Prospects and Effectiveness of Vehicle Tracking System in Bangladesh

Executive Summary 

Vehicle tracking is one of the fastest growing satellite navigation applications today. Tracking systems employ a combination of GPS, cellular, and other electronic technologies to enable a vehicle to communicate its location and condition to an outside source. Vehicle-tracking systems are often called by other names such as automatic vehicle location-monitoring systems or position-reporting systems.

Today, many fleet vehicles, public transportation systems, delivery trucks and courier services use vehicle tracking system to monitor their locations at all times, including speeding which can monitor driver performance. Vehicle tracking systems also can monitor the location of a vehicle if it has been stolen or lost. There are many companies that offer GPS vehicle tracking system service in Bangladesh. The GPS vehicle system is reasonably priced with a low flat monthly fee, no term contract, and simple to install

This internship report contains “Prospects and Effectiveness of Vehicle Tracking System in Bangladesh”. It has been placed in the Nybbles System Ltd (DataNet). This report can give a clear idea about the Vehicle Tracking System and its future prospects in Bangladesh. The researcher have started his analysis from surveying the basic issues regarding Vehicle Tracking System. First, the researcher has discussed the mission, vision, and objective of DataNet. During the short span of its operation, the organization has successfully positioned itself in business community, from cutting-edge technology with proven business expertise to provide turn-key service solutions – innovative combinations of software, hardware, training and people that deliver tremendous impact on a client’s business.

After that, the researcher has described the Vehicle Tracking System and some of its features. Now in Bangladesh VTS is quite familiar with the people who have vehicles. People want to use VTS service to protect their vehicle from various uncertainties. In Bangladesh, some VTS service providers are currently providing this service with great effort. However, this amount is not sufficient for the increasing number of potential customers.

Considering the sources of survey result, the researcher has tried to find out the demographic profile of the potential customers, number of vehicle of the potential customer, their satisfaction level and how they determines their important features of the VTS. Carjacking is a common incident in Bangladesh, after analysis, it is very clear to find out that how many people of our country are the victims of this carjacking. How can they recover themselves from it. In such circumstances, the contribution of police is very essential. Nevertheless, lack of some reasons they cannot available everywhere in Bangladesh. In this situation, VTS service is very effective to support the potential customers.

Finally, the researcher has made some recommendations based on findings.

Origin of the Report

As a requirement of the BBA program, I have placed in Nybbles System Ltd. (DataNet) for a three months internship program to have a look at the present business scenario and have hands on experience during the internship program. My Faculty Advisor is Ms. Irine Akhter, Assistant Professor, Institute of Business Administration, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka and my External Supervisor is Mr. Jafar Sadiq, Manager (Accounts & Finance), Nybbles System Ltd. (DataNet). And I have chosen to write my report on “Prospects and effectiveness of Vehicle Tracking System in Bangladesh” consulting with both my external supervisor and faculty advisor.

Significance of the Report      

DataNet is a well-reputed company in the world but in Bangladesh they introduce their activities as Nybbles System Ltd. since 2010. The company is formed with two objectives: primarily to provide remote support to African markets, secondarily to assist Bangladesh Government with ICT based systems and services. To achieve their first objectives, DataNet is planning to invest on research & development for government application development-as they are specialized with government ICT needs and solution scope. Currently company has a project   office at Dhaka (named Nybbles System Ltd. in Bangladesh since 2010) to support few African projects including some research project of USAID. Now DataNet wants to enter into a new diversification that is to launch ‘Vehicle tracking system’ in the market. So to enter into the market DataNet requires knowing the current market scenario of the Vehicle Tracking System in the country. This study will help DataNet to know the current market situation, and to consider whether there is any potential to launch a new Service.

Objectives of the Report

Broad Objective

The broad objective of this report to investigate the Future prospect and effectiveness of vehicle tracking system in Bangladesh.

Specific Objectives

1. To get an overview of vehicle tracking system.

2. To identify the importance of Vehicle Tracking system in Bangladesh.

3. To know the perception about the features of vehicles tracking system among potential customers.

Core Study Plan

Study Approach

To conduct this study, we will use the following approaches:

• Conducting primary survey, and
• Collecting secondary data

Study Instrument

The main instrument that is going to be used for the field study is questionnaire containing both the open-end and closed-end questions. The designed questionnaire will be pre-tested before applying for mainstream survey. Later the pre-tested questionnaire will be modified (if required) and will be finalized.

