GPS Tracking System for Kangaroo Cabs

BSc in MIS (Special) Degree Batch 1

Supervisor Dr. Ravi Monaragala

Group
Jinasena D R B (BSc-UGC-MIS-12-14-025) Peiris A M B K (BSc-UGC-MIS-12-14-037) Perera E A H V (BSc-UGC-MIS-12-14-038) Perera K N R (BSc-UGC-MIS-12-14-039) Prabodha L G C (BSc-UGC-MIS-12-14-040)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 ....................................................................................................................................................... 4 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 4 1.1 ckground 1.2 Research problems and justifications 1.3 Research Aim 1.4 Research Objectives 1.5 Structure of the Document Ba 4 7 8 8 8

Chapter 2 ..................................................................................................................................................... 10 LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................................................................... 10 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Theoretical Framework 2.3 Conceptual Framework 13 12 10 9

Chapter 313 METHODOLOGY13

3.1 Introduction 14

3.2 Research Design ............................................................................................................................... 13 3.3 Study Sample ................................................................................................................................... 13 3.4 Data Collection Methods 15

3.4.1 Interviews ................................................................................................................................... 15 3.4.2Questionnaires............................................................................................................................. 16 3.4.3 Observation ................................................................................................................................ 16 3.4.4 Published Sources ...................................................................................................................... 16 3.4.5 Unpublished Sources.................................................................................................................. 16 3.4.6 External Sources ........................................................................................................................ 16 3.5 Data Analysing Methods.................................................................................................................. 16

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Chapter 4 .................................................................................................................................................... 17 RESEARCH FINDINGS ........................................................................................................................... 17 4.1Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 17 4.2 Results and Analysis ........................................................................................................................ 17 4.3Research Findings ............................................................................................................................. 18 Chapter 5 ................................................................................................................................................... 19 SYSTEM DESIGN .................................................................................................................................... 19 5.1Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 19 5.2 Design Methodology ........................................................................................................................ 19 References ................................................................................................................................................... 20

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List of Figures

Figure 1.1 Figure 2.1 Figure 4.1

Cab Reservation Process...............................................................................6 Conceptual Framework................................................................................12 Quantitative Analysis...................................................................................17

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Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1
1.1.1

Background
Nature of Industry

A Cab is a type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers often for a non-shared ride. A Cab service conveys passengers between locations of their choice. These types of companies earn profits based on customer satisfaction. They perform better service for their customers with new technologies. They facilitates comfortable journey with reasonable price range and save their time. Most of the cab service companies provide services like follows: 24 hour service Clean, comfortable, modern vehicles Timely, dependable service A/C and Non- A/C vehicles Wedding Cars Expert Drivers

Most of companies maintain a separate department for marketing. It maintains a good customer attraction. They always try to more efficient customer service to their each customer and obtain their trust. 1.1.2 About Kangaroo Cabs Kangaroo Cabs is the pioneering Cab Company in Sri Lanka. They started their cab service in 1988; today they became the market leader in Cab service industry in the country.

Kangaroo deliver over 200 cars on a daily basis; Customers can select their cars from a wide range of luxury vehicles namely Hybrids, Toyota AXIOS, YARIS, ALLION, VIOS and
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COROLLAS. All of these cars are fitted with electronic fare meters for the convenience of clients to know their actual run kilometers and the hire amount. All vehicles are subjected to a routine check every day at the yard for AC function, engine tuning, spare wheels and cleanliness. Chauffeurs selected for these cars are by a panel of experts. They are given a thorough interview and, a selection criterion is thoroughly being implemented. Selected chauffeurs are given a full training before entering the roads. Most of chauffeurs are English speaking and well mannered. They are fully conversant with Colombo roads and excellent in client handling. They are courteous and service oriented. A direct number of a Manager is displayed in the car, in case of a complaint.

Their successful operational performance permeate them to expand their company and now they ventured in to the similar field of business by introducing Kangaroo Vans and Colombo City Cabs to fill up the niches that were prevailing in the market place.

Services of Kangaroo Cabs 24 hour service Its operations have been 24/7 365 Days around the clock. Geared with the latest technologies to enhance quality and service from the start to the end All cars are equipped with GPS systems for prompt executions; SMS messaging systems are incorporated to educate the client with time of dispatch, type of car and plate numbers. A value added service especially designed for the public. Call Center is in operation round the clock and is fully equipped with latest technology to give the customers an instant service and feedback. All Call Center Agents are fully trained personnel with courteous and politeness. They are a dedicated to serve the customer at all times.

