When comparing systems here are a few things to look for.

Make sure the system does what you need!

• What type of map do you see on your computer screen when tracking a vehicle? Navman use both high quality aerial photographic images as well as a traditional maps, you can view in either option or even a hybrid of the two. The benefit of photographic imaging is that you can see where a vehicle is in relation to landmarks (i.e. a particular building).
  

• How is the position and status of the vehicle transmitted back to you? Some systems use gprs links that are shared with the public, this can mean slower and less reliable transfer of information. Navman are unique as they use private dedicated links through the UK's most reliable data carrier, Vodafone, which means data transfer is reliable, quick and secure.

• How far back can you go if you want an historical report? There may be a time you need to generate a report from last year (where a particular vehicle was on a particular day or how long it was on-site for example); will the system let you do this? Some systems will only allow you to 'go back' a few weeks. You may be able to contact the tracking company and request an earlier report, but at what cost? Navman tracking allows you to instantly generate reports up to 18 months old and will generate reports over 18 months old for you completely free of charge.

• Does the system include messaging to and from vehicles?

• Can you create 'geofences' (areas where you can record a vehicle entering and leaving)?

• Does the system include driver ID? Does it integrate the Working Time Directive? With a Navman system you can be sure that you are getting all of these and many more options included in the price.

• If you use the satellite navigation options in your vehicles, does it use exact grid reference or just postcode? Navigation by postcode can be frustrating, as one postcode can cover a long road or a whole industrial estate. Navman navigation accurately guides you using exact grid references.

• Is the system stable? Try creating a large report (for lots of vehicles for a long period of time) this is an interesting experiment as many competitors systems crash!

• Try calling the after sales support number, do you get through first time? Or do you get put into a queue? Is it a normal telephone number or a number that is expensive to call? It seems standard practice now for companies to use a telephone number that will create a revenue for them to pay for the staff who provide the support. Give it a try, here is our aftersales support telephone number 01736 850099.