Frequently Asked Questions
How does SupaTrak work?
SupaTrak uses ‘black box’ units installed covertly in your vehicles to communicate detailed positioning information (GPS) to an application hosted by CMS SupaTrak. We display your vehicle information on a secure web based mapping system so that you can see exactly where your vehicles are, if the ignition is switched on, which direction they are travelling and precisely what speed they are doing. This positioning information is retained by the system to produce detailed reports when needed.
Do I need a separate server?
All the information is held and managed on secure CMS SupaTrak servers, so all you need to provide is access to our web site using your usual PC web browser. Access to the mapping system can be gained from any Internet ready PC using your secure login and no additional software is required.
Where can I access my tracked vehicles?
You can track your vehicles by using the web based mapping system. Simply use your usual web browser to access the secure section of our website and after successfully entering your unique login details you’ll be able to see your vehicles, monitor their progress and run detailed reports.
How accurate is it?
SupaTrak is very accurate as it uses the Global Position System (GPS) network which normally reports the vehicle position to within a few metres. SupaTrak maps then use this position to display the vehicle down to street level.
Can I get weekly reports from SupaTrak?
You can request reports as often as you like. You set the parameters for dates covered and the vehicles monitored to provide the right information for your business.
How much does it cost?
SupaTrak devices and access to the web based mapping system is available from CMS on probably the lowest all inclusive cost per unit available in the UK today. Prices are based on the size of your fleet and it is most common for these services to be provided on a leased basis. We are able to provide these best value for money services because we design, manufacture, deploy and host the system in-house, hence we can offer the most competitive and flexible tracking system on the market today.
Is the service fully warranted?
Yes it is; we warrant our black box units for the life of your contract, this service is provided within the price you have paid, therefore at no additional charge.
Cancellation Policy for online orders
Please contact CMS SupaTrak directly within 48 hours if you wish to cancel your order. Telephone 08444 774 870 or email sales@supatrak.com. Any order placed in error will be refunded in full via Google Checkout.
Orders that have already been fulfilled cannot be cancelled. Fulfilment is defined as the installation and setup being arranged with the customer.
Who installs the equipment in the vehicle?
Unlike many other tracking companies we have our own team of employed installation engineers ensuring a quality install every time.
Why do I need tracking?
Tracking helps businesses keep control of their expensive assets, namely people, vehicles and cargos. By monitoring the precise location of vehicles you can determine which is the most suitable vehicle to allocate to a job, saving unnecessary miles and the associated fuel, servicing costs, hours and overtime. Through detailed reporting you’ll know exactly how your vehicles are being utilised and hours worked. You’ll benefit from the tax changes in April 07, possibly mitigating a increase in employee's tax contributions as well as conforming to the Government’s duty of care guidelines.
What is GPS?
GPS (Global Positioning System) is a constellation of 27 earth orbiting satellites (24 operating and 3 spares) developed by the US military, initially as a military navigation system that has since opened up to everybody else to use. A GPS receiver locates 4 or more of these satellites and uses the information to deduce its own location. SupaTrak uses this location technology to accurately track vehicles.
What is GPRS?
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is the worlds wireless data service available with almost every GSM mobile network. It enables us to access the internet, our email, video streaming and multimedia messages from our mobile phones. SupaTrak uses this technology to communicate location data back to our application servers.
What is CANbus?
The Controller Area Network (CAN) is the communications network which exists in all European vehicles manufactured since 1999. Two standards exist from the Society of Automotive Engineers, J1979 for cars/vans and J1939 for trucks/buses which allow us to access key information from the engine management systems.
Does it work with Satellite navigation?
CMS does have a satellite navigation product that works in conjunction with the SupaTrak devices displaying accurate navigation information on a separate device.
How often does it update/refresh?
A SupaTrak device updates the network every 60 seconds as standard (every 30 minutes when ignition is switched off), although this can be more frequent if required. The map, therefore, displays a near real-time picture of where all your vehicles are at any point in time.
Do I need to install extra software on my PC?
There is no additional software required to run SupaTrak, simply use your PC’s web browser to select our web address, login to the secure user section with your unique password to gain full access to your tracked vehicles. As you’re logging in to a web address you can be anywhere, not necessarily at your desk.
How often is the map updated with new roads/postcodes etc?
Because the map is viewed online we update it centrally as soon as updates become available, so the mapping should always be up to date.
What details do I get given on the report?
Reports are set up by you to give you the right information for your business. The data usually examined in the reports includes driver start time, end time, total hours driven, idle time, parked time and distance driven.
How often do I get reports?
Reports can be generated as often as you like, either on an ad hoc basis or you can simply set up the parameters in the easy to use report wizard to produce scheduled reports in PDF of excel format. These will then be automatically emailed to your Microsoft Outlook inbox according to the schedule you have selected.
Can I get an immediate alert every time drivers leave/arrive home or sites without getting a report?
SupaTrak has a ‘ring fence’ feature, where you can set alerts to notify you when vehicles either enter or leave certain geographic locations, for example when a driver reaches a point 2 miles away from the depot to make sure the next load is ready to leave or if a drivers take unscheduled trips home for lunch!
Can I see what route they took?
SupaTrak mapping displays a ‘Snail Trail’ of routes taken by vehicles on the system, simply select the times you wish the report to include and a graphical image will be produced for the entire journey.
Can I see how long they stopped/idled for at a particular time/place?
SupaTrak reports back information every 60 seconds whilst the vehicle ignition is switched on (every 30 minutes, when the key is out of the ignition) and provides a snail trail and other detailed reporting showing exact speeds, including idling with ignition on and stopped with engine off.
How reliable is the signal from the black box – any black spots?
In the event that a driver is located in or passing through a low network coverage area all data from the black box is stored on the device and communicated in full once the driver re enters an area of coverage. No data is lost when this happens.
Is the black box hard wired in the vehicle – can drivers find and remove them?
The tracking devices are installed covertly, usually behind the vehicle dashboard, so are not visible to the driver or anyone else entering the vehicle.
When and where can you install?
CMS has its own employed installation engineers spread around the UK that can install your SupaTrak devices covertly in your vehicles at a time that is convenient to you, including evenings and weekends, when vehicles are not being used.
Who uses SupaTrak already?
SupaTrak is used by a wide range of small and larger companies including Christian Salvesen, Royal Mail, Network Rail, Enterprise plc and Hampshire County Council.
Are there any additional costs such as Sim cards and communication costs?
Absolutely not, our charges are all inclusive.
How long does it take to install a SupaTrak black box?
An average vehicle installation takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
What happens after my SupaTrak service/contract period ends?
Depending on the nature of your contract you have the option to continue to use the service at a reduced charge. These options can be discussed and confirmed with you prior to you entering into a service/contract period if required.
What is GPRS 'push' technology?
GPRS 'push' technology is the ability to send information to a mobile device instantly and therefore removing the need for the device to constantly check for information which incurs additional network charges and delays.
What is ZigBee technology?
ZigBee is a short range wireless technology which uses very small amounts of power and allows devices to mesh and talk to each other.
