General
The Geotab GO device consists of an upfront payment for the device and an ongoing monthly payment for the service. Please contact GoZen Support for current pricing. Geotab is considered to be one of the most affordable solutions in the market today.
The GO device is an inexpensive, simple-to-install device that is simple to operate. You can start with the lower priced Base option if you are only interested in the location of your vehicle. Later on you can upgrade your price option to the Pro plan, which includes extra features, such as obtaining engine data from your vehicle.
Active Tracking, included on the ProPlus plan, delivers live vehicle positions and alerts.
Geotab makes continuous improvements that will become automatically available to all current customers. In addition, Geotab’s partners are working hard on developing ways of feeding data from other systems into MyGeotab, and from MyGeotab back into other systems. This means if you use QuickBooks™ as an example, you could use a partner’s Add-On to automatically generate your invoices from your Geotab timesheets. MyGeotab is open and third-parties are developing fantastic Add-Ons to extend MyGeotab all the time.
Geotab does not sell direct — we are an engineering and software company. Geotab relies on our resellers to add value to our product and to provide sales, support, consulting, development and project management services around the Geotab products. There is a thriving community of companies who can offer specialized services, Add-On software and support so that you can get the most out of your system.
Geotab does not see your data as belonging to Geotab — it belongs to you. We offer APIs and a simple export function that allows you to take your own data and do with it what you like. Geotab's unrestricted policy helps make sure that you are not locked in and that you have your business options open to you.
Geotab's data is encrypted using SSL encryption similar to any major financial institutions. The customer defines who has access to their database and what they have access to within it. Geotab employees can have access to databases for troubleshooting purposes only, and this is largely on the approval of the customer. To ensure complete transparency and accountability, all access into a customer database is audited and stored indefinitely within the database audit log for the customer to see. Please review Geotab’s security policy guide for more detailed information.
Geotab is certified for use on AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, TELUS, Bell, Rogers, we’llTelefónica, and Telenor. In different markets Geotab offers its products on different networks. Geotab’s goal is to have our product available on all networks to offer our customers a wide range of options.
You do not need to turn on roaming — it just works! More information, including which SKU you should order for various regions, can be obtained directly from your Reseller.
The GO device will figure out that it has been plugged into another vehicle when it detects new VIN information from the vehicle. Once the GO device learns that it is in a new vehicle, it will automatically recalibrate itself using its built-in accelerometer to determine its new orientation in order to detect acceleration events properly. Finally, the GO device will reset its previously held engine data, such as the odometer value, and will begin logging the values that it receives from the new vehicle.
In MyGeotab, device management is now automated. When the GO device detects a new VIN, it will automatically create a new vehicle in MyGeotab, eliminating the need to manually perform this change.
Geotab offers Iridium satellite GPS fleet tracking solutions. The Iridium modem has been integrated with the Geotab GO platform as a means of communication when the device is out of cellular coverage. It will send positional updates over the Iridium network, providing a highly robust telematics solution in remote areas.
No, the GO device will go into sleep mode when the vehicle is turned off and will only draw 5 mA of current. A typical car battery has a capacity of 50 Ah, which means it will take over a year before the device can come close to depleting the battery.
Yes, the OBDII port has been the standard way of connecting diagnostic tools to vehicles since 1996 in most countries.
In the US, the Moss Magnuson Warranty Act of 1975 specifically prohibits manufacturers from voiding the warranty due to aftermarket additions to the vehicle. Furthermore, Geotab has spent considerable time ensuring that our products cannot cause harm to the vehicle
OBD stands for on-board diagnostics, an automotive term that refers to a vehicle’s diagnostic and reporting capabilities. The OBD is a valuable tool for repair technicians, vehicle owners, and fleet managers, as it is used to monitor the health and performance of the vehicle engine and emissions system. Vehicle manufacturers first started to build this computer system into vehicles in 1996. The GO device connects to the OBDII port out of the box, which is a standardized connector in most vehicles today.
The amount of diagnostic information available through the OBD, which is given in specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), varies for each vehicle make and model.
