Work PDAs

Doom

Hi, looks like the company I work for maybe introducing PDAs to mobile workers as a data tool (more than likely a time keeping tool as well ) I'm concerned about the type and amount of data these systems gather i.e. can the GPS data be disabled while I'm on my own private time, does it gather info while switched off....? Thanks

Also, If you use them, how do you find it? Is there any restrictions build in? What does your company use the data for?

Doom

Bump....anyone?

F1ngers

What did your company say when you asked them?

Doom

F1ngers wrote: »

What did your company say when you asked them?

They have not been too helpful, saying they only have basic info on the device, saying its currently been tested with our systems!

Bogger77

get one of these, it'll block GPS and mobile signals so that your pda has nothing to track or log

it will kill the battery too, as the device tries to get signal, but would be handy if you didnt trust the device not to track while turned off

Doom

Thanks...but the idea is to not agree to use it full stop or get restrictions built in.

Dinkie

We have PDA's. They eventually decided not to use the GPS on them. At least I don't think they use it.

I believe legally you must be able to disable the GPS during private time.

Personally, I like the PDA's. We all do in my company. We use them for logging jobs, emails, etc. They are quick, modern and can also be used to surf the internet

I don't mind what information the company takes from my PDA. Likewise I wouldn't mind if the GPS was enabled on the phone (talking to others from the company they are the same). I do look up facebook on the phone. I do check personal email and I do use the phone for personal calls.

But I never diss work, colleagues or customers. The odd time I get my hair cut or I meet a friend for coffee on work time, but I work long hours and I work hard. So why should I mind what data work collects? If you do your job effectively and efficiently there should be no issues. That is my opinion anyway.

Doom

@Dinkie, Surfing the net and on Facebook would be a no, no with my work,
Out of interest why would you want gps as it's very little use to you in work, generally its management wanting to know you location...btw I do my job well and efficiently too, along with long hours, I still see it as an invasion of my privacy, and people are entitled to some privacy during work too.

Mr. Loverman

Doom wrote: »

I do my job well and efficiently too, along with long hours, I still see it as an invasion of my privacy, and people are entitled to some privacy during work too.

If you put up a fuss your employer may think your issue is that you're a dosser and you'll be found out if you use one of these devices.

If I were you I would just agree to the device. Your employer doesn't care about your uninteresting private life.

Doom

Ha ha, Mr Loverman you have been in Beijing too long, you sound like a Communist. As for my life been uninteresting, if you only knew me.....

Dinkie

Doom wrote: »

@Dinkie, Surfing the net and on Facebook would be a no, no with my work,
Out of interest why would you want gps as it's very little use to you in work, generally its management wanting to know you location...btw I do my job well and efficiently too, along with long hours, I still see it as an invasion of my privacy, and people are entitled to some privacy during work too.

You poor thing!! I'd be lost without facebook, when waiting around for work to finish I have a lot of waiting around to do.

Its not that I want it, it doesn't bother me either way. In other countries, my company uses GPS for the engineers simply to see who is nearest the next job. Nothing else. Although, I believe a couple of time wasters have been caught by it also. But thats fine by me.

wildefalcon

If in doubt, put it in a tin box - that should stop it from tracking you.

Rossin

just turn it off when you're finished work


we use them at work to stop people clocking in from their bedroom or picking the kids up from school when they're supposed to be visiting a client etc etc

Doom

I'm truly shocked by how many of you are willing to agree to this technology tracking you at work, I think these devices are a tool for weak managers/ management who cannot manage their employees because;
1) they are not properly trained/ no suitable skills,
2) do not have a backbone to deal with problem employees
3) have no knowledge of employment law or rights
4) most are appointed to management because they are family or buddies with the owner.

I think those of you on here who are employees who are saying they don't have a an issue using them are bull****ters and talking tough;) and you either have joined a company where the device is all ready in use or never stood you for yourselves when they were rolled out. I've seen your like before as I was a union shop steward for a number of years.

I've done my homework with queries to the Data Commissioner and and unions and I can tell you that they cannot use these devices too easily, companies have to have appropriate reasons and the use of this data has to be for legitimate reasons, not to "catch you out" unless of course you are a soft employee like some of you lads here:rolleyes:

Doom

wildefalcon wrote: »

If in doubt, put it in a tin box - that should stop it from tracking you.

Unfortunately that is not true, the plan is not to agree to this device at all.....people power, everybody say No! Simple....