Contact Method

Arranged personal interview.

Methodology

Data Collection Sources

Primary Data

• Clients of the selected areas

Secondary Data

• Different vehicle tracking service companies
• Internet
• Different publications (News papers, Journals, etc.)

Sample Size

Population

The population of the survey included all the people using or having vehicles.

Sample

Since the report is basically an academic one, and because of the time and monetary constraints, I have surveyed some clients staying at Uttara.

Sample size

Fifty respondents who have vehicles.

Data Collection

The data has been collected through interviews by using structured questionnaires. In conducting interviews, respondents were selected on random basis.

 Data Analysis Technique

• Data has been presented is an easy and understandable form.

• Statistical tools and techniques (MS Excel) has been used to analyze the data.
• Five point likert scale has been used to measure the perception of the clients.

Benefits of the Study

There is a big vehicle tracking service market in our country and as we all know it has an increasing demand. Beside the insurance company and some mobile phone companies, vehicle tracking system industry has also a great prospect in our country. So this study will help business people as well as academics to have an insight inside the vehicle tracking system industry and its prospect and effectiveness in future in our country.

Outline of the Report

The project contains three parts namely- Preparatory Part, Report Proper and Appendix. The Preparatory part contains Table of Contents, Acknowledgement, Executive Summery and other formalities. Report proper divided into four sections. The first section is the Introduction; second section is Organization Overview, third is Project Part and last is Recommendation and Conclusion.

Limitations

From the beginning to end, the study has been conducted with the intention of making it as a complete and truthful one. However, many problems appeared in the way of conducting the study.

During the study, following limitations were present:

• Due to some legal obligation and business secrecy, organizations were reluctant to provide data. For this reason, the study limits its scope based on available published data and certain degree of formal and informal interview.
• The employees of the organizations were very busy with their job which lead me little time to consult with.
• Some respondents were reluctant to responds.

Overview of DataNet

DataNet is a dynamic and fast-growing technology & service provider organization. Besides Bangladesh they are operating Swaziland, South Africa, and Lesotho. DataNet specializes in combining cutting-edge technology with proven business expertise to provide turn-key service solutions. Innovative combinations of software, hardware, training and people of DataNet deliver tremendous impact on a client’s business.

DataNet’s strength lies in its ability to integrate a wide range of services into a single, simple package tailored to each client’s needs. This package can include any or all of business analysis, system design and development, hardware and communications solutions, training, technical & helpdesk supports, data-entry staff and customer-service staff. These services are underpinned by DataNet’s world-class ICT infrastructure.

Creative and innovative solutions are the primary asset of their company, especially in ICT Consulting, Outsourcing, Software Development and Systems Integration. They are operating in Africa for the past 6 years in developing many different mission critical legacy applications and state of the art web based systems. Recently, they opened an operation, support and offshore programming center with research and development facilities in Bangladesh. Their primary focus in Bangladesh is to innovate and develop technology for government and corporate.

Background of DataNet

DataNet – as its name states that company was formed for providing communication technology support to the client in transporting electronic data. DataNet began its operation 2005, and the conception was the result of Mr. Moshtaq Ahmed’s (Current Chief Architect and CEO) belief that network and connectivity technologies could play a pivotal role in the general African networking environment. DataNet began with a modest office in Mbabane, Swaziland, and initially offered a traditional range of IT hardware, software and trading products to the Swaziland market. They focused on providing high end backhaul solutions, networked video surveillance solutions, application development consultancies and basic connectivity solutions to customers in Swaziland.

DataNet also has been engaged in building ICT capacity in Government of Swaziland. The company is continuously creating capacity in the government technicians and developers in various latest and complex technologies. DataNet also provided consultancy services for developing Elderly Social Grant System, MTEF Budgeting System under Fiscal Restructuring project. Recently the company finalized the Civil Contractors registration and online evaluation system with a view of e-Governance application development in African countries.

The quality of their offerings enabled them to quickly build up a strong client base, and these clients soon began demanding much more from the company, ranging from strategic IT consultancy to advice on incorporating technology into business processes. They realized that adding true value to their clients meant not just developing individual hardware or software solutions, but providing on-going, fully-integrated packages of technology and services, based on simple and transparent fixed-price or per transaction pricing structures.