The OBD port is generally within 3 feet of the steering wheel and does not require special tools to access. Normally, this port is located just under the dashboard and above the gas or brake pedal. It can normally be located by looking under the dashboard or running your hand along the bottom edge of the dashboard until you "bump" into the connector.
Almost all vehicle types are supported, although older vehicles may have less engine data available. For vehicles that do not have the standard OBDII connector, Geotab offers custom harnesses that allow you to connect the device into the vehicle’s diagnostic port. Geotab also provides a special 3-wire harness that is connected directly to the vehicle battery for power and allows you to connect the GO device to vehicles that do not have a diagnostic port.
This depends on the chassis type and engine. Vehicles transmit data from a multitude of sources that include the engine, the drivetrain, and the instrument cluster by using a communications protocol. There are many possible protocols that are used by the various manufacturers and component suppliers of the vehicles. The GO7 and above devices can detect all of the vehicle data communications from the engine, the drivetrain, the instrument cluster, and other subsystems that may be installed. The customer will then have access to the richest collection of information from a vehicle that is possible. The GO7 and above devices listens to the ECM for data to be broadcast. If the engine data we want is not broadcasted, we will poll the ECM to try to retrieve the data.
The firmware for all live devices is managed by Geotab and the current release firmware is pushed over the air to the devices on a regular basis. You can view the firmware release notes to see the current release firmware versions. If you are experiencing issues with your device you should verify that it is running the latest version and if it is not, let your reseller know so that the device can be updated.
Yes, the GO device can detect GPS jamming and will log a “GPS jamming” log if it believes there is something is interfering with the GPS signals. The jamming log is typically recorded if there is a GPS jamming device in the vehicle, the GO device is surrounded by metal plates, the vehicle is travelling in an area with dense foliage, or the vehicle is underground.
Acceleration in the forward direction, to the left, and upwards is always a positive value. Acceleration in the backwards direction, to the right, and downwards is always a negative value. In MyGeotab, accelerometer values may be reported in G-forces rather than an acceleration value. To convert any G-force value to an acceleration value, simply multiply the G-force value by 9.81.
Real-time driver feedback can be enabled by navigating to the Vehicles section within MyGeotab, and then selecting a specific vehicle by name. Once selected, navigate to the Driver Feedback tab and enable the individual rules for which you would like to provide in-vehicle driver feedback on. Driver feedback alert settings are stored on the device and do not rely on a valid cellular network connection. Audible beeps will alert drivers whether in or out of cellular coverage.
The Geotab GO device installs easily in your vehicle by simply plugging in to your OBDII port. Depending on your vehicle, some larger commercial trucks require an additional harness. You can learn more about the installation process as it relates to your vehicles by speaking with your Authorized Geotab Reseller, or by taking a look at some of the hardware installation documents. Additionally, you can view the list of Geotab Authorized Installers through this link.
The GO device has 3 LEDs that indicates the health of the device and connectivity:
Below are the few common reasons why the device may beep:
The GO device relies on the GPS network to determine the location and speed. A valid GPS connection is also required for the device to detect date and time correctly on its first-ever start-up. If the device is unable to connect to the GPS network, it will be unable to record any trip information even if it is able to communicate with the Geotab servers.
By navigating to the Vehicles section in MyGeotab and checking the serial number. The first 2 digits of the serial number will start with either a G6 or G7, which respectively indicates a GO6 or a GO7.
The first step is to try unplugging the device from the vehicle, and then plugging it back in to see if this will help re-establish communication. If the device still does not communicate, then please contact your Geotab reseller for further assistance. Common reasons why the device may not be communicating are:
7. What happens if the installation procedure is not followed?
Not installing the device properly will result in a loose connection that may cause communication failure, data loss, or erroneous data. In addition, false accident alerts and excessive accelerometer data may be generated because a loose connection may cause excessive vibrations on the device. Always make sure to secure the device and any harnesses used with zip ties during installation.
