20 vehicle tracking terms you need to know

The device by which the acceleration or deceleration of a moving vehicle is measured, contributing to the data in Quartix’s driving style reports

Functions that access features or data from another system or service. For example, the Quartix system shares information with Fleetcheck through an API, to provide fuel card information for users. See Fleet management.

Connect & Track is the name of the Quartix self-install tracking device that connects to the vehicle’s battery via two wires. It can be moved between vehicles with ease, as it is not hardwired.  Not to be confused with our Plug & Track option.

A way of assigning telematics data to a specific driver using a key fob affixed to a reader in the dashboard that is connected to the tracking unit. With Driver ID, each driver is assigned a unique key fob which, when placed on the reader, registers the driver in that vehicle. The device will then record all trip-specific data against that person.

The term ‘Eco-driving’ refers to energy-efficient driving techniques that reduce fuel consumption and maximise fuel efficiency, like reducing idling.

A set of functions and reports within a telematics system that allows the user to operate their fleet with maximum efficiency. For example, fleet management reports might include time on site reports and maintenance alerts.

Geofencing is the term used to describe setting up virtual perimeters around a specific geographic area. These areas are called geofencing zones. Quartix Geofencing lets you establish rules for each zone, and provides real-time alerts when vehicles enter or exit the zone.  This can be used to establish both mandatory and prohibited zones.

The period when a vehicle’s engine is running, but it’s not in motion, for example, leaving the engine running whilst pulled up at the side of a road.

Installation is the process of fitting a tracking device to a vehicle. For a hard-wired unit, this can take 30 to 45 minutes; for the self-install devices, Plug & Track and Connect & Track, this takes a matter of minutes.

An OBD is a vehicle’s self-diagnostic port, typically located under the driver’s side dashboard. This is where the Quartix Plug & Track device connects to the vehicle.

Plug & Track is the name of our self-install tracking device that plugs into the vehicle’s OBD port and can be transferred between vehicles with ease. Not to be confused with the Quartix Connect & Track device.

Quartix has various methods to suspend location and speed monitoring when vehicles are in personal use. Our Privacy Mode option can include periods when miles are logged without any location information or times when no monitoring is enabled at all.

Quartix’s unique SafeSpeed database maps speed data for thousands of drivers on the UK roads network and compares each vehicle’s speed on a segment of road to other vehicles that have driven along that road segment. This allows users to see which employees may be displaying risky driving behaviour, even if they are adhering to speed limits.

Any location where a vehicle makes a stop and start.  Sites that are visited regularly can be set up as custom locations on the Quartix system and will show up in reports as that chosen name, rather than an address.

An integrated circuit that stores the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number and its unique key, which are used to identify and authenticate subscribers on mobile devices. Vehicle tracking devices contain a SIM card to receive and transmit GPS data.

When a vehicle is stationary with its ignition on, for example, in traffic or while loading/unloading.  After two and a half minutes, the stop becomes idling.

The term ‘telematics’ refers to any device which merges telecommunications and data acquisition. Telematics includes anything from GPS systems to navigation systems.

A communications method where data is collected at remote or inaccessible points and transmitted to receiving equipment.

The tracking device is the physical device that is installed into a vehicle and connects to either the power source, ignition or OBD port. Quartix devices contain a SIM card and GPRS modem for transmitting data to our databases, so the vehicle information is available typically within a few minutes.

A trip is measured from when the vehicle ignition is turned on (Departure) and when it’s turned off (Arrival). Should the unit detect the vehicle is stationary for a period of time then a break in the trip will be shown as “Stopped with ignition on” in the logs and reports.