In the road transport industry, over the past 15 years the technology has offered fast solutions to drivers in transit through new areas, within certain time limits. Due to the high-performance navigation systems of the moment, those who ensure the transport of goods in the EU do not get lost as easily and do not have to verbally request instructions from residents, thus hindering the entire process of delivery of goods. If the usefulness of GPS systems for long-distance drivers cannot be disputed, there is still a question:
"How do we choose a GPS system?" Given that each product offers the same base of solutions - maps and quick access options from point A to point B - is the price the only valid differentiator? We believe that the answer to this question starts from a clear set of criteria, regarding the choice of a quality GPS system. Below are the ones we identified:
The best GPS system: The navigation function
The most important criteria when choosing a navigation system for trucks is the navigation function – the base of the entire product. Here’s why:
The whole explanation starts from an acronym: POI - Point Of Interest. Such a point describes a predefined destination, which a driver can search on his GPS system, to find the most convenient route to that place.
The more points of interest a GPS system has, the more efficient that it is. The best navigation systems allow the insertion of their own points of interest in the memory of the program, to be saved and accessed later, in case of several transports of goods to the same destination. Moreover, a GPS system with navigation function must help you in traffic:
- Provides support for choosing the lane for an important exit;
- Shows in real time the speed limits on certain areas;
- Gives sound signals when the speed limits are exceeded;
- Simplifyes the route, by finding the fastest transit routes;
- Automatically calculates alternatives, in case of traffic jams.
Best GPS system: Other important functions
When purchasing such a device, the intelligent functions of the respective software must be taken into account. Here is just one example: a good GPS not only allows real-time display of the vehicle's location, but also identifies transit solutions, referring to buildings, traffic lights and other recognizable landmarks.
Another interesting feature of this kind of device: the update function with new maps and traffic situations, so that the drivers can be informed in real time, about the real situation of the transited roads to the destination.
Best GPS system: Device display
A GPS navigation system must come with a display large enough to show the information in a way that is as clear as possible to the driver. Moreover, a display with generous dimensions allows a punctual touch control. The best displays of navigation systems have dimensions of 800 x 400 pixels.
The GPS display must allow very good visibility, even in low light conditions, without going below a predefined threshold of clarity, so that the driver can still observe the information he is interested in. With the development of navigation solutions, displays have begun to provide more and more realistic details on the map, and today there are even 3D landmarks displayed on the screen.
Another important feature of the GPS display is mobility, which allows very good visibility thanks to proper control. It is also important that the navigation system can provide visibility in both portrait and landscape modes. Although most drivers prefer the landscape display mode, it is important to note that the portrait mode can display a much larger distance.
The best GPS system: Service and warranty
It is important to mention that a quality product comes with a guarantee as expected. The best GPS systems provide a warranty period of 24 months, but there is also the option of purchasing an extended warranty, which can be provided upon request from certain stores.
It is also recommended to check the service conditions accepted by the trader, in case of system failure during the warranty period. There are products on the market whose warranty varies between 1 and 2 years, and the terms in the contract may also include the possibility that defective GPS systems may be replaced with functional ones, as long as the service checks last.
Taking into consideration all the above criteria, you can make the best choice, ie a GPS system ready to offer useful functions and features, which you will need throughout your trip.
Vlad Vrinceanu, DWF - 123cargo partner