The harness required for your vehicle depends on which port connection your vehicle has. Most vehicles have the standard OBDII port that does not need a harness as the GO device can plug directly into the port. If the vehicle has a 9-pin or 6-pin connector, then the appropriate 6- or 9-pin interface harness will be required to connect the GO device to the vehicle. If your vehicle has a different connector than the ones listed above or does not have a connector, then the 3-wire harness will be required for your vehicle. If you are unsure about the connector your vehicle has or what harness you need, please contact your Authorized Geotab Reseller for further assistance.
Installing a Garmin in a vehicle to work with the Geotab system is as easy as plugging in Geotab’s custom IOX-Garmin cable between the Garmin and the Geotab device. Once installed, the Garmin will power up when the vehicle ignition is turned on.
No, Geotab supports all current Garmin devices that have support for the FMI 2.0 protocol. These are Garmin navigation devices that are more geared towards business use and you can verify that your Garmin supports FMI 2.0 by looking at its specifications.
The Garmin device must be updated by plugging into a personal computer, and then by going to the Garmin website to download the update. Garmin offers its own map updates and firmware improvements.
If the Garmin has an icon at the top right that shows it is not connected, then the first place to check is the physical connection to ensure there is nothing loose or disconnected. If the connection looks good, check that there is cellular connection on the GO device by looking at the lights to ensure that the green light on the GO device is lit.
In order to do remove the Geotab settings from the Garmin you will have to clear all user data and restore the Garmin to its original OEM state. If the Garmin is equipped with a reset button, hold this down for 3 seconds. If this does not work, or if your Garmin does not have a reset button, then follow the steps below:
1) Power down the Garmin
2) Place your finger on the bottom-right corner of the screen
3) While still pressing on the corner of the screen, power up the Garmin
4) Hit continue/yes for any prompts that appear to initiate the process of resetting the unit to factory defaults
7. Auxiliaries (IOX-AUX) configuration
Geotab offers the ability to connect to any third-party sensor or PTO in a vehicle with the IOX-AUX cable. By using this cable and hard-wiring to a sensor, rules can be created in the system to report on various conditions around that connection. For example, the IOX-AUX can be connected to a salter in a vehicle and then rules can be generated to find out when the salter was turned on and how long it was turned on for.How to assign a Driver ID tag to a driver?
Within MyGeotab, begin by go going to Administration > Users. Select a user, then go to the Driver tab and click Yes beside the This User is a Driver option. Input the number from the blue key fob or sticker into the NFC Key Serial Number field.
Availability of the data will depend on vehicle type, make, model and year. The full list is available here: Logged Vehicle Data.
The GO device will automatically attempt to detect VIN, odometer, fuel usage, seatbelt status, and engine faults. In some cases, your vehicle may not support the full range of features either because information is not available in older vehicles, or because the manufacturer has made it intentionally inaccessible.
Engine data will not be available to the GO device if the device is connected using a 3-wire harness, or if the vehicle does not provide any engine data. Depending on your account type, you may be in “Base mode” which means that you will not have access to engine data. Please speak with your Authorized Geotab Reseller if you wish to upgrade your account.
If the GO device gets RPM data from the vehicle, then rules or driver feedback can be set up within the MyGeotab software to detect over-revving of the engine. The thresholds can be selected in MyGeotab and alerts can be set to go off if the engine go over the chosen thresholds.
Petrol (gas) and diesel fuel are generally supported but it mainly depends on the vehicle make, model, and year for the GO device to get access to this information. Other alternative fuel sources (propane, CNG), and hybrids may be supported but this will also depend on the vehicle type.
Different vehicle types all have their own way of storing fuel data and some of them may not even have fuel data stored. If fuel data is unavailable, chances are that the device is currently unable to access this information for that specific vehicle type.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Diagnostic Fault Codes (DFCs), or simply engine codes, are specific error messages sent from the vehicle that the GO device captures and transmits to MyGeotab. These faults can then be reviewed in the Engine Faults section within MyGeotab.
