How to Choose a Tracker for UBI Industry

Wired vehicle trackers and on-board diagnostic devices are both used for monitoring and data collection in cars, but their functions and application scenarios are different. Here are the main differences in their functions:

1. Installation method

Wired vehicle trackers: These devices usually need to be plugged into the vehicle's power cord and may need to be connected directly to the vehicle's battery or other power system. This means they usually require professional installation, but offer strong stability and a long service life.

On-board diagnostic equipment: OBD devices are connected through the vehicle's diagnostic interface (OBD port), which is usually located under the driver's seat. OBD devices are generally plug-and-play, and installation is very simple. Users can install them themselves and unplug them at any time.

2. Functional differences

Wired vehicle trackers: In addition to basic location functions (e.g. GPS tracking), these devices typically offer richer functions such as real-time data transmission, fault diagnosis, driving behavior monitoring (sudden acceleration, sudden braking, etc.), fuel consumption monitoring, and possibly remote control functions (e.g. remote shutdown). Due to their stable power connection, these devices typically provide longer continuous operation and are able to support higher frequency data uploads.

On-board Diagnostic Devices:?OBD devices are primarily used to read and monitor vehicle fault codes as well as engine performance data. They are typically capable of reading real-time data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) (e.g. engine rpm, fuel efficiency, coolant temperature, emissions data, etc.), and are capable of diagnosing vehicle mechanical faults (e.g. engine failures, emissions issues, etc.). Some OBD devices also support providing detailed vehicle health reports via smartphone apps.

3. Depth of data collection

Wired vehicle trackers: In addition to basic vehicle location tracking, wired trackers typically collect and transmit a wider range of vehicle information, including driving behavior, fuel consumption, vehicle motion status, and more. They can provide high-frequency monitoring and feedback, making them suitable for applications such as commercial fleet management, usage-based insurance (UBI), and more.

On-board diagnostic equipment:?OBD devices are primarily concerned with the health of the vehicle, especially the engine and emissions system. They are more focused on vehicle fault diagnosis and maintenance, and their collection of data on driving behavior and location monitoring is not as comprehensive as that of a wired vehicle tracker.

4. Usage scenarios

Wired vehicle trackers: This device is commonly used in commercial fleet management, vehicle safety monitoring, UBI insurance, logistics and transportation industries, etc. These devices can not only locate vehicles in real time but also monitor vehicle status and driving behavior through continuous data collection, providing data support for optimizing routes and saving on fuel consumption.

On-board diagnostic equipment: This equipment is more commonly used in fault diagnosis and health monitoring of personal vehicles. It is suitable for drivers to pay attention to the status of the vehicle, diagnose potential faults, improve fuel consumption efficiency or understand the health of the engine, etc. Many car owners use OBD equipment to avoid expensive maintenance costs or prevent vehicle failures in advance.

5. Power requirements

Wired vehicle trackers: Due to the need to provide power constantly, wired trackers are usually connected to the vehicle's power system, so the device can maintain normal operation even if the vehicle is parked for a long time. This makes it suitable for long-term monitoring, fleet management, and other applications.

Onboard Diagnostic Devices: OBD devices are usually powered by an on-board power supply, but they do not require continuous power. Most devices go into sleep mode when the vehicle is turned off and only start working when it is started.

6. Functional extensibility

Wired vehicle trackers: Since these devices are usually powered by more substantial power sources, they can integrate more functions, such as linking with external devices like on-board cameras, temperature sensors, and emergency braking systems. In addition, they can also support more complex data analytics and customization requirements (such as fleet scheduling, remote vehicle management, etc.).

In-vehicle diagnostic equipment: OBD devices are more centralized in their functions and are usually used to diagnose and analyze the mechanical state of the vehicle. They are less scalable. Although some devices support connecting mobile phone applications to expand their functions, their core task remains fault diagnosis and performance monitoring.

7. Data storage and transmission

Wired vehicle trackers: Most wired trackers have a real-time data upload capability that sends data to the cloud or to a specific monitoring system. They typically provide higher-frequency data updates (e.g. once per minute) and can monitor vehicle condition and location in real time.

On-board diagnostic equipment: OBD devices are mainly used for local data collection and store the data in the device, and the data will only be read when the vehicle is connected to the relevant reading device (such as a mobile phone or computer). Its data update frequency is lower, and it generally does not involve real-time monitoring.

Conclusion：

Wired Vehicle Tracker: For applications that require long-term monitoring of vehicle status (including location, driving behavior, fuel consumption, etc.), such as fleet management, UBI insurance, commercial use, etc. It is fully functional and requires no frequent intervention after installation.

On-board diagnostic equipment: Mainly used for vehicle fault diagnosis and performance monitoring, focusing on the health of the vehicle's engine and emission system, it is more suitable for individual vehicle owners for vehicle maintenance and diagnostics.

The two may overlap in some functions, but their main goals and application scenarios are different.

?????????????? ???? ?????? ???????? ?????????????? ????????????????: [email protected]