The 10-Point Testing Process & Methodology
Here at Fleet1st, everything we do is for you and your business. We’re committed to providing premium GPS tracking solutions so you can protect your equipment, manage your drivers, and keep your company moving forward.
Every product we offer is carefully inspected to make sure it’s reliable, accurate, and easy to use—because we know how much your business depends on having the right tools.
Each year, our security experts evaluate over GPS products designed for fleet and asset tracking. We analyze customer feedback, product features, and industry insights, all with one goal in mind: finding the best solutions that fit your needs.
Our 10-point evaluation focuses on the details that matter most to you—functionality, ease of use, and durability. You can trust that the products we recommend will help you protect your construction equipment, keep tabs on your drivers, and stay on top of your operations.
Our Methodology -The 10-Point Testing Process
1. Battery Life
Battery life varies across GPS vehicle trackers, and while most manufacturers provide estimates, we go a step further by testing them under real-world driving conditions. To verify accuracy, we fully charge each GPS tracker to 100%, then place it on a vehicle’s dashboard for 14-hour driving intervals until the battery dies. Afterward, we recharge the tracker to full capacity and run the test again to check for consistency. If the battery life differs by more than two hours between the two tests, the GPS system fails our evaluation.
2. Hard-Wire Power Option(s)
Some GPS trackers can be powered by both internal batteries and external power sources. If a GPS vehicle tracker can be hard-wired or connected to a cigarette lighter adapter, we test each power option individually. The GPS device is connected to each external power source and monitored for 90 days to ensure the tracking system runs continuously and flawlessly, whether powered by a cigarette lighter adapter, hard-wire connection, or another external source.
3. Accuracy
Many GPS manufacturers claim their systems can pinpoint a driver’s location with accuracy between 1-15 meters. At Fleet1st, we hold every GPS car tracker to a higher standard. We require each device to record data with an accuracy of 3 meters or less, 99.5% of the time, when placed in an optimal location. Accuracy is crucial to us, and we place a strong emphasis on ensuring the driving data is precise.
4. Antenna Sensitivity
The time it takes for an asset tracker to receive GPS reception helps us determine the sensitivity of its internal or external antenna. We measure this through cold and hot starts. For cold starts, the GPS device is placed in an optimal position, and we record how long it takes for the unit to acquire a GPS signal from a powered-off state. For hot starts, we test how quickly the GPS tracker reacquires a signal after losing it for 5 minutes. Both tests ensure the GPS car tracker performs reliably in real-world conditions.
5. Placement
Flexible placement options are critical for consumers, businesses, and professionals who may be trying to gather driving-related information covertly. Fleet1st tests 5 placement locations and requires GPS data to have at least 84.5% accuracy on those locations. Tested locations include:
- Inside the vehicle on the dashboard
- Inside a glove compartment
- Underneath a passenger or driver seat depending on make and model of the vehicle testing
- Underneath the vehicle with magnetic mount attachment or specialized casing
- Inside the center console of the vehicle
Fleet1st requires that any tested GPS tracker must function and operate successfully in all 5 locations.
6. Portability
While you might primarily use GPS tracking for vehicle monitoring, we know that your business might need a portable solution for other assets. That's why we focus on GPS systems that are not only reliable but also easy to carry. Whether you're tracking equipment, tools, or high-value assets across multiple job sites, our GPS solutions give you the flexibility to monitor everything, no matter where it is.
7. Size
If a GPS tracking device is too big, it becomes awkward and noticeable—making it tough to use discreetly. On the other hand, if it’s too small, the battery life may not last long enough to provide reliable tracking over time. Fleet1st products are designed to strike the perfect balance between size and battery performance, ensuring you get both portability and dependable tracking when you need it most.
8. GPS Data
GPS data is viewed differently depending on the system you use. With real-time GPS car tracking, you can view data online using Google Earth or other mapping software. For passive tracking, the data can also be viewed through mapping software like Google Earth, but only after removing the GPS tracker from the vehicle and downloading the data via USB or a download cable. We require all GPS tracking data to be easily accessible, straightforward, and simple to interpret, ensuring you can quickly get the insights you need.
9. Simplicity
At Fleet1st, we believe every GPS solution should be easy to manage and use. You should be able to record and review data from a GPS car tracker effortlessly, regardless of your technical or computer skills. To ensure this, we have an independent verification process where individuals of different ages and backgrounds evaluate the system based on how simple the data is to record and review. Only GPS trackers that receive top ratings for ease of use make it to our online store.
10. Overall Quality & Appearance
We believe that quality and appearance matter when you're choosing a GPS tracking product. From the moment you first see the GPS monitoring system, the design and aesthetic should give you confidence in its value. You want to feel that every dollar spent is worth it—and then some—when investing in a GPS fleet tracking solution.