Worker tracking versus monitoring
Understand the difference between worker monitoring and worker tracking, the benefits of each and how they complement each other, to establish how to use them in your organisation.
You may think that worker tracking is identical to worker monitoring. This article explains how they differ and how they support each other to provide a comprehensive way to keep your workers safe.
How to distinguish between monitoring and tracking
Tracking
Worker tracking is a function available within a worker monitoring system. It is optional to use and does not need to be switched on permanently.
Tracking automatically captures the location of a worker at regular intervals using GPS (the Global Positioning System). Usually this is done using a dedicated device carried by the worker, which could be a GSM device (operates using the mobile communication networks) or a GPS device (operates using satellite communication networks). Some monitoring systems incorporate tracking into their mobile app however this is power-intensive and drains the phone battery quickly.
Monitoring
Worker monitoring refers to the complete system to monitor workers and keep them safe. Typically a system offers a variety of functions such as Sign-on / Sign-off and regular Check-ins for workers to pro-actively provide Proof of Life; timed activity-based functions such as High Risk, Driving; location-based functions such as Arrival on-site; and functions to request help as well as tracking.
Worker monitoring systems usually provide customers with access via an online Portal so you can ensure your workers are safe at any time, particularly useful if you have workers operating around the clock or at weekends.
Additional functionality available within the Portal depends on the individual system and could include notifications to alert of problems, accurate mapping to assess locations in detail, weather and environmental data to assess local conditions to highlight risks.
Benefits of worker monitoring
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Real-time monitoring: to address and reduce specific risks.
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Automatic alerts: to facilitate quick responses and prevent situations from worsening.
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User control: activate as required.
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Pro-active management: analyse data to highlight safety trends, identify hazards and risks, refine procedures and improve safety strategies.
Benefits of worker tracking
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Frequent and regular automatic location updates to provide peace of mind.
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Narrows the search area and enables a faster response time if help is needed or in an emergency rescue mission.
Why would I need to track AND monitor?
Tracking is an extremely beneficial function to implement as part of your worker monitoring system and procedures. Especially useful for lone workers or remote working pairs or teams who are:
- Visiting multiple sites during a shift.
- Constantly moving and covering distances during their shift, for example an engineer covering a number of miles inspecting a length of power line.
- Driving in remote locations with poor mobile phone coverage.
- Operating in rural locations, such as forests, woodlands, nature reserves, wildernesses, with unreliable mobile phone coverage.
Tracking from a GPS device enables you to confirm the worker or team is in the location you expect; and viewing their regularly refreshed Track in the Portal reassures you the worker is safe and well.
How does the Trackplot system work?
Trackplot’s monitoring system is specifically designed for outdoor workers or remote workers in isolated locations, whether in teams or working alone. Utilising both satellite and mobile communication networks the range of functionality, including tracking, enables workers to keep in touch wherever they are.
Trackplot provides Notifications which are triggered on an exception-basis under specific conditions i.e. if a worker is potentially at risk, or if an incident occurs and they request help.
Trackplot’s Portal is accessible 24/7/365 so you can be reassured of the welfare of your workers at any time. Forthcoming and real-time weather and environmental data allows you to plan work schedules ahead to reduce risks, and assess vulnerabilities if a worker is in trouble.