Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Unearthed
Getting started
Unearthed is a telematics and asset-tracking platform that helps you track vehicles and equipment in real time, view trip history, set geofence alerts, and run operational reports—all from one dashboard.
Common examples include: - Vehicles (cars, vans, trucks) - Trailers and containers - Heavy equipment (skid steers, excavators, lifts) - Generators, compressors, and other high-value assets - Tools and mobile equipment (with the right tracker type)
Most customers are up and running the same day: 1) Add your device(s) 2) Assign them to a vehicle/asset 3) Verify location + configure alerts
Unearthed works with many tracker types. Your best choice depends on what you are tracking (vehicle vs. trailer vs. equipment) and whether you have constant power available.
Devices & installation
Common options include: - Hardwired GPS trackers (best for vehicles and powered equipment) - OBD-II plug-in devices (fast install for compatible vehicles) - Battery-powered asset trackers (great for trailers/containers; update rate varies) - Wireless beacons/sensors (optional, for temperature/door status/etc., if supported)
A quick guide: - Hardwired: most reliable, frequent updates, supports more event data - OBD-II: fastest install, good for light-duty vehicles (device availability varies) - Battery-powered: ideal for trailers/assets without constant power; typically less frequent updates to conserve battery
Not always. OBD-II is typically DIY. Hardwired installs may be DIY for experienced installers or handled by a professional for best results.
Properly configured devices minimize battery impact. Hardwired/OBD devices are designed for vehicle power systems; battery-powered devices manage update frequency to extend life.
Yes. You can reassign a device in the platform. If the device is hardwired, you will need to physically move it.
Tracking & data
Update frequency depends on: - Device configuration (e.g., every 10–60 seconds vs. every few minutes) - Cell coverage / GPS visibility - Power/battery settings (battery trackers update less frequently)
Common causes: - Poor cell coverage - Device sleeping to preserve battery - GPS signal obstruction (parking garage, dense buildings) - Device configuration (less frequent update intervals)
Depending on the tracker and configuration: - Speed - Ignition on/off - Trips, stops, idle time - Harsh events (braking/acceleration/cornering) if supported by device - External sensors (temperature, door, PTO, etc.) if supported
It depends on device and SIM coverage. If you operate outside your primary region, talk to support about device/SIM options.
Alerts & geofences
Common alerts include: - Geofence entry/exit - After-hours movement - Ignition on/off - Speeding - Excessive idling - Low battery (for battery-powered trackers) (Availability depends on device type.)
A geofence is a virtual boundary you draw on the map (yard, job site, customer location). Unearthed can alert you when an asset enters/exits.
Yes. Many customers create geofences for: - Depots/yards - Customer locations - Job sites - High-risk areas (e.g., storage lots)
Yes—set notification rules by time windows and days (for example, weekdays 6pm–6am + weekends).
Alerts can be delivered via platform notifications and (optionally) email/SMS depending on your configuration and plan.
Maps, history & playback
Yes. Unearthed can show trips, stops, and routes over a selected date range, including a playback-style view when available.
History retention depends on your plan and system configuration. If you need longer retention for auditing or seasonal reporting, ask about options.
Many teams use secure, time-limited links for delivery/ETA updates. Availability depends on configuration and your workflow requirements.
Reporting & exports
Common reports include: - Activity summary (miles/hours, trips, stops) - Idle time and utilization - Exceptions (speeding, after-hours movement) - Geofence activity - Asset status overview
Yes—most reporting workflows support export (exact options vary by report).
If your plan supports it, you can automate delivery of daily/weekly summaries to your team.
Users, roles & permissions
Yes. Add users for dispatch, managers, and admins.
Yes. You can control access so users only see what they need (for example, restricting certain teams to specific assets).
Yes—typical setups segment assets by: - Team or department - Region/yard - Customer account (for multi-tenant use)
Integrations & APIs
Many telematics workflows support API access for integrations. If you need CRM, ERP, or custom dashboard integration, ask about available endpoints and authentication.
Often yes, depending on your tools and requirements (webhooks, exports, or API integration).
Bulk import is commonly supported via CSV (exact fields depend on your setup). Contact support if you have hundreds/thousands of assets.
Billing & plans
Plans vary (month-to-month or term). If you need a pilot first, ask about a trial or proof-of-concept option.
Yes—most customers start with a subset of fleet/assets and expand after seeing results.
You will see the last known location and last update time. You can also configure offline alerts.
Security, privacy & compliance
Best practices typically include encrypted connections in transit, access controls, and logging. Your exact setup may depend on hosting and configuration.
In most business telematics arrangements, the customer owns their operational data. If you have specific contractual requirements, contact support.
Many setups include activity logs for accountability (e.g., user actions, changes, and event history), depending on configuration.
Troubleshooting
Try these steps: 1) Confirm the device has power (or battery) 2) Move it outdoors for clear GPS signal 3) Verify cell coverage in that area 4) Check the device assignment in the dashboard 5) Look for "last updated" timestamp and status indicators
Possible causes: - Weak GPS signal (indoors/urban canyon) - Multi-path reflections near tall buildings - Device antenna placement (for hardwired devices) - Temporary cell/GPS acquisition delays
- Confirm the alert rule is enabled and correctly configured - Verify notification recipients (email/phone) - Check spam filters (for email alerts) - Ensure the asset is actually generating the event (e.g., ignition available on that device type)
With the right tracker and configuration, you can detect movement events (especially for trailers/assets). Exact behavior depends on device capabilities and settings.
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