GPS distie claims it’s not ‘Big Brother’

The product, created by PhantomEye, uses satellite tracking, Google Earth and reports via Telstra’s Next G network to provide small businesses with online time, attendance and activity records of company vehicles.

Graham Thomas, owner of Queensland-based Gofinder told CRN it has repackaged the device as Gofinder Reporter.

“We have been selling tracking devices for around six years and we have had more and more inquiries from employers who believe they are being taken advantage of by employees,” he said.

Thomas said he has been questioned about the product by civil libertarians and the national media, including radio personality, Derryn Hinch.

“All I have done is distribute a product which gives information to employers about how company vehicles are being used.”

“I have explained the product is legitimate in helping employers track company vehicle,” he said.

According to Thomas the use of the tracking device is no different from employers using CCTV cameras to make sure they weren’t being cheated by employees.

Thomas claimed with rising fuel costs, small businesses were knuckling down and monitoring company vehicle use far more carefully.

“They are no longer turning a blind eye to employee misuse in areas of real concern, including; employee home visits; failure to make sales or service calls; moonlighting on weekends for ‘cash’ business; falsifying overtime claim; speeding; and vehicle abuse.”

He said the distributor currently has 100 dealers, including car audio resellers and security surveillance resellers on Gofinder’s books.

“We want to widen the distribution and have had interest from IT resellers. Those resellers already have an existing customer base they can sell too,” said Thomas.

He said the product costs around $650, with customers also paying $1.50 per day for subscription to a Web report.

“Resellers can make 30-40 percent trailing commission, with added commission based on the number of subscribers they sign up,” he said.