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Kangaroo offers exclusive packages for Airport transfers Airport drops or pickups can be arranged with our agent displaying your name board at the airport. Luxury cars and uniformed Chauffeurs with tie will be utilized for these services.

Long distant hires and Packages Custom made packages can be arranged taking the number of kilometers and days into consideration. Cars and Vans can be pre inspected and chosen by the client as desired.

Wedding and Home Coming Packages Cars will be unmarked and could be arranged with bridal decorations. Vehicles could be inspected prior to the ceremony and chosen from are wide fleet for luxury cars.

Unmarked cars for special events or occasions Unmarked cars can be arranged with notice, and will not display any Kangaroo cabs merchandise, the car would be no different than your own. Client has the option of choosing any car of his/her choice with the desired color.

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Process of Kangaroo Cabs

Customer

(1) Request a cab Providing customer details

Kangaroo Cabs Cab Reservation Application

(1) Report the current location of the unoccupied cab

(3) Contact customer to know his/her details (address to the picking up place) (4) Make Payment (5) Issue Receipt

(2) Provide new customers details

Cab Driver

Figure 1.1: Cab reservation process

1.2 Research problems and justifications

Kangaroo cabs have a good system of their own to capture information about their services. But there is the issue of not having a feature to monitor the fare for each trip remotely. This is a major financial concern to Kangaroo cabs as well as cab owners. For example, if a customer intends to hire a cab to go to Kandy from Colombo; the driver can take a longer route and charge the relevant amount. The company is unaware of the route the cab took therefore it cannot calculate the number of kilometers it travelled. In this case, the cab drivers issue the receipt with the real amount but they have found mechanisms to change the number of kilometers in the small device attached to the vehicle. As a solution to this problem, we use their GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking system. They already have a GPS system, but they do not have mechanisms to the distance of two points using the technology.GPS devices deliver real time information on the location, activity and
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mobile inventory of the vehicles to improve business performance and customer service. Having a GPS tracking system can benefit the entire management system of the company including: Dispatches who manages the vehicle destinations Business owners seeking operational control Managers directing on time performance Crisis management and communications

1.3 Research Aim

To increase the profit of Kangaroo cabs by introducing an advanced GPS system to track locations of the cabs.

1.4 Research Objectives

To identify existing technologies and concepts used by the top players of the global industry. To identify the latest emerging trends and ideas and see how it could be applied to Kangaroo cabs. To identify customer expectations and demands. To propose a GPS tracking system along with technological requirements; identify its requirements & drawbacks to provide a better service.

1.5 Structure of the Document

Chapter 1 Introduction This chapter includes basic information about Kangaroo Cabs, an introduction to GPS tracking systems, the main issue that will be focused on the research, what will be proposed as the solution for the identified problem and the objective of this research.

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Chapter 2 Literature Review This section describes what the team has assimilated by reading articles on GPS technology. Furthermore this chapter includes how the team critically analyzed the academic literature to ascertain whether the proposed solution can be used or whether it should be modified. Chapter 3 Methodology This section presents how the team collected the required information. Methods used for collecting information are included in this chapter. Chapter 4 Research Findings This chapter includes the results of research methods that are described in Chapter 3. Chapter 5- System Design (Optimization) This chapter describes the functionalities, methodologies and latest technologies that the team followed when optimizing the solution. Chapter 6- Conclusion This chapter describes the post design activities such as findings of the research and summarization of the results and also the solution for the identified problem and further work which should be done.

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Chapter 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

In chapter one background of the company has been explained along with the functionalities and process of the company. Research problem has been explained. Aim of the research, research objectives and how the research is going to be carried out was included in the previous chapter. There are many GPS solutions with vehicle tracking facility. But our aim is to provide a better GPS solution which will suit for the kangaroo cabs. This chapter includes the list of studies and researches that would be referred for the study which will include theoretical and conceptual frameworks.

2.2 Theoretical Framework

A vehicle tracking system combines the use of automatic vehicle location in individual vehicles with software that collects these fleet data for a comprehensive picture of vehicle locations. 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. Real-time access to the location of vehicle fleet through the use of GPS vehicle Tracking systems allow for dynamic fleet management, as well as create a practical third party verification tool. Reports and usage data allows the company to create benchmarks, make informed decisions, justify billing, and easily pull up detailed records for any issue or customer service dispute if they arise.

