things first, LoJack’s own website claims: ‘Law enforcement authorities who are equipped with LoJack Police Tracking Computers are listening for a LoJack signal.’ That doesn’t put my mind at ease. That and the fact that if my stolen vehicle is driven into a state with no coverage, it’s gone for good. I want control. I want to know exactly where all of my vehicles are, all of the time. Vehiclepath GPS tracking gives me that.”

Fact 3: Vehiclepath GPS tracking units can be easily and quickly installed by customers or professional installers. LoJack units must be installed by a professional and vehicle owners are not allowed to see where their units are being installed.

One Vehiclepath owner’s opinion: “What country do we live in? Why can’t I install my own units (to save time and hundreds of dollars on the install) or, in the least, see where they are being installed? Some install guy knows where my tracking units are, but not me? This just seems a little bizarre. Am I missing something?”

Which vehicle recovery system would you rather invest in? Why?

Please jot your opinion(s) below.