Doom

Rossin wrote: »

just turn it off when you're finished work


we use them at work to stop people clocking in from their bedroom or picking the kids up from school when they're supposed to be visiting a client etc etc

The reason lads do this is generally bad management, surely his workload would indicate he is not at work

Doom

Dinkie wrote: »

You poor thing!! I'd be lost without facebook, when waiting around for work to finish I have a lot of waiting around to do.

Its not that I want it, it doesn't bother me either way. In other countries, my company uses GPS for the engineers simply to see who is nearest the next job. Nothing else. Although, I believe a couple of time wasters have been caught by it also. But thats fine by me.

I have a 'Real life' with 'real people' I can actually talk to in person........you sound very immature, appropriate user name too.

Dinkie

Doom wrote: »

I'm truly shocked by how many of you are willing to agree to this technology tracking you at work, I think these devices are a tool for weak managers/ management who cannot manage their employees because;
1) they are not properly trained/ no suitable skills,
2) do not have a backbone to deal with problem employees
3) have no knowledge of employment law or rights
4) most are appointed to management because they are family or buddies with the owner.

I think those of you on here who are employees who are saying they don't have a an issue using them are bull****ters and talking tough;) and you either have joined a company where the device is all ready in use or never stood you for yourselves when they were rolled out. I've seen your like before as I was a union shop steward for a number of years.

I've done my homework with queries to the Data Commissioner and and unions and I can tell you that they cannot use these devices too easily, companies have to have appropriate reasons and the use of this data has to be for legitimate reasons, not to "catch you out" unless of course you are a soft employee like some of you lads here:rolleyes:

Can i ask - did you start this thread to troll? Apologies for taking the time to reply then. I thought you were looking for genuine opinions.

Being a trade union what ever, I'm starting to wonder if you were only looking for 1 opinion - oposition to it. Also your arguments are unsubstianted seeing as you don't know me or where I work.

No. They cannot use these devices easily. And we did check it out. When we were in Cork city one day, the GPS thought we were in mallow.

And I was already in the company when the GPS idea was discussed. Like I said, I don't know if it was implemented. Its on the phone, but last I heard they weren't operating the system.

And I am assertive at work. And fight my own battles. I wouldn't be in my job if I wasn't able to do this. Being one of very few women in an entirely male dominated industry you get good at standing your ground and fighting battles.

Good luck with your new PDA / GPS systems if they get implemented. Which they will. Its the way all companies are going at the moment.

Doom

Dinkie wrote: »

Can i ask - did you start this thread to troll? Apologies for taking the time to reply then. I thought you were looking for genuine opinions.

Being a trade union what ever, I'm starting to wonder if you were only looking for 1 opinion - oposition to it. Also your arguments are unsubstianted seeing as you don't know me or where I work.

No. They cannot use these devices easily. And we did check it out. When we were in Cork city one day, the GPS thought we were in mallow.

And I was already in the company when the GPS idea was discussed. Like I said, I don't know if it was implemented. Its on the phone, but last I heard they weren't operating the system.

And I am assertive at work. And fight my own battles. I wouldn't be in my job if I wasn't able to do this. Being one of very few women in an entirely male dominated industry you get good at standing your ground and fighting battles.

Good luck with your new PDA / GPS systems if they get implemented. Which they will. Its the way all companies are going at the moment.

Not trolling, you just come across as immature, reasons are from some of your posts like below....
'I'd be lost without facebook, when waiting around for work to finish I have a lot of waiting around to do'
' Being a trade union what ever'

And ill informed, reasons below.....
'At least I don't think they use it'
'I don't mind what information the company takes from my PDA'
' why should I mind what data work collects?'

You should really be concerned, as the economy slips into deeper recession,
your company may well use your Facebook use, hair cuts and internet use at work to sack you down the line....

seaniefr

Dinkie wrote: »

Can i ask - did you start this thread to troll? Apologies for taking the time to reply then. I thought you were looking for genuine opinions.

Being a trade union what ever, I'm starting to wonder if you were only looking for 1 opinion - oposition to it. Also your arguments are unsubstianted seeing as you don't know me or where I work.

No. They cannot use these devices easily. And we did check it out. When we were in Cork city one day, the GPS thought we were in mallow.

