C-TRACK
What can C-track tell me I don't already know?
We are not trying to tell you anything new - we simply increase the efficiency, speed and accuracy of your existing information gathering process to reduce the paperwork and help you make better-informed decisions, faster. A range of reports are available at your fingertips to enable you to corroborate time sheets, assess routing effectiveness, prove your team visited a particular place (should you need to) and check on individual driving behaviour.Why should I choose the C-track solution?
C-track is a server-based solution which offers multi-user capability and easy-to-use yet powerful functionality – C-track mapping for example zooms in not only to street level but to house number level. It’s a solution which allows you to set up a whole range of automatic alerting mechanisms so you don’t have to be glued to the screen all day – instead, C-track will simply tell you when things are not going to plan so you can operate “management by exception”. C-track is operating in fleets ranging in size from 2 vehicles to 20,000 vehicles, so the chances are it will work well for you, too.How much will it cost?
C-track is highly cost effective and competitively priced. Pricing will vary from one organisation to another depending on individual needs in terms of system configuration and numbers of users requiring access. However, it is generally true to say that a modest saving of 15mins of time per man per day, or a fuel reduction of a couple of litres per day will mean that the system begins to pay for itself from day one. A short meeting of about an hour is generally sufficient to enable us to give you a firm price quotation.Can I re-configure the system later?
Yes. The system is configurable by you the user, so you can change the configuration settings in the base station software which the system then downloads “over the air” to the units onboard your vehicles. This allows you to adapt the system as your business needs change.What do I need to run this system?
The C-track base station tracking, reporting and mapping software will be loaded onto your own PC which will need to operate Windows 98 and above. The system can also be networked for additional client PCs via LAN, WAN or dialup.Where does the unit go on my vehicles?
We usually fit the sealed hardware unit covertly behind the dashboard to avoid clutter and reduce the temptation to tamper, but it can be mounted anywhere as per the client’s requirement.How long does it take to install the hardware to my vehicles?
This depends on the specification of the system required, but in essence a standard “3 wire” installation (power, earth and ignition) typically takes around 90 minutes and can be done in any (ideally covered) location that is convenient for your drivers. We endeavour to prepare an installation schedule in a manner which causes minimum disruption to your business.What about “third party add-ons”?
The C-track “black box” acts as a “mobile communications gateway” allowing you to add, for example, load sensors, panic buttons, temperature sensors, driver ID keys, door sensors and so on. The case for adding extra sensors and functionality is clearly different for every individual organisation and we always assist clients to carefully think the likely cost-benefit case before committing to such additional investment.
SOFTWARE
Can I manipulate the data for reporting & planning system integration purposes?
Yes. The system provides a comprehensive suite of management reports which have been developed with the input of customers worldwide. Additionally, C-track supports ODBC to allow organisations with IT expertise to interact with the C-track database directly or pull the data across to a separate application for bespoke reporting purposes using a reporting tool of their choice. In the same way, ODBC also supports the development of interfaces to planning and other back office systems ( a whole range of third party planning systems have already been interfaced to). Organisations with less IT expertise still benefit from the simple ability to export C-track reports into Excel where further manipulation can take place.What do I need to run this system?
The C-track base station tracking, reporting and mapping software will be loaded onto your own PC which will need to operate Windows 98 and above. The system can also be networked for additional client PCs via LAN, WAN or dialup.
HARDWARE
Where does the unit go on my vehicles?
We usually fit the sealed hardware unit covertly behind the dashboard to avoid clutter and reduce the temptation to tamper, but it can be mounted anywhere as per the client’s requirement.How long does it take to install the hardware to my vehicles?
This depends on the specification of the system required, but in essence a standard “3 wire” installation (power, earth and ignition) typically takes around 90 minutes and can be done in any (ideally covered) location that is convenient for your drivers. We endeavour to prepare an installation schedule in a manner which causes minimum disruption to your business.Does the installation affect my warranty?
No, we use trained and recognised auto-electricians to install the units.What about “third party add-ons”?
The C-track “black box” acts as a “mobile communications gateway” allowing you to add, for example, load sensors, panic buttons, temperature sensors, driver ID keys, door sensors and so on. The case for adding extra sensors and functionality is clearly different for every individual organisation and we always assist clients to carefully think the likely cost-benefit case before committing to such additional investment.
JARGON
What is 'polling'?
A vehicle is 'polled' to find its exact 'real time' location. The fleet managers is able to click on a button on his computer screen, which sends a message to the specified vehicle, to which it responds by sending a data packet giving all the current information that is has being stored on the unit on the vehicle. The results are then displayed on the mapping and reporting software. When deployed using GPRS communications, C-track can be configured to update the base station at regular intervals for a fixed monthly communication cost. If the unit is configured to provide 5 minute 24x7 updating for example, the requirement to “poll” the vehicles in any case becomes largely unnecessary.
What is 'geofencing'?
C-track allows you to “draw” areas on the base station mapping screen which are then loaded down “over the air” as location co-ordinates to the unit in the vehicle. The base station s/w can then be configured to alert on-screen or by mobile phone (and if required against a time and day-of-the-week schedule) when such areas are entered or exited by the relevant vehicles. C-track supports 3 different types of geo-fence – waypoints, no go areas and preferred working areas.What does GPS mean?
GPS - Global Positioning System - a space-based radio navigation system comprising a series of satellites orbiting the earth and associated ground infrastructure. The units in the vehicles continually communicate with the GPS system and by a process of triangulation are able to work out the location of the vehicle which is then displayed on the base station mapping screens, generally to with 5-10 metres accuracy.What does GPRS mean?
GPRS - General Packet Radio Service. This is a high speed 'always on' data transfer link which is used to communicate captured vehicle location and status information from the vehicle back to the base station software. Because GPRS is charged out as a price per MB of data per month, GPRS can offer attractive cost savings to clients who have a requirement for higher frequencies of communications with their vehicles.What does SMS mean?
SMS - Short Message Service (a text message). The C-track can also communicate vehicle location and status information back to the base station via SMS. By the use of advanced encryption and compression techniques, the system allows users to specify up to 25 location/status events to be communicated back to the base station for the price of a single text message. C-track units can be configured to drop down into SMS mode when GPRS coverage is lost, resuming GPRS communication when coverage is resumed. SMS is also suitable for clients who require only a relatively low frequency of communication to and from the vehicle.What does GSM mean?
GSM - Global System for Mobile Communications. The current standard circuit-switched network used by mobile operators.