FREE GPS Comparison Guide & GPS Comparison Ratings

How and Where Are GPS Navigation Systems Used by Enterprises?

Although GPS navigation systems are in high consumer demand, enterprises also require GPS system functionality for a variety of purposes:

• Supply chain management (SCM)—GPS navigation systems are used in yard and transportation applications.
• Customer relationship management (CRM)—GPS devices can assist field sales teams.
• Enterprise asset management (EAM)—GPS functionality allows for each asset record to show GPS coordinates.
• Mining Industry (ERP & CMMS)—features allows for each asset record to show GPS coordinates.

Key Criteria to Consider for GPS Comparison

There's no such thing as the "best GPS navigation system"—even the cheapest GPS receiver may suit your needs. That's why it's vital to conduct a thorough analysis of your needs and to determine which criteria are really relevant to your organization's GPS requirements.

Software Features The key software features allow users to define routing needs, track multiple destinations, and base their trajectories on multiple customizable parameters. The more robust the feature set, the more types of routing capabilities are available.

• Routing capability. Routing capabilities allow multiple direction types to be used, based on requirements such as time, distance, and hazard avoidance.
  • General features. General GPS features include built-in address books, pre-loaded maps, the ability to mark and name locations on maps, and speed-based volume adjustment
  • Tracking technology. Key features of any GPS system include accuracy, tracking ability, and responsiveness.
• Hardware features. Hardware features determine the capacity, connection, and expansion options available to a GPS unit.
• Display. Consider the types of conditions under which you'll be using the GPS navigation device. Criteria include brightness, color, resolution, and display screen size.
• Interface. The interface determines how you can interact with your GPS system. Features to consider include voice output, input methods, and display options.
• Portability. If the system needs to be transported between multiple vehicles, you should precisely determine the extent and nature of your portability requirements.
• Additional non-tracking features. Non-tracking features allow the GPS unit to be used for purposes other than simple navigation.
• Manufacturer and support. These parameters are used to evaluate the viability of the manufacturer of the GPS unit and their technical support capabilities.

GPS Navigation System Vendors and Products

• Garmin GPS Systems (including
  • nuvi GPS,
  • eTrex GPS,
  • eTrex Vista GPS,
  • eTrex Venture GPS)
• Magellan GPS (including eXplorist GPS)
• TomTom GPS
• NAVIGON GPS
• GPS Lowrance
• Navman GPS
• amAze GPS
• Leadtek GPS
• Zoombak GPS
• Aviton GPS

GPS Comparison Criteria

This is the list of GPS comparison criteria, i.e., navigation system features and technology to consider when evaluating GPS systems.

GPS Comparison Matrix

GPS Comparison Matrix Sample:

You can download GPS comparison ratings above as an Excel spreadsheet (.xls) featuring the following Top 3 GPS devices against aforementioned evaluation criteria.

• iWay 500c, by Lowrance
• Nuvi 660, by Garmin
• RoadMate 760, by Magellan Navigation