Essential Features of an Effective GPS Tracker
Features You Need To Look For In A Reliable GPS Tracker
Whether you’re managing a fleet, protecting a high-value asset, or monitoring loved ones, finding the right GPS tracker is crucial.
While GPS trackers may seem straightforward at first glance, the variety of features they offer can make choosing the best one a daunting task.
This article highlights the essential features of a reliable GPS tracker and explains how these can meet diverse needs across personal and business applications.
1) Real-Time Tracking
Real-time tracking is the cornerstone of a dependable GPS tracker. Unlike passive tracking systems that store location data for later retrieval, real-time trackers provide continuous updates on your vehicle or asset’s whereabouts.
Key factors to consider in real-time tracking include:
- Location Update Intervals: Short update intervals (e.g., every 2 minutes) are ideal for precise monitoring but may reduce battery life. Trackers with adjustable intervals offer a balance between accuracy and longevity.
- Multiple Satellite Systems: Devices that leverage multiple satellite constellations provide enhanced accuracy and reliability by minimising downtime.
- Ease of Use: While premium models come with extensive features, they may be overwhelming. A simple tracker with essential capabilities can be a practical starting point.
2) Geofencing Alerts
Geofencing allows users to set virtual boundaries and receive alerts when these are crossed. This feature is invaluable for both personal and business use.
Applications of Geofencing:
- Fleet Management: Monitor if vehicles leave assigned routes or designated areas.
- Personal Safety: Receive notifications if a child or elderly relative crosses a predefined boundary, such as leaving school or a care facility.
- Theft Prevention: Set boundaries around your parked vehicle to be alerted if it’s moved unexpectedly.
A reliable tracker ensures instant notifications via multiple channels (e.g., SMS, mobile apps) for a timely response.
3) Driver and Vehicle Safety Features
Modern GPS trackers go beyond location monitoring by enhancing driver and vehicle safety.
Key Safety Features:
- Speed Monitoring: Alerts for excessive speed help promote safer driving habits.
- Harsh Braking Detection: Identify risky driving behaviours to reduce accidents.
- Unauthorised Usage Alerts: Receive notifications if the vehicle operates outside authorised hours or by unauthorised drivers.
These features are particularly beneficial for fleet operators aiming to improve efficiency and ensure driver accountability.
4) Subscription and Cost Considerations
While many GPS trackers require ongoing cellular data subscriptions, there are alternative options available to help reduce costs.
Cost-Saving Options:
- WiFi-Enabled Trackers: These devices use WiFi for data transmission instead of cellular networks, eliminating the need for monthly subscription fees.
- Flexible Plans: Some trackers offer tiered subscription options based on usage, allowing you to choose a plan that fits your specific needs and budget.
- Low-Cost Plans: Opting to use a tracker with simple features will generally ensure that the subscription they provide is cost-effective & reasonable.
When selecting a GPS tracker, it’s essential to weigh the upfront cost against the long-term operating expenses to ensure you make a cost-effective choice that aligns with your tracking requirements.
5) Durability and Power Options
GPS trackers must withstand various environmental and usage conditions, making durability and power options critical considerations.
Key Features for Durability:
- Weatherproofing: Waterproof and rugged designs are essential for outdoor or heavy-duty applications, such as tracking equipment on construction sites.
- Magnetic Cases: Enable secure attachment to vehicles or assets without permanent installation.
Power Options:
- Battery-Powered Trackers: Suitable for portable applications like tracking tools or personal items. Look for devices with long-lasting batteries, such as the Solid GPS tracker, which balances frequent updates with extended battery life.
- Hardwired Trackers: Ideal for vehicles, offering uninterrupted power and continuous operation without the need for recharging.
6) Customisation in Alerts and Reporting
Advanced trackers allow users to tailor alerts and reports to their specific needs.
Customisable Features:
- Alerts: Set notifications for low battery, geofence breaches, or maintenance reminders.
- Reports: Detailed analytics help businesses track fuel usage, driver behaviour, and overall fleet efficiency.
These features enable proactive decision-making and improved resource management, particularly for fleet operators.
7) Ease of Installation and Use
The complexity of installation can be a significant barrier, especially for users without technical expertise.
To address this, many GPS trackers are designed for quick and simple setup, making them accessible to a wider audience.
Examples of Easy Installation Options:
- Plug-and-Play Devices: These trackers connect directly to a vehicle’s diagnostic port such as the OBD-II, enabling users to start tracking without the need for additional tools or complicated installation procedures.
- Magnetic/Velcro/Zip Ties Attachments: Battery-powered trackers equipped with strong magnetic bases, velcro or zip ties offer a flexible solution for temporary or portable use, allowing easy attachment to vehicles or other assets.
