Where does the unit go on my vehicles?
We usually fit the sealed hardware unit covertly to avoid clutter and reduce the temptation to tamper, but it can be mounted anywhere as per the client’s requirement.

How long does it take to install the hardware to my vehicles?

This depends on the specification of the system required, but in essence a standard installation typically takes around 90 minutes and can be done in any (ideally covered) location that is convenient for your drivers. We endeavour to prepare an installation schedule in a manner which causes minimum disruption to your business.

Does the installation affect my warranty?

No, we use trained and recognised auto-electricians to install the units.
What about “third party add-ons”?
The 1st Alert “black box” acts as a “mobile communications gateway” allowing you to add, for example, load sensors, panic buttons, temperature sensors, driver ID keys, door sensors and so on. The case for adding extra sensors and functionality is clearly different for every individual organisation and we always assist clients to carefully think the likely cost-benefit case before committing to such additional investment.

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What is 'polling'?
A vehicle is 'polled' to find its exact 'real time' location. The fleet managers is able to click on a button on his computer screen, which sends a message to the specified vehicle, to which it responds by sending a data packet giving all the current information that is has being stored on the unit on the vehicle. The results are then displayed on the mapping and reporting software. When deployed using GPRS communications, 1st Alert can be configured to update the base station at regular intervals for a fixed monthly communication cost. If the unit is configured to provide 5 minute 24x7 updating for example, the requirement to “poll” the vehicles in any case becomes largely unnecessary.

What is 'geofencing'?

1st Alert allows you to “draw” areas on the base station mapping screen which are then loaded down “over the air” as location co-ordinates to the unit in the vehicle. The base station s/w can then be configured to alert on-screen or by mobile phone (and if required against a time and day-of-the-week schedule) when such areas are entered or exited by the relevant vehicles. 1st Alert supports 3 different types of geo-fence – waypoints, no go areas and preferred working areas.

What does GPS mean?

GPS - Global Positioning System - a space-based radio navigation system comprising a series of satellites orbiting the earth and associated ground infrastructure. The units in the vehicles continually communicate with the GPS system and by a process of triangulation are able to work out the location of the vehicle which is then displayed on the base station mapping screens, generally to with 5-10 metres accuracy.
What does GPRS mean?

GPRS - General Packet Radio Service. This is a high speed 'always on' data transfer link which is used to communicate captured vehicle location and status information from the vehicle back to the base station software. Because GPRS is charged out as a price per MB of data per month, GPRS can offer attractive cost savings to clients who have a requirement for higher frequencies of communications with their vehicles.

What does SMS mean?

SMS - Short Message Service (a text message). The 1st Alert can also communicate vehicle location and status information back to the base station via SMS. By the use of advanced encryption and compression techniques, the system allows users to specify up to 25 location/status events to be communicated back to the base station for the price of a single text message. 1st Alert units can be configured to drop down into SMS mode when GPRS coverage is lost, resuming GPRS communication when coverage is resumed. SMS is also suitable for clients who require only a relatively low frequency of communication to and from the vehicle.

What does GSM mean?

GSM - Global System for Mobile Communications. The current standard circuit-switched network used by mobile operators.