Geotab optimizes the data transmitted by applying a “curve” algorithm on it — keeping our costs down and value high. “Curving” the data means that only relevant information is transmitted. Bandwidth is not wasted on relaying unchanged or trivial data, thereby minimizing bandwidth costs. For example, if the RPM is consistent as you are driving down the road, there is no benefit in logging the same RPM value over and over. However, if the driver does a bad shift and exceedingly revs the engine, we will capture that event and send it over to the user. Finally, we have some parameters that are logged only during an ignition OFF event. Very little, if anything, is transmitted on a timed basis. For a list of parameters logged using the curve method, please refer to the Firmware release notes.
The MyGeotab application was designed to run in your device’s web browser. This means that the software will be accessible to you at my.geotab.com regardless of your location, computer, or mobile device. Please note that the device that you are using requires an active internet connection.
As Geotab continues to innovate, many modern features of the web are integrated into our products. In order use all the advanced functionality on MyGeotab, a modern browser is required. A modern browser includes the following:
Note: Due to the volume of data presented on MyGeotab as a result of maps and reports, we also recommend that you have access to a high speed internet connection.
The MyGeotab map refreshes every 15 seconds in the browser. The device itself will send updates at varying intervals depending on driver behavior or vehicle health. At a minimum, the Geotab GO device updates its location at least once every 100 seconds while driving. The more the direction or speed changes, the more often the location will update.
You can create an unlimited number of users. Furthermore, users can be configured to have specific roles with varying levels of access. For instance, you can set up distinct groups of user accounts to be used for your dispatchers, managers, supervisors, and administrators. You can manage your user accounts by navigating to Administration and then selecting Users.
New users can be added under the Administration > Users section. Here you can assign users to groups, give them security clearances to groups and specific features appropriate for their role (role-based permissions), assign driver id keys to them, and customize their user settings
User rights are assigned under the Administration > Users section by selecting the user and using the Security Clearances drop-down menu.
Users are assigned to groups by going into the Administration > Users section, selecting the user and choosing which groups they are a part of from the drop-down listing of all the groups.
Data is stored within servers managed by Geotab at Q9 and Google Cloud Services. As stated in Geotab’s Service Level Agreement (SLA), data will be retained for at least one year. However, should a customer have specific purging or archiving needs, Geotab will assist in managing those requirements.
The odometer is recorded at the beginning, end, and at every hour of a trip. When the GO device detects an ignition change, it will send an odometer request to the engine. The same request is sent every hour if a trip lasts longer than an hour. The last recorded odometer time is displayed beside the odometer field within MyGeotab.
Yes, GPS is typically accurate down to a few meters when in a good coverage area.
It is normal for the speed reported by the vehicle's engine to be off by a few percent from the actual value. Vehicle speed is based on the rotation of the tire, so any changes to its diameter will affect the odometer accuracy.
Can I have reports emailed to my managers?
Yes, anybody can receive reports via email. When turning on an existing rule, click the mail button to define email recipients. When creating a rule from scratch, select the notifications tab and select Add email to add recipients.
Yes. By utilizing Geotab’s driver ID feature, reports can be run by vehicle or by driver. You can do this by manually assigning drivers to vehicles, or using the IOX-NFCREADER.
To change your password, select your email address in the upper right hand corner of the screen and then select Change Password.
If you forget your password, click the ? icon beside the password field on the MyGeotab login screen to reset your password.
As a secondary measure, please contact your account administrator to have your user account password reset. If they are unable to assist you, then please contact your Authorized Geotab Reseller.
English, French, Spanish, Japanese, German, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Dutch, Italian, Simplified Chinese, Thai, and Indonesian.
Select your email address in the upper-right corner of the screen, then select Options. Change the language from the drop-down beside the Language label and click the Save button.
If the Geotab GO device loses the connection to the GPS network, the location history of your trip may be affected. In some cases you may see straight lines connecting the vehicle locations before and after the device was communicating. Please note this is usually a temporary issue and can be monitored by using the Watchdog Report.
First you will need to set up your device status groups, then select the vehicle from the drop-down list by selecting the arrow in the map section. You can search for a specific vehicle by name, VIN or serial number. When it appears on the map, select it and then select Assign Status Group, then finish by choosing the appropriate status from the list.
Vehicles can be assigned to groups by navigating to Vehicles. Select the vehicles you want to change and then select the Groups section. You can make changes to multiple vehicles at a time by selecting the checkmark in the top right.