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User defined text messages and email alerts can be created around speeding, unauthorized locations, and idle time infractions then sent directly to fleet managers cell phone or email when a driver breaks company policies. Managers can even have alerts from the GPS Trackers sent directly to your driver for automated management without the need for manager interaction. The entire idea behind our fleet tracking solution is to spend less time trying to find a problem and more time running their business. The primary focus of every business owner is driving cost efficiency, increasing productivity, and creating accountability. GPS tracking technology allows these supervisors to greatly increase each of these aspects. Features of the system

Stolen vehicle recovery: Both consumer and commercial vehicles can be outfitted with RF or GPS units to allow police to do tracking and recovery.

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.

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 directions and add nearby last-minute appointments to itineraries. Benefits include increased productivity, reduced driving time and increased time spent with customers and prospects.

Surveillance: A tracker may be placed on a vehicle to follow the vehicle's movements. Fuel Monitoring: This is another important usage of vehicle tracking to monitor the fuel through tracking device.

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Distance Calculation: This is an important usage of vehicle tracking to calculate the distance travel by the fleet.

Existing online cab services http://www.mearstransportation.com/taxi-services http://www.colombocabs.com http://www.excelcabs.info http://www.lankancabs.lk

Sources related to vehicle tracking systems http://www.trackyourtruck.com http://www.caranddriver.com/features/vehicle-tracking-systems-and-data-recorders-testedgearbox http://www.masternaut.co.uk/vehicle-tracking/vehicle-tracking.aspx http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page http://gps-tracker-review.toptenreviews.com http://mrtracking.com/top-5-gps-tracking-devices-for-car

Research Guides http://www.clientopinions.com/pages/11/Research-Methodology http://www.richmond.gov.uk/research_proposal_guide.pdf The Good Research Guide - for small scale social research projects by, Martyn Denscombe (3rd Edition)

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2.3 Conceptual Framework

Google Maps Find the route Find the distance of two GPS locations

GPS Tracking Devices Provide the location of the cab GPS tracking devices are already connected to cabs Used only for security measures

Proposed GPSbased system

Web Based System This should be integrated to the central system Receives location details from cabs in every 10 minutes Find the route of the journey based on the locations details Find the distance of the route using google maps Embedded programs Developed using Java Installed to the GPS system Sends the location details of the cab to the web based system in every 10 minutes

Figure 2.1: Conceptual Frameworks

2.4 Conclusion This chapter explains the theoretical and conceptual frameworks that were used for the study. Next chapter includes a description on methodologies that was used for collecting relevant information.

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Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction The previous chapter explains the technologies and concepts used by the Kangaroo Cabs. This chapter would give an insight into the methodology that would be followed by us from the solution. 3.2 Research Design Review & critically evaluate the various services currently provided by Kangaroo cabs. Identify drawbacks of the existing system. Identify customer expectations and demands of the Kangaroo Cabs. Identify existing technologies and concepts used by the top players of the global industry. Identify the latest emerging trends & ideas, and see how it could be applied to Kangaroo cabs. 3.3 Study sample The purpose of this study is to increase the profit of Kangaroo cabs by introducing an advanced GPS system to track locations of the cabs. This study facilitates fuel Monitoring, fleet management and distance calculation. In order to do this research, we use two methods of sampling. 1. Probability Sampling 2. Non- Probability Sampling Probability Sampling refers to sampling when the chance of any given individual being selected is known and these individuals are sampled independently of each other. This is also known as random sampling. A researcher can simply use a random number generator to choose participants (known as simple random sampling), or every individual (known as systematic sampling) can be included. Selection of IT group (to gather information randomly selected 5 members out of 15 members of the IT division), selection of vehicle owners (to gather
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expectations we have selected 50 vehicle owners from different province), selection of drivers (to gather journey details we have randomly selected around 50 drivers) were done by using Probability sampling Method. Non-Probability Sampling, or convenience sampling, refers to when researchers take whatever individuals happen to be easiest to access as participants in a study. Non-probability sampling method was used to contact mangers of the company. Three managers were selected to conduct interviews (Financial Manager, IT Manager and Transport Manager). 3.4 Data Collection Methods In this section a brief description of what methods are been planned to be used are described here.

Data Collection Method

Internal Sources

External Sources Eg: journals, web sites, blogs

Primary Data Eg: Interviews, Questionnaires, Observation Secondary Data Eg: Published Sources, Unpublished Sources

3.4.1 Interviews 1. Face to face interviews 1 to 1 interviews with IT group members (five members) and Company Managers ( three Managers) was conducted. These interviews were done to gather vehicle information, performance of the existing system, drawbacks of the system, their expectations etc.

