OpenGTS

OpenGTS is an open-source web system for tracking vehicles and other remote assets through GPS and telemetry. It will suit organizations with the technical capacity to run a Java and SQL deployment and connect their devices. Its flexible reporting, maps, geofences, and account controls are substantial strengths; device integration and self-hosting make it a poor fit for teams seeking a ready-to-use service.

Overview

OpenGTS collects and stores GPS and telemetry data from remote devices. Its uses span commercial fleets such as taxis and delivery vehicles, as well as equipment, ships, and personal tracking. The installation manual centers on small and medium-sized commercial enterprises while allowing for larger deployments. That flexibility is useful, but it comes with infrastructure to operate: OpenGTS uses Java and an SQL database, with its web interface and HTTP device servers running in a servlet container such as Apache Tomcat.

Key features

• Location and telemetry: Live vehicle location, diagnostics, sensor monitoring, and driver behaviour insights extend its use beyond viewing positions. These capabilities depend on getting compatible devices communicating with the server.
• Device support: Included protocols cover several trackers and phone-tracking options, and custom devices can be added through an example communication server. Each device needs a supported communication server, so configuring or implementing its protocol can add meaningful work before a fleet is usable.
• Maps and reports: Mapping options include OpenLayers with OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, Microsoft Virtual Earth, and Mapstraction. An XML-based reporting engine supports customizable historical detail and summary reports for individual vehicles or fleets, giving organizations room to tailor operational views.
• Geofences: Configured areas can generate arrival and departure events in reports, and their names can appear as addresses. This can make location history more meaningful for fleets that track activity at defined sites.
• Account access: Multiple users can share an account with individual passwords and controlled access to account sections. That is useful for organizations with different users who should not all see or manage the same parts of the system.
• Customization and guidance: The web presentation, menus, and features can be customized. Installation and configuration documentation, a tutorial, user guide, FAQ, and JavaDocs support that work, though they do not remove the need to manage the deployment and device protocols.

Pricing

OpenGTS is free and open source under the Apache License version 2, which permits it to be downloaded and distributed under that license. There are no paid tiers to compare; the practical cost is the infrastructure and technical work needed to run it and connect devices. It requires an SQL database server and a servlet container, and protocol setup may require configuration or implementation for each device type.

Platforms

OpenGTS is web-based and self-hosted, and is written in Java. Its documentation describes operation on systems that support its required technologies, including Linux, Mac OS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Solaris, and Windows. Android is included among the listed platforms, and phone-tracking options are supported. Its homepage identifies version 2.6.7 as a release dated February 20, 2020.

Who it's for

OpenGTS is strongest for small and medium-sized commercial fleets with people able to provide an SQL database, configure a servlet container, and handle device communication protocols. Its account controls and customizable fleet reports can also support larger deployments, which the manual says it can scale to. Organizations tracking equipment, ships, or personal devices may find the broader use cases relevant, but should first confirm their device protocol can be supported.

It is a weaker fit for a business that needs a hosted service with little setup, or that cannot take responsibility for device integration. The software is free, but those teams may find the implementation burden outweighs the license savings.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free and distributed under Apache License version 2, with no paid plan tiers.
• Pros: Customizable reports, several mapping options, and geofence arrival and departure events support varied fleet workflows.
• Pros: Multiple account users can have individual passwords and controlled access to sections.
• Cons: It requires a Java and SQL-based self-hosted deployment, including a servlet container such as Apache Tomcat.
• Cons: Device onboarding depends on supported communication servers, and some protocols may need configuration or implementation.
• Cons: Its homepage lists version 2.6.7, dated February 20, 2020, so readers should weigh that release information when considering deployment.

Alternatives

For teams seeking a free hosted tracking option, Traccar offers a free plan and a Tracking Account at $9.95 a month, with a single user, a selected device limit, and default server configuration. Its account and device terms may suit a smaller setup, while OpenGTS is the better fit for teams that want self-hosted control and customizable reports.

Motive has a free Workforce Management tier with timecards, payroll integrations, integrated coaching, driver walkthroughs, and limited qualification documents; choose it when those workforce tools are the priority. GoFleet offers customized pricing with an estimate that requires contacting the provider, making it an option for buyers who want a tailored quote.

GPSWOX offers paid plans, including Lite at $2.99 a month billed yearly for one object and Basic at $9.97 a month billed yearly for one to five objects; those object-based plans may suit buyers comparing a paid service with defined fleet-size tiers. Navixy uses custom product-based and usage-based pricing tailored to services and tracked business units, for organizations seeking a tailored commercial arrangement.

Verizon Connect offers customizable GPS fleet tracking solutions with pricing by request. Fleetsu provides a personalized quote based on vehicles, fleet size, and features. GPS Insight also uses personalized quotes based on the solution and fleet requirements. These are options for readers who want to seek a provider-specific quote.

Browse the Fleet Telematics Software category to compare more options.

Verdict

Choose OpenGTS if you need a free, self-hosted fleet tracking system and have the technical resources to run its database and server stack and connect your devices. Its configurable reporting, geofences, and multi-user account access make it adaptable to varied fleet operations. Look elsewhere if you need a turnkey hosted service or cannot absorb the work of device protocol setup.