Sensor-based alerts are more useful when they report not only a change of state but also how long a condition remained active. This ALTAGAMA GPS update adds alerts for continuous and accumulated sensor time, daily SMS limits, alphabetically sorted location attributes, and a correction for sending default commands that include the device identifier.
These functions help control notification volume and turn signals transmitted by a GPS tracker into more precise operational rules.
Alerts based on sensor activity time
A compatible device can transmit sensor or input states associated with conditions in a vehicle, machine, or other asset. ALTAGAMA GPS can now create alerts that evaluate how long one of those sensors remains active.
The update provides two evaluation methods:
- Continuous time: the alert is generated when the sensor remains active without interruption for the configured duration.
- Accumulated time: the alert considers active time accumulated for the evaluated condition, even when it does not belong to one continuous period.
This distinction lets teams match the rule to the real situation. One operation may need to know that an input remained active too long without interruption, while another needs to control total accumulated use during the available evaluation.
Practical uses for sensor-time alerts
- Detect a state that remains active longer than expected.
- Supervise accumulated use of auxiliary equipment when the tracker transmits that signal.
- Create a preventive review based on activity hours recorded by a sensor.
- Distinguish normal short activations from a prolonged condition that needs attention.
Interpretation depends on how the sensor is wired and configured. Before using an alert for an important decision, the installer should verify what the active state represents, confirm that the device transmits it correctly, and test the timing with known events. ALTAGAMA GPS evaluates received data; it cannot independently determine whether the physical signal or installation is correct.
Daily limits for SMS messages
ALTAGAMA GPS can use text messages for compatible notification and device communication functions. Users can now set a maximum daily quantity of SMS messages globally and apply individual limits to a user or device.
This combination provides general control and flexibility. A company can define an account-wide policy and adjust a separate limit for a user who handles alerts or a tracker that requires a different volume.
- Help control text message usage.
- Prevent a recurring event from producing an unexpected number of SMS messages.
- Allocate usage according to the priority of users and devices.
- Make room to review a problematic configuration before messages continue.
After a limit is reached, an SMS notification may no longer be sent even if the operational condition continues. The quota should therefore match the criticality of the process and be complemented by other available channels. Limiting messages does not correct a poorly configured alert or a repetitive device signal.
Location attributes in alphabetical order
Attributes for the current location are now displayed alphabetically. These attributes contain additional information received or calculated for a position, depending on the protocol and capabilities of the tracker.
The predictable order makes it easier to locate a specific reading, compare communications, and find information during technical investigation. An integrator can search for a sensor or attribute name without scanning a list whose order changes.
Default commands with a device identifier
This release corrected an issue when sending default commands whose text included the device identifier. ALTAGAMA GPS can use compatible commands to request information or modify a tracker function supported by its manufacturer; in some formats, the device identity is part of the instruction.
The correction allows this type of command to be constructed and sent according to its intended template. Before use, technicians should verify the model, protocol, identifier, delivery channel, and expected result. A correctly sent command can still be rejected when the tracker does not support it or has a different configuration.
Real-world application
A company installs a compatible tracker on equipment that transmits the state of an auxiliary input. It creates a continuous-time alert for an activation that exceeds the permitted duration and an accumulated-time rule to determine when total use requires inspection.
The administrator also sets a global SMS limit and an individual quota for the device. To investigate an event, the user opens the current location, finds the alphabetically sorted attributes, and confirms the transmitted state. An integrator can then use a validated default command even when its format requires the tracker identifier.
Technical summary for users and integrators
- Alerts available for continuous active sensor time.
- Alerts available for accumulated sensor activity time.
- Daily SMS quotas configurable globally and individually for users or devices.
- Current-location attributes displayed alphabetically.
- Correction for default commands that incorporate the device identifier.
- Sensor and command functions depend on the model, protocol, installation, and transmitted data.
ALTAGAMA GPS combines GPS tracking, alerts, sensors, maps, history, statistics, and device management to help supervise vehicles, people, and assets. Explore ALTAGAMA GPS plans and features to review the capabilities currently available.