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2. Telephone interviews Telephone interviews were done with selected drivers (around 20) and vehicle owners (50 owners). It is less time consuming.

3.4.2 Questionnaires Questionnaires are used in this research to collect information from some of drivers (around 30) and IT group members (five members).

3.4.3 Observation

Observation was conducted in order to identify the critical areas. Visiting the Kangaroo Cabs during working hours was done to observe and interact with the employees, observe the day to day activities, get up and close view how customers were handled, and see the difficulties if at all faced by the employees.

3.4.4 Published Sources Published sources (official web site of kangaroo cabs, booklets) have been used to collect information about the kangaroo cab service.

3.4.5 Unpublished Sources Required information was collected by going through the company documents and reports (Annual Reports, Financial Reports).

3.4.6 External Sources External sources such as web sites (www.588588.com), blogs, journals and books were used to gather information.

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3.5 Data Analysing methods There are many methods for data analysis. Collected data was analysed using Quantitative Analysis. Quantitative analysis This is the process of presenting and interpreting numerical data. The Results sections of papers including quantitative data analysis often contain descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. But this research is based on inferential statistics. Inferential Statistics:-

Inferential Statistic is the process of drawing conclusions from data that are subject to random variation, for example, observational errors or sampling variation. A set of measurements can almost always be regarded as measurements on a sample of items from a population of these items, as it is usually impractical or impossible to measure every item in the population. Thus we have to make inferences about the population from the sample. This can only be true if the sample is representative of the population, and even then the sample is very unlikely to reflect the population exactly in all respects. That is, there is uncertainty as to how well the sample results reflect the population. Statistical methods have been developed to reduce and quantify this uncertainty. Estimation:Samples of each group have been selected in order to represent the groups requirements and ideas as a whole.

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Chapter 4
RESEARCH FINDINGS
4.1 Introduction The previous chapter explains the methodologies used for collecting relevant information in order to carry out the project. This chapter includes an analysis on research findings.

4.2 Results and analysis 90% of the selected members of the IT department provided a positive feedback for the proposed system while another 10% complained about technological barriers. Out of 50 cab drivers, the feedback of 25% was positive and another 65% refrained from providing a particular answer and yet another 10% stated the difficulties of shifting to a new system. Analysis of the cab owners feedback showed that 60% of the sample has provided a positive feedback for the proposed system while 35% could not provide a particular feedback due to poor knowledge on the technology and another 5% stated that they are satisfied with the existing system.
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 IT Staff Cab Drivers Cab Owners Positive Neutral Negative

Figure 4.1: Quantitative Analysis

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4.3 Research Findings According to gathered information, we have indentified their existing vehicle tracking system dont have location tracking facility and some drivers are taking advantage of that situation. Existing system give less attention for some most critical areas like fleet management, distance calculation etc. Because of that drivers can cheat the company with current situation. Vehicle owners are satisfied with their benefits. But they are more likely to have a alert system with vehicle location. Most of the customers satisfied with kangaroo cabs service and they willing to have improvements of the company. In order to earn profits, management of the company like to have a advance vehicle tracking system with location tracking facility, fleet management and proper distance calculation method.

4.4 Conclusion This chapter briefly described the results of the analysis and the research findings. The next chapter will be about the design methodologies that are adopted to design the identified solution.

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Chapter 5
SYSTEM DESIGN
5.1 Introduction Previous chapter described the results of the analysis and the research findings. This chapter is about the design methodologies that are adopted to design the identified solution.

5.2 Design Methodology The system design is to be done using System Charts, ER Diagrams, Data Flow Diagrams and other UML Diagrams (Class Diagrams, Activity Diagrams). Smart Draw software will be used to draw System Charts and Data Flow Diagrams while ER Diagrams and other UML diagrams will be drawn using Microsoft Vision 2010.

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References
1. About Kangaroo cabs. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.2588588.com/index.php [Accessed 10th November 2013]. 2. About Kangaroo Group of Companies. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.shanaka.net/kangaroocabs.com. [Accessed 10th November 2013]. 3. Products of STARCOM Systems. [ONLINE] Available at: www.starcomsystems.com/products. [Accessed 10th November 2013]. 4. Products of Advanced Tracking Technologies. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.advantrack.com/index.php/software. [Accessed 10th November 2013].

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