Not all mileage trackers are created equally

August 21, 2019

Many mileage trackers out on the market offer similar features. Some even do your laundry.

Sadly they don't but wouldn’t it be cool if they did?

Mileage trackers generally fall into these categories ...

Everything but the kitchen sink

I’m talking about those mileage trackers that not only come with a mobile app – but an actual device you insert into your vehicle called an OBD, short for onboard diagnostics. OBD’s range from $25 all the way up to $100.

That’s not including the time spent trying to install the device in your vehicle either.

To top it off – can you imagine having to tell your staff that just to track and log their mileage they have to install a “device” in their car?

I don’t think so. —

Requires a GPS running all the time

GPS (global positioning system) is amazing. I couldn’t imagine a world without it. Unfortunately it’s not foolproof. Stuck in an area where there isn't a line of sight to your mobile device? Then you’re sort of out of luck.

Some solutions require a mobile device with a GPS running all the time to accurately track mileage. I’ve got two words for you – low battery.

If you’ve got a decent smartphone it’ll disable GPS and pretty much run in bare minimum mode so you can at the very least make a phone call or three.

So much for accurate mileage tracking.

—

Uses a hybrid of cell tower location and GPS

Some of these mileage trackers use the combination of both GPS and the closest cell tower you’re located near, to track mileage. Beyond this being the ultimate privacy killer – your accuracy will vary.

Some of the mileage trackers use nearby WIFI (open/public WIFI) to also determine location.

Not particularly comforting especially if we’re shooting for data privacy here. —

Uses calendar location data with Google and Bing Maps

Bonus points for not requiring any funky hardware to install in your car or relying on a stable GPS signal. Accuracy is excellent as well. Unfortunately most of these scheduling solutions rely heavily on Google and Bing Maps to calculate mileage and drive time.

Neither of those services are HIPAA compliant and you run the risk of exposing your PHI to advertisers and companies that purchase this data.

Don’t take my word for it. Read Google Maps terms of service – section 3.2.2. —

Uses calendar location data with a private mapping engine

The only way to be sure that your client PHI (address data) isn’t being leaked is to rely on a HIPAA compliant mileage tracker that uses a private mapping engine where none of your data is sold,copied or transmitted to the public – ever.

— MileLogix is a HIPAA compliant, calendar based mileage tracker that uses a private mapping engine to calculate mileage and drive time.

Interested in trying it out?