Research Paper; Global Positioning System (GPS)-Applications in the modern business world.{0}

Sarah Strassburger

IS – 130

Nov 29, 2010

Global Positioning System (GPS) – Applications in the modern business world.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a constellation of 24 satellites that orbit the Earth and make it possible to pinpoint a geographic location for people who have ground receivers. It is a U.S. space-based radio navigation system that provides reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services.  GPS provides accurate location from 10 to 100 meters in all weather, day and night, anywhere in the world. Everybody can purchase such a GPS receiver that is available through commercial retailers. It is not just helpful for private persons; there are lots of application fields that supports the everyday activities such as banking, mobile phone operations as well in transportation systems or the control of power grids. For my research I plan to address two application fields of GPS. The first one will describe how GPS influence time management and the second will explain the use of GPS in the transit system. I will mention its benefits and how this will advance the modern business world. Finally I will name some disadvantages of this new technology.

We often hear the sentence “Time is money”. Timing becomes more and more a critical element for many industries and this rare resource can be used more effectively through GPS. Each GPS satellite contains multiple atomic clocks that contribute very precise time data to the GPS signals  so that the time can be determined within 100 billionths of a second. This could be useful for businesses that all rely on precision timing for synchronization, operational efficiency. For example companies that operate with time-stamp business transactions use GPS to provide accurate record keeping and maintaining. Especially in the banking sector is the need for accurate timing of information essential. GPS will improve the network and optimize financial transactions and billing that will lead among others to more customer satisfaction and reduced costs. A quite new application of GPS timing technology is unparalleled control of audio and video data, as well as multi-camera sequencing that the Hollywood studios use.

Saving time is not only a big concern within businesses but also for the congestion of roads and highways. Billions of dollars are wasted on the road caused by congestion on highways, streets, and transit systems throughout the world. Delays in delivery come to many extra costs and anger of those involved. The use of GPS helps to eliminate and reduce many problems associated with the routing and dispatch of commercial vehicles, managing mass transit systems, and emergency vehicles. Through combining GPS position technology with systems that can be seen on a display as geographic information you can monitor vehicle location, making possible effective strategies that can keep transit vehicles on schedule and inform passengers of precise arrival times. Especially mass transit can use this technology to track rail, bus, and other services to improve on-time performance. Companies that are involved in sending and shipping products, GPS helps to track and forecast the movement of freight, known as time-definite delivery. In this case you can make sure that if a truck is in delay or strays off route, an alert is sent to the dispatcher. A car manufacturer that practices a “Just-in –time” production may benefit from this new technology in the way that they know exactly when a special product will be delivered so that they can take some action when the freight is in delay.

Besides many improvements and advantages for businesses you should not forget to mention the disadvantages it brings along. The reception in some areas such as in tall buildings can be limited and some models of the GPS are not that fast in updating the changes. Especially when using maps on GPS devices that misses new streets. Inaccuracy is another concern because obstacles like buildings and trees can deflect the signal causing your position on the GPS screen to be off by as much as 100 feet.

In Summary we can say that the performance of GPS over many years has earned the confidence of millions of civil users worldwide. This system brings more safety and many possibilities to make life and work easier. There are still limitations of the GPS but in consideration of the vast number of improvements the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. So I will close this with a quote of Jeffrey N. Shane who stated: “The promise of GPS technology for increasing safety and security, reducing congestion, and improving efficiency are limitless […].”

Bibliography:

  • Mack, S. (2010, January 25). Advantages & Disadvantages of GPS Systems. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/list_5912431_advantages-disadvantages-gps-systems.html#ixzz13yzWa0xo
  • Montana State University Bozeman. (2004, September 1). Project Construction, Surveying: Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Retrieved from http://ecorestoration.montana.edu/mineland/guide/construction/surveying/gps.htm
  • Brain, M., & Harris, T. (n. d.). How GPS Receivers Work. Retrieved from http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/travel/gps.htm
  • Kirk, A. (n. d.). Disadvantages of a GPS System. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_4811055_disadvantages-gps-system.html

By Sarahstrassburger Category: IS Research Paper