Actually the success and obvious cost saving of the connectivity products led to a boom in demand for DataNet’s products and expertise. In the early days connectivity technologies – specially wireless was still largely an unknown and a generally not trusted communication medium and DataNet was one of the first commercial companies offering full blown Network, application and Microwave WAN solutions for both last mile and carrier class solutions.

On the back of this success, within six years of establishment, DataNet began to hunt the globe for best of breed products, in order to offer solutions to the high-end operators in South Africa and Africa.

DataNet’s Vision

To become the market leader for the development of highly innovative information technology and service solutions to corporate and government clients.

DataNet’s Mission

• To constantly innovate through investment in research, development and people.
• To gain a deep understanding of their customers and their businesses, and to help them to identify their needs.
• To deliver carefully crafted and individual solutions that innovatively combines services and technologies.

 People in DataNet

DataNet is about innovation, and this innovation comes from their people. With a staff of over 100, they are able to provide clients with both fast-track research and development capabilities, and round the clock technical support. Their team includes:

Business Analysts

Software Engineers

Network Engineers

Technicians and

Field Support Staffs

They are committed to building strong, sustainable relationship in the communities in which they operate, and over 90% of DataNet staffs are recruited locally.

Products & Services of DataNet

Network Design & Consulting:

DataNet’s staffs of certified Engineers can help make their clients’ current network environment productive and more profitable. They also or help design a new network solutions based on their clients’ needs and operational objective.

• On-Site Retainer Service: DataNet can provide their clients with a highly trained Engineer to service their network and computers on a monthly basis. This service provides network updates, fixes, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance, which increases productivity by decreasing downtime and network problems.
• Remote Management: Remote Management Services (RMS) allows DataNet to provide the tools and technology necessary for them to monitor and administer the clients’ network from a remote location. With RMS, clients will receive daily automated monitoring and weekly administration of their network. This will lead to reduced downtime and increased productivity for the company.
• Network Mapping: Having an accurate list of installed hardware and software will enable DataNet can make recommendations about upgrades, technology advances, software license administration and answer specific questions clients may have about their current technology. They also provide comprehensive network management and monitoring platform for their clients’ organization – where the clients can view every desktop in a single window of their network.
• Remote Backup Solution: DataNet provides an offsite encrypted backup solution for companies who have a high speed WAN connection. Which ensures a full backup of all files will be completed even in the event of software or tape diver failure. Thus ensure the security of their client company’s information.

Security Consulting:

Clients’ corporate data security is very high priority to DataNet. As part of their security package, DataNet carefully analyze password security, group permissions, access policies, and firewalls to ensure their clients’ data is being protected.

• Virtual Private Network Solution: DataNet provides remote access service to their clients’ local area network in both open source (OPEN VPN via SSL) and proprietary equipment such as CISCO, Xyzel or Juniper Equipments. VPN solution provides extra miles to the employees who are frequently visiting overseas.
• Anti-Spam Solution: DataNet recommend a comprehensive email content checking and anti-virus solution to safeguard their clients’ mail server and network. This solution will increase the business and e-mail security, along with an increase in efficiency.
• Mobile Information Services: Mobile Information Services (MIS) allows the employee’s to work from home, a client site or any other place that has Internet access. MIS also offers a secure wireless solution for offices where cabling is impractical, such as Conference rooms. It also provide extra security for their mobile users – clients can track, monitor which users are using which services.
• SMS System: DataNet develop SMS services for the clients’ specific business need. Their SMPP based solution provides facilities to the clients’ Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Now, the clients can notify customer or allow them to interact with their system or databases.

 System Integration

DataNet are one of the most successful system integrator in the local market. They have    capacity to develop system in any platform; Mainframe, Unix/Linux or Microsoft based platform.

• Internet Services: DataNet currently provides internet access facility to the general customers in Mababne.
• Linux and Open Source: They are innovating, customizing and developing open source technologies for the clients’ business needs. They can build any solution specific to the need by utilizing the power of open source.
• D.Net Framework: They developed Object Libraries called Rapid Application Development Framework (RADF) at DataNet which develops other systems using their invented “code generator” with 50% reduced time and cost. So, they offer development of any application with 50% reduced price.
• Hardware Solution: They provide full range of customizing hardware solution for the clients’ specific needs. They had successful track of integrating industrial computing systems.

Communication Systems

DataNet has the expertise to develop the physical infrastructure for communication systems. They have expertise in building microwave and fiber-optic backbone networks; switching (TDM and soft) implementing CISCO telephony systems with integrated video-conferencing system.