Drivers can be assigned to vehicles by navigating to the map. Select the vehicle you want to assign a driver to from the drop down list by selecting the arrow. You can search for a specific vehicle by name, VIN or serial number. When it appears on the map, select it and then select Assign Driver, then finish by choosing the appropriate driver from the list.
Zones can be any shape that consists of three or more sides. For example, some users create their zones to contain smaller office locations such as parking lots, while others may define larger zones such as an entire highway.
Yes, Geotab offers a routing feature that allows you to connect a sequence of zones together to create a route. The route can optionally start and end at the same location and can be defined in any order you wish. Additionally, a route plan can be created to report on discrepancies between your planned route and where the driver actually went.
Geotab integrates with in-vehicle Garmin navigation systems. This allows you to send routes and two-way messages from MyGeotab directly to your drivers. A route can be sent by navigating to Zones & Messages > Route. Select the route you want to send and then select Send to Vehicle. Select which vehicle(s) to send the route to and include an optional message to help inform your drivers, then select Send.
Geotab offers a comprehensive set of reports to suit your business needs. Our reports range from driver safety and behavior monitoring, risk management, zone entry and exit, real-time exceptions and many more. Almost all aspects of our reports can be customized using Microsoft Excel.
To configure the options of a report, go into Administration > Custom Reports. Highlight the report to configure, then choose the Report Options button at the top. This is where you can define date ranges, groups of vehicles to be included in the report, exception rules, whether you want the report by driver or by vehicle, which zones to be included, and so on.
Go to the Map section of MyGeotab, and select the vehicles you want included by clicking on the down arrow next to the box that says Device, VIN, zone, etc. A list of vehicles will appear, highlight the one(s) you want. Select Trips History, under Options, and select the time frame you wish to see. Next, go the View button and select Advanced. It will display on the screen. Click on the Excel button to have the report download to an Excel spreadsheet.
Go into Administration > Reports. When adding a new report, a user can add their logo to the excel file before saving. This logo will appear whenever the report is run through MyGeotab or when scheduled to be emailed out. This can be done with all reports in MyGeotab.
Once you have selected a report and it is displayed on the screen, you will see a PDF button and an Excel button at the top of the page. Choosing either one of these will send the report out in that format.
Go into Administration > Reports, and then select the report of interest. Click on the email report option to select the delivery options for the report.
The maximum file size for emailed reports is 10 MB and any further emails will be disabled for 60 minutes if the email limited is exceeded. In addition, the email report will be disabled if any of the following is true:
Finally, please note that PDF email reports generally have a larger file size compared to Excel emailed reports.
The reason you see the different values is that the Dashboard graph refreshes as per its defined schedule, which is set up under the Dashboard options, while the data in the Excel report is refreshed as soon as you click on the graph. If you feel that you need the dashboard to have more real time values, then you can go into the Enable Dashboard options and change the refresh schedule.
MyGeotab automatically sizes the graph so that it best illustrates the information in the clearest and most concise way. This is not something the user can change.
Within MyGeotab, you can visit to the Getting Started & Help section. There you can find a link to the Product Guide, which contains a What’s New section that details the latest features added to MyGeotab.
Zones can be imported directly from MyGeotab. Go into Zones & Messages > Import Zones. Zones can be imported either by address or by latitude and longitude and an example of each is available by clicking the Show Help button which appears as a question mark. When you click on the box that says Drag and drop your files, you can select the excel file containing the zone information.
You can perform a bulk import by using the Geotab SDK. Simply navigate to my.geotab.com/sdk, select JavaScript Samples on left and select click here to download. This will download bulk edit programs which will allow you to bulk import vehicles, routes, route plans, and users.
Geotab as a company follows industry best practice with all our IT systems — this includes intrusion detection, two-factor authentication, auditing of all events, SSL and encryption. MyGeotab is also a web-only app and as such cannot create viruses. You will need to download a small software file only if you use the legacy key and RF downloaders. That software is signed by Geotab and is built in a controlled way in lab conditions.
