How Sim Based Tracking is different from GPS Tracking

How Sim Based Tracking is different from GPS Tracking

 In this time and age, we have the best of technology available to us. To every problem, there is a solution available. Fleet management is a big industry that has leveraged Telematics and other technologies to optimize operations and improve efficiency. 

GPS Tracking system and SIM-based tracking are two different technologies that fleet owners count on to track their vehicles. Most white label fleet management software come with both these solutions for better efficiency.

What is Sim based Tracking?

As the name suggests, in SIM-based tracking, you find out the location of the asset with the help of a GSM sim. It does not require a smartphone, device installation, maintenance cost, or even much time to get started. It shares the location of the nearest cellular tower from which it’s receiving signals. As the asset moves, geographical coordinates are shared with the operator on the app/web portal at regular intervals. 

Fleet owners who only want to track the whereabouts of their vehicle from time to time, go with a SIM-based tracking solution. It does not require device installation, maintenance cost, or even much time to get started. 

What is GPS Tracking? 

GPS Tracking Software

A GPS tracking system determines the exact location of objects with an advanced technological utility called the Global Positioning System. It’s a combination of more than two dozen satellites, installed in different orbiting planes in space. Every GPS Satellite shoots accurate position, i.e. longitude & latitude, and time signals.  

Unlike SIM-based tracking, a GPS Tracking system requires a sophisticated setup. Three main components - Tracking Device, Server to store data and UI for the end-user -  necessary for even the pilot tracking. 

The tracker is installed in the vehicle/asset with a sim that provides the network(GPS+GSM) for relaying data. The data packets are then sent to the central server that stores data. It is translated in understandable language and presented through the app/website to the end-user. 

 

How are they different? 

Point of Difference	GPS Tracking	Sim Based Tracking
Cost-effectiveness	In the long run, a GPS Tracking system gives a good return on investment. However, at the time of installation, it requires a certain cost.	It costs you nothing to enable Sim Based tracking at any time. Just a feature phone, a sim and the phone user’s consent.
Maintenance	Yes, it may require maintenance from time to time.	No maintenance needed, whatsoever.
No. of Features	GPS tracking software has multiple features such as live tracking,  automatics alerts, Geofence, current status and many more.	Sim based tracking is only about tracking the location of the asset that also on intervals.
Accuracy of data	Impeccable accuracy of data as the exact lat. long. Are shared by the device within seconds.	Not very accurate as the sim shares the geographical coordinate of the nearest tower.
Payment Criteria	The term payment is fixed. Mostly works on per vehicle/tracker basis.	No term payments for Sim tracking services. Just pay as you go. You just pay per ping/hit.
Internet connectivity	Internet connectivity is a must for the relaying of data.	Internet is not needed.