Car tracking technology has evolved tremendously since the introduction of the global positioning system. There are plenty of devices that now rely on GPS technology. Some of them are common gadgets that you use in your day-to-day life such as mobile phones. Others include vehicle GPS that most people use to locate various destinations.
Automatic vehicle location systems (AVL) are now invaluable in fleet management. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about them.
What is an automatic vehicle locator?
The automatic vehicle locator is a state of the art system that relies on the cellular network, GPS technology, and street-level mapping to show the location of a vehicle in real-time. The AVL system comes with an intuitive and user-friendly interface that delivers immense value in fleet management.
When using AVL, you can get a lot of data on the whereabouts of your vehicles. These details include ground speed, course of direction, latitude, and the longitude of your vehicle. You will always know the location of a vehicle at all times. If need be, you can rely on this system to re-route it.
AVL technology helps companies to make their deliveries more efficient. Transport firms can structure the route of their vehicles more effectively.
How do AVL systems work?
AVL systems consist of a GPS antenna, GPS modem, GPS receiver, and a mobile radio receiver. The vehicle network in question has to be equipped with all of these gadgets. All that’s needed is a computer station, an interface, and a GPS receiver. For efficiency purposes, the system relies on interactive maps. Users can zoom, identify, pan, and so on.
To break this down further, the AVL relies on two features. That is the GPS installed in the vehicle and software. The software displays a map that shows the location of the vehicle in real-time. The AVL is quite accurate. It may not be very precise, but it’s pretty effective within 30 ft. of the vehicle in question.
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What does AVL bring on board?
Managing a fleet is not an easy job. It is not always about the vehicles, but also the personnel involved. With an AVL system in place, it becomes easy to make your team accountable as well as boost efficiency.
For dispatchers, the AVL technology is heaven-sent. After dispatching the vehicles, they can tell whether drivers are diverting or adhering to the specified routes. The best part is that they don’t have to call the drivers. All of this information is available on-screen. Additionally, they can provide reliable and accurate arrival information to their customers at all times.
What’s more is that dispatchers can communicate directly with other stakeholders such as safety agencies, fire department, the police department, and their drivers. Moreover, they can dispatch emergency vehicles when the need arises in the shortest time possible. It is what every fleet company needs to respond to disruptions effectively. In bus tracking, it also comes in handy. A bus company can display the location of a particular bus at the terminals. This allows travelers to plan better. Such information is also important for those waiting for their loved ones. They are constantly updated on the arrival time.
When it comes it comes to tracking deliveries, fleet companies with an AVL company can update the recipients. In case of any development that leads to delays, it becomes easy to inform the recipients. Sometimes there are incidents on the road that cause traffic. In such circumstances, the AVL systems enable the dispatcher to reroute delivery vehicles accordingly.
What is the Cost of the AVL?
When this technology was first rolled out, it was somewhat expensive, especially to small enterprises. However, it is now quite affordable. What’s more is that, the trajectory shows that the cost will keep decreasing. Besides that, if you look at its functions, the value for money is undeniable.
The technological advancements in tracking continue to contribute to efficiency in matters of management. Gone are the days when transport company managers used to call their drivers regularly to find out their location. With the AVL system, operations are not only easier but also cheaper.