Product FAQ

How does the FMS Solution Work?

FMS combines the powerful technologies of GPS (Global Positioning System), two-way wireless communications (via Low Earth Orbit Satellite Technology), an on-board processing and communications unit and an easy-to-use, hosted web application that presents mapping and vehicle telematics data to the end user.

FMS customers track vehicles day or night via the FMS web application called Fleet Central. Customers can locate vehicles and monitor speed and direction. Web browsers provide access to all Fleet Central capabilities and no software is loaded on the local PC.

The FMS client may be notified of excessive speeds, boundary crossings, or other configurable features that provide email, text or phone alerts when configured in Fleet Central to do so.

Numerous exportable and print-ready reports, including vehicle event logs, engine hours, idle time, speeding and stop reports provide the information to operate fleets with more efficiency and safety.

Benefits include improved customer service, increased productivity, enhanced driver safety and asset protection.

Is the FMS solution appropriate for both small and large fleets?

Yes, but the choice should be made based on the business requirements. FMS products are most valuable where fleets are operating in remote or rugged terrain and where reliable cellular communications is not available. Also, if real-time location information is critical, then FMS products using Satellite data transmission may be essential, regardless of the size of the fleet.

Typical applications are found in Government and Military operations where security is paramount. Also, any industries operating in harsh environments such as the northern most extreme locations on the globe including Canada and Alaska as well as in the desert and rain forest locations.

What hardware and/or software do I need to operate my FMS solution?

The hardware consists of a small FMS module installed in each mobile or fixed asset you want to monitor. Negligible power, drawn from the vehicle's own electrical system, is used. The FMS module includes an integrated GPS receiver plus a wireless satellite radio both of which are connected to a single integrated antenna.

Software is a secure suite of web pages accessible to authorized customers only, available on any PC running Microsoft Internet Explorer. No other hardware or software is required. Clients purchase or lease the hardware units and pay a monthly satellite communication subscription fee to FMS for each installed unit.

What type of reports can I get?

FMS reports allow you to archive vehicle position and history (path) information from maps.

Reports also offer great flexibility in "slicing up" and presenting vehicle history. You can report on activity from any part of the last 6 months with 12 additional months of archive, for any tracked assets. Reports can be exhaustive (such as Asset Event Logs), or can be customized to include only certain types of stops, events, or locations.

For example: One report might include details on all stops by one vehicle within a two-week period last month. Another report might list stops by all your vehicles at one customer location last week.

All reports can be printed as well as viewed online. You can also download report data in file form for further analysis or distribution.

Is the FMS Fleet Central application really private?

Yes. Only authorized customers with correct user names and passwords can view asset information and only for their fleet or sub-fleet. A designated FMS Administrator in your company controls user lists and security. Only the client Administrator is able to authorize or delete users from their implementation.

Is the FMS solution data secure?

The FMS Network Operations Center is located in a secure, environmentally controlled data center, manned and operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and is continuously monitored by skilled technicians. From this operations center, FMS remotely performs equipment and operations surveillance. The facility including biometric sensors, CCTV, battery and generator backup, 2-OC48, GigE, FastE, and VESDA technologies. The facility includes dry piping fire suppression, cold spare servers, and four hour on-site parts replacement.

Technology FAQ

How Does GPS Work?

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. The GPS receiver is provided by FMS and uses a small antenna that receives signals from a constellation of GPS satellites. Using the timing of signal reception from multiple satellites, the receiver calculates its own position, speed and direction.

The FMS solution combines this GPS receiver with a wireless modem. The radio transmits GPS-calculated positions back over a satellite network. Location data is then uploaded to the FMS web site. Authorized customers monitor vehicle movement on maps and reports displaying route information, stop location/duration and other valuable information.

What Satellite Networks does FMS Use?

FMS offers product that can operate on one of two separate satellite data networks. The ORBCOMM and Iridium Satellite networks are used to carry the vehicle location data and other information from the vehicle to ground stations where they are directed to the FMS application displayed in the user’s web browser. These satellite networks operate in Low Earth Orbit providing a cost effective tracking, monitoring and messaging capabilities across the globe.

The ORBCOMM satellite network provides global coverage at an attractive price, with both hardware and communications subscriptions costs being lower than for Iridium. Latency of the ORBCOMM network can vary at different points around the globe and is dependent upon the position of satellites at the moment when a message or data packet is transmitted from the vehicle.

The iridium network of 66 meshed satellites insures that signals are consistently forwarded to ground stations and on to FMS regardless of the originating location and time of day. There is virtually no latency and the performance is consistent, yet at a slightly higher price for hardware and monthly subscription fees.

What is the difference between Cellular and Satellite Communications for Fleet Management?

Cellular coverage is based on a particular system (CDMA, CDPD, GSM, etc) and provider available in the geographic regions of interest. This coverage is limited to the area where cell towers exist. This can leave dead spots or rural areas not covered.

FMS utilizes Low Earth Orbit Satellites that provide global coverage regardless of location. This means no dead spots where cell towers are unavailable. It is also beneficial to global clients wishing to move assets around or deploy tracking systems in many regions around the world while using a single supplier.

Benefits FAQ

Why should I consider the FMS solution?

Vehicle tracking systems are increasingly becoming a part of any large company risk management and safety strategies. Reduced speeding and unauthorized use pay back quickly when accidents are reduced and asset theft is eliminated. Driver behavior is improved and overall fleet policies are reinforced with a tracking mechanism that provides real data in the case of violations. Positive reinforcement is also enabled.

Among the corporate objectives that FMS GPS Tracking and Mobile Resource Management can provide are enhanced customer service, improved fleet efficiency, lower operating costs, compliance with corporate or state and federal mandates and driver safety through location awareness and emergency response.

What makes FMS unique?

FMS is one of the most experienced GPS tracking vendors using satellite communications. In particular, FMS was one of the first Iridium solution providers for terrestrial applications. The near real-time delivery of data and messages using Iridium can be crucial in emergency situations associated with weather, vehicular incidents and armed assault. FMS provides all the components for implementation of an entire Mobile Resource Management application including satellite communication services.