Security Systems

DataNet provides advanced integrated networked video surveillance systems with customized access control systems with full integration with CISCO IPICS for large establishments such as government offices, prisons, banks, high security access roads, etc. They have implemented video analytic system which can make decision of movements, directions, and positions of any moving objects.

Digital Radio Networks

DataNet builds digital UHF/VHF communication networks with IP backhaul. The digital network can be implemented as at 6.25 KHz frequency band which supports short messages and GPS position system.

Software Development & Consultancy

They have in-house highly skilled system development professionals. They developed systems for government Budgeting System, Government Commitment Management System, Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) system, Central Payroll Deduct on and Administration System, Mobile Data Collection System, Police Intelligent System, National Abuse Registry and Tracking System, Registration Systems. They were involved in developing over 50 government systems with enhanced communication tools.

  Payroll Deduction Solution

DataNet had developed a standard solution which enables private and financial institutions to operate in real time with government payroll system. The systems allow civil servants to gain access to open credit market with compliance checking. Swaziland government has been using their payroll deduction system for managing all third party deductions. The system has already reduced 15% over indebted civil servants and assisted banks/ micro lenders recovery of loans.

Direct Trader Input (DTI) Services

DataNet has expertise in the customs systems. They have been operating the Direct Trader Input (DTI) services in Swaziland since 2008. They are responsible for operating as a bureau DTI at every customs point of entry in Swaziland. They also provide connectivity to the remote traders to register customs declarations online. The company trained over 500 private company staff in Swaziland and installed the system for over 100 companies.

 Social Security Solution

DataNet is conversant with the objectives of an integrated of a Social Grant System. They developed software for Social Grant System particularly targeting vulnerable population groups such as orphans and elderly. Their solution provides a biometric for user identifications.

 Key Projects of DataNet

Table 1: Clients and Projects name of DataNet

Partners of DataNet

     DataNet has partnered up with top leading companies in the IT industry to provide best level of       service to customers. Some of their key partners are:

Table 2: The Partners of DataNet

DataNet in Bangladesh

Nybbles Systems Ltd is a concern for DataNet in Bangladesh. The company is formed with two objectives: primarily to provide remote support to African markets, secondarily to assist Bangladesh Government with ICT based systems and services.

To achieve their first objectives, DataNet is planning to invest on research & development for government application development-as they are specialized with government ICT needs and solution scope. Currently company has a project   office at Dhaka to support few African projects including some research project of USAID.

 DataNet at a Glance

Table 3: DataNet at a glance

Organizational Hierarchy of DataNet Introduction

A vehicle tracking system combines the installation of an electronic device in a vehicle, or fleet of vehicles, with purpose-designed computer software at least at one operational base to enable the owner or a third party to track the vehicle’s location, collecting data in the process from the field and deliver it to the base of operation. Modern vehicle tracking systems commonly use GPS or GLONASS technology for locating the vehicle, but other types of automatic vehicle location technology can also be used. Vehicle information can be viewed on electronic maps via the Internet or specialized software. Urban public transit authorities are an increasingly common user of vehicle tracking systems, particularly in large cities.

Some vehicle tracking systems integrate several security systems, for example by sending an automatic alert to a phone or email if an alarm is triggered or the vehicle is moved without authorization, or when it leaves or enters.

Other scenarios in which this technology is employed include:

• Stolen Vehicle Recovery: Both consumer and commercial vehicles can be outfitted with GPS units to allow police to do tracking and recovery. The police can activate the tracking unit in the vehicle directly and follow tracking signals.

• Fleet Management: When managing a fleet of vehicles, knowing the real-time location of all drivers allows management to meet customer needs more efficiently. Whether it is delivery, service or other multi-vehicle enterprises, drivers now only need a mobile phone with telephony or Internet connection to be inexpensively tracked by and dispatched efficiently.

• Asset Tracking: Companies needing to track valuable assets for insurance or other monitoring purposes can now plot the real-time asset location on a map and closely monitor movement and operating status.

• Field Service Management: Companies with a field service workforce for services such as repair or maintenance, must be able to plan field workers’ time, schedule subsequent customer visits and be able to operate these departments efficiently. Vehicle tracking allows companies to quickly locate a field engineer and dispatch the closest one to meet a new customer request or provide site arrival information.

• Field Sales: Mobile sales professionals can access real-time locations. For example, in unfamiliar areas, they can locate themselves as well as customers and prospects, get driving