Active & Passive Fleet Tracking – Differences, Advantages & Disadvantages

Active & Passive Fleet Tracking – Differences, Advantages, and Disadvantages

When it comes to GPS vehicle tracking solutions, there are two basic types: active tracking and passive tracking. When you are choosing between the two, it is important that you understand the differences between them, and select the best tracking solution that suits your business operations. In this post, we will highlight the differences between active & passive fleet tracking as well as talk about their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Differences Between Active and Passive Tracking

While both active & passive fleet tracking systems utilize the same basic GPS technology, the primary difference lies in their method of data processing and transmission.

Active tracking systems use a wireless network to transfer real-time information and provides you with the real-time location of any vehicle in the fleet. On the other hand, passive tracking systems require the installation of a tracking device to the vehicle. This device stores tracking data, which can be retrieved once the vehicle returns from a trip.

Both active and passive fleet tracking systems process data at an equal speed, but in passive tracking systems, the data is stored in the data logger instead of being transmitted over the Internet in real time.

Active & Passive Tracking ImgPros and Cons of Active & Passive Fleet Tracking

Both active and passive tracking systems have certain advantages and disadvantages, which make them either suitable or unsuitable for a particular business type. You should first understand these pros and cons, and then select a fleet tracking system that can help meet your business objectives.

Active Tracking System

The availability of real-time tracking data is the biggest advantage found in active tracking systems. Btracking fleet tracking solutions can provide you with up-to-date information about the current locations of your fleet. This information is extremely valuable and can help you tackle traffic congestion and manage customer complaints immediately. Also, active tracking data can be easily accessed through any smart device (such as smartphone or tablet) connected to a wireless network, allowing fleet managers to manage the fleet on the go.

On the other hand, disadvantages of active tracking systems include monthly subscription fees and wireless network data charges. However, it is clear that the pros outweigh the cons in this case, the cost can be justified with the real-time tracking capabilities that your business can gain.

Passive Tracking System ImgPassive Tracking System

While passive tracking systems may seem like an outdated fleet tracking solution, they are suitable for businesses that have a small budget. These systems involve a one-time cost only.

But the biggest shortcoming is that with passive tracking systems, you can only get post-trip tracking data, therefore you cannot respond to situations instantly. Also, the passive tracking device usually has limited storage space, and data must be downloaded at regular intervals to prevent data overwriting.

All in all, to make the best choice between active and passive tracking system, you need to consider your unique business needs. Today, many things in our society are influenced by instant gratification, and that’s why Btracking fleet tracking experts suggest active tracking solutions. To know more about the Btracking Fleet Management System, please call at 1-866-233-0953.