GPS Tracking ROI

V-Sol has been working closely with Eco-Power, The emission reduction specialists, tracking vehicle usage in tests to meet Euro 3 emissions standards for London Taxi’s.

The test procedure, which was managed by the EST, required 3 back to back emissions tests at a VCA approved emissions laboratory which had to pass a Euro 3 drive cycle test. The next part of the procedure was to carry out a 10,000 mile durability test. Previously this test had to be conducted over a 6 month period but in order to accelerate the procedure Eco-Power agreed with the PCO and EST to install a comprehensive real time tracking system.

V-SOL installed a state of the art tracking system on the taxi which was closely monitored by the EST and PCO. The system allowed real time online monitoring by giving password protected access to the relevant officials who were able to establish the exact movements of the taxi and therefore confirm that it was covering the 10,000 miles in a normal London Taxi drive cycle in and around London (and not doing laps around the M25 just to cover the miles!) full article on making the world greener with GPS Tracking here.

A couple days ago bloggers all over the world participated in Blog Action Day, a day for everyone to talk about helping the environment. I have to confess I was working other issues and didn’t get around to it … but better late than never. There were many interesting posts and ideas, one that I particularly liked was from my friend John Chow (GM, who built a very credible electric car the EV-1, which they essentially killed with their own horrible marketing) is now taking orders for a much advanced electric car, one which can extend it’s range indefinitely with gasoline. Let’s see how they manage to screw this one up).

Anyway, here’s some “green thoughts” from me … I’ve written pretty much continuously on the green aspects of GPS, which essentially come from:

• Speed Management: Decreasing peak speeds and average speed increases safety and saves gas.
• Distance Management: I’ve shown here before how even on short mileage days you can save 20%+
• Time(Labor) Management: You may easily save on employees. An employee is costly to the environment just by breathing

OK, I hear you, but I’m not buying GPS tracking … what other ways can I save? Easy:

• Slow Down: It will save you a lot in a year and even improve your health (less stress).
• Use Public Transport: I know, in North America we seem to think of public transpo as something people are banished to … but it saves, big time … and just because you prefer a car doesn’t mean you should use it.
• WALK: (especially up and down stairs … you think elevators and escalator’s don’t consume?) Waistline an cardio benefits guaranteed as well.

As always, I welcome comments, constructive criticisms, disagreements, questions or just plain talk. You can leave a comment to this article or email me direct at: davestarr (at) gmail (dot) com or call me on 1-719-423-8872. I’m usually on Yahoo messenger (davestarr) and will be happy to chat there. If you liked this article, please subscribe to my RSS feed so you get all my news and views.