A virus cannot be delivered to your device. The servers that deliver the code to devices are behind Geotab’s firewall and the devices will only accept firmware updates and other instructions from Geotab.
MyGeotab is accessible from any device that runs a standard browser. Geotab Drive, the Driver based application that is based on HTML5 is supported on Android 4.4 and later.
Yes, Geotab offers HOS and DVIR solutions for those businesses that own or operate heavy commercial vehicles and are looking to improve their regulatory compliance and CSA score. Geotab provides HOS on specific Garmin Devices. Geotab also offers an application on Android devices through Geotab Drive. For more information, please see the subsection named “Geotab Drive”.
Yes, Geotab has many customers integrated with TMS. Geotab has developed a robust SDK and series of APIs to allow customers, resellers, and integration partners to integrate with TMS providers and other back office applications. Some of the more commonly known TMS partners that have been integrated include TMW Appian and Profit Tools. Geotab is currently working on integrating TMW Truckmate.
Geotab Drive is a mobile app for Android and iOS mobile devices. When paired together with a GO device, Geotab Drive works as an (ELD), allowing drivers to record hours of service (HOS) logs and Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR).
The Geotab Drive solution provides notifications and driver availability information for drivers under the property- and passenger-carrying rulesets for drivers in the United States, subject to FMCSA regulations. Some exemptions are supported. For drivers who utilize the Cycle 1 and Cycle 2 rulesets in Canada, Geotab Drive has some features which are currently in BETA. This BETA feature should not be used in a production environment. Customers who choose to use this, use it at their own discretion. This BETA feature may provide incorrect availability or violations for drivers using it.
Geotab Drive supports exemptions for adverse conditions, 16-hour work cycles, yard moves, personal use, and others.
Geotab Drive is available on Android and iOS devices. Geotab Drive is compatible on connected Android devices running version 4.4 or later. Geotab Drive is also available on Apple mobile devices running iOS 8.0 or later.
The mobile device must have a cellular data connection to a wireless network in order to upload and download Geotab Drive data.
Android Devices Using Geotab Drive:
Ensure that your Android device is set to High Accuracy GPS. Generally, this option can be found in Settings > Location. Enable location services and set the Mode to High accuracy.
iOS Devices Using Geotab Drive:
Ensure that the GPS is turned on — this option can be found under Settings > Privacy > Location Services. On the same page, scroll down to Geotab Drive and select Always.
If the tablet or phone has been correctly set up for Geotab Drive, the duty status will automatically switch to “Drive” when the vehicle starts moving. If the vehicle is not in motion for 5 minutes, the Drive app will prompt the driver to change their status to “On” (on-duty not driving).
Geotab Drive can generate a compliance report to be presented to law enforcement during roadside inspections. A compliance report provides a daily overview of a driver's work day in terms of duty status and asset information.
To generate a compliance report, go to the Dashboard (Home Screen), select HOS, select the Options tab, then scroll to the bottom of the page and select the Transfer. Then select the Generate button to display logs at roadside inspection.
To transfer your logs at roadside inspection, , go to the Dashboard (Home Screen), select HOS, select the Options tab, then scroll to the bottom of the page and select the Transfer. Then enter the code or comment provided by the law enforcement and select between the desired transfer method of email or web services.
If the tablet or phone has been correctly set up for Geotab Drive, the duty status will automatically switch to “Drive” when the vehicle starts moving. If the vehicle is not in motion for 5 minutes, the duty status will switch from “Drive” to “On” (on-duty)
Three-wire installations are not compliant with the ELD mandate. If you are operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) that is before model year 2000, you are exempt from the ELD mandate, and can continue to log on paper. This is because many vehicles manufactured before 2000 do not have an electronic control module (ECM). An ECM provides the ELD system with the required engine data needed to comply with the mandate.
Drivers who use the timecard exception are not required to keep records of duty status (RODS) or use ELDs. Additionally, drivers that fit the criteria listed below are not required to use ELDs, but they are still bound by the RODS requirements in 49 CFR 395:
These drivers must prepare logs on paper using an Automatic On-Board Recording Device (AOBRD) or a logging software program.