Such user-friendly designs ensure that GPS trackers can be deployed quickly and effectively, even by non-technical users.
8) Diverse Use Cases
While GPS trackers are commonly associated with vehicles, their applications extend far beyond.
Additional Use Cases:
- Children and Elderly: Compact trackers with wearable options ensure the safety of vulnerable family members by allowing real-time location monitoring.
- Pets: Attach small GPS devices to collars to locate wandering pets quickly.
- Tools and Equipment: Track high-value items, such as power tools or machinery, with durable and portable trackers designed for challenging environments.
Selecting a tracker tailored to the specific use case ensures optimal performance and peace of mind.
9) Global and Multi-Platform Coverage
For users who travel internationally or operate across regions, global compatibility and multi-platform access are essential.
Features for Broader Coverage:
- Global Connectivity: Trackers that use cellular, WiFi, and Bluetooth technologies offer seamless coverage worldwide, making them suitable for international travellers or businesses with cross-border operations.
- Multi-Platform Monitoring: Accessing tracking data on mobile apps, web platforms, and tablets ensures you stay informed, regardless of the device you’re using.
Global compatibility eliminates the worry of losing coverage in remote or unfamiliar locations.
Conclusion
A reliable GPS tracker is more than just a location-monitoring tool—it’s an investment in safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.
From real-time tracking and geofencing alerts to customisable reporting and multi-platform compatibility, the right GPS tracker adapts to your unique needs, whether for personal use or business operations.
Before making your purchase, it’s essential to assess your priorities, such as battery life, installation ease, and subscription costs, to ensure you find the perfect fit.
Still have questions about choosing the ideal GPS tracker, view our FAQ below for more answers to common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Solid GPS Tracker
- SIM Card
- Unlimited SIM Card Data Plan
- Solid GPS Sticker
- Charging Cord
- Instruction Manual
- 31-Day Free Trial
- 12-Month Warranty
All you need to do is download the Solid GPS app from the Google Play Store (Android 4.4+) or the App Store (iOS 13+).
You can also track your vehicle on any device connected to our website, from your tablet to your computer.
Yes, you can cancel your subscription during your 31-day free tracking period, and you won’t be charged anything.
You can easily cancel your subscription in your account settings or by contacting us via email or phone.
We guarantee that Solid GPS works in Australia and New Zealand, and we also support payments in each currency.
Yes, you can. All you need to do is connect your Solid GPS tracker to your vehicle through a standard USB port.
The battery in your tracker is rechargeable, so there’s no need to replace it.
You’ll also receive reminders to your phone and email when your tracker’s battery is low, at 30%.
Since the tracker is recharged infrequently (every 3, 6, or 12 months), it will last longer than most electronic devices, with the battery beginning to deteriorate after 500 recharges.
Your tracker is designed to be tucked away inside your vehicle, hidden, and away from any harsh elements.
However, if you’re concerned that it might come in contact with dust or water, we suggest putting it in a sealed container or a ziploc bag to give it some extra protection.
Yes, and it’s super easy to keep track of all your trackers – you can add as many as you want to your account.
To make sure each one is easy to identify, you can give each of them a unique name and colour.
This can be done quickly by heading over to the account settings section on the Solid GPS app or website.
The tracker does not make any noise and it ONLY emits light while being recharged.
Your Solid GPS tracking device uses the full Telstra & Vodafone network in Australia and Spark & Vodafone network in New Zealand, whichever has the strongest signal at that point in time.
If your tracker enters an area with no mobile coverage, don’t worry! It will save the locations your vehicle travels to and will upload where it went when your vehicle is back in an area with coverage.
The subscription covers the cost of the SIM card inside your tracker and the data it uses.
Instead of negotiating with telcos and finding the best SIM card and plan prices, we organise your SIM card for you, all for a flat competitive rate.
We’re able to achieve such a low-cost subscription because we have tens of thousands of SIM cards in our system, unlocking bulk discounts for you!
The subscription also covers the cost of the Solid GPS app, local customer support, & so much more.
We also don’t plan on and have never increased the price of our subscription.
As your vehicle moves, your tracker will update its location every 2 minutes and gradually increase the time between updates to every 10 minutes.
You can also turn on ‘Emergency Mode’ to lock the tracking intervals to every 2 minutes.
Additionally, you can set geofences/boundaries to receive alerts if your vehicle begins to move.
To see what the dashboard/app looks like, please create an account at solidgps.com/registration/, and you’ll be taken to our demo dashboard.
Yes, multiple people can download the same app and log in to the same account to view the same tracker.
You can also securely share your tracker with friends or family through our sharing feature.
For example, if you’re going on a trip, share your private tracking link with others, and they can see where you are without being able to change any settings. You can cancel this link at any time too.
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