And I was already in the company when the GPS idea was discussed. Like I said, I don't know if it was implemented. Its on the phone, but last I heard they weren't operating the system.
Also the bit about the GPS not being accurate--utter hogwash. Get someone to try an Iphone or whatever smartphone/pda you have and look at the latest incarnation of google maps these days....it absolutely scary how accurate they can be-literally to within a metre.....

And I am assertive at work. And fight my own battles. I wouldn't be in my job if I wasn't able to do this. Being one of very few women in an entirely male dominated industry you get good at standing your ground and fighting battles.

Good luck with your new PDA / GPS systems if they get implemented. Which they will. Its the way all companies are going at the moment.

On that subject.......
I for one have worked with tracking devices fitted in vans and i can honestly tell you it is not helpful. My company always got their working week from me -i never shirked or hid from my work and always worked over the hours that i got paid for-but it just gets abused by management. You are really better off avoiding them altogether or at least having the option to disable them if you can prove that they have no good reason for monitoring your time on the job. The main reason that some multi-nationals are bringing them in is so you can be monitored from outside the country and they can then dispense with local management or put them doing something else. As for those of you that are happy 'using Facebook' or 'fighting your own battles' beware, every time you log on to FB or use the web for anything other than work you are compiling a lot of useful ammo for someone to use against you and it doesnt matter how far up the bosses rear end you are or how useful/valuable you think you are to said company, the boss can be replaced and so can you! The name of todays HR game is especially with the ruthless breed of multi's around today is no payouts..........and that bit about the GPS telling someone they were in Mallow when they were in Cork....utter rubbish!-that must have been Apple maps. I have Apple maps & google maps used over 3G and Google maps is accurate to within half a metre.........

Rossin

Doom wrote: »

The reason lads do this is generally bad management, surely his workload would indicate he is not at work

yep, agreed

Mrs OBumble

There can be operational benefits (have you noticed the way bigger taxi-firms now do dispatching, meaning you get the closest car not the one the dispatcher like most).

But there are also some very good health-and-safety reasons why companies might want to use GPS-tracking with a mobile workforce. Not going into details here 'cos employee safety is involved. But with a little imagination you should work it out.

Agree that there can be disadvantages, and privacy issues in non-work time. But sometimes they're worth the benefits.



OP, if you came here to discuss, then that is fine. But if you just came to diss anyone who doesn't agree with you, then I'm not sure it counts as discussion, and in that case the thread should probably close. Your call.

Doom

Please let the thread run, I will refrain from 'dissing'

Doom

So, has anyone experience of tackling this issue with their company, would you share the story, thanks.
I in turn will keep you updated of my situation...

Rossin

whats the harm in them knowing where you are when you're just going about your job? obviously turn it off when you're finished work if you're afraid they might check where you are in your free time(why would anyone do that!?)

seaniefr

Rossin wrote: »

whats the harm in them knowing where you are when you're just going about your job? obviously turn it off when you're finished work if you're afraid they might check where you are in your free time(why would anyone do that!?)

Business /private mileage?

Doom

Why...its simple my privacy is my right, even at work, I've been promoted numerous times in different companies for my hard work, I don't need a computer sitting on my shoulder 8 hrs a day to keep a donkey in a job somewhere....

Mr. Loverman

Doom wrote: »

Why...its simple my privacy is my right, even at work, I've been promoted numerous times in different companies for my hard work, I don't need a computer sitting on my shoulder 8 hrs a day to keep a donkey in a job somewhere....

Why does it bother you so much?

What are you afraid of?

Doom

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

Why does it bother you so much?

What are you afraid of?

Mr loverman, have you anything worth adding to the discussion, instead of putting up already answered questions :rolleyes:

Doom

OK...this is for you lot who are too lazy to read previous posts, I have already expressed my reasons for not wanting or liking this technology....so read them before asking the same questions over again

collie0708

Doom wrote: »

OK...this is for you lot who are too lazy to read previous posts, I have already expressed my reasons for not wanting or liking this technology....so read them before asking the same questions over again

I work in management to a large company that uses GPS on is fleet of vehicles and PDA... My experience is that no one cares about the GPS locations people are at unless a client has a issue and even then we just ring our driver. I think maybe you are a little paranoid or are unfortunate to have a bad employer.
Ps GPS mode can be disabled on all PDA s...

Mrs OBumble

Doom wrote: »

Why...its simple my privacy is my right, even at work.

Apart from when you're in the tiolet, I'm not sure that you have any right to privacy at work. Your manager has a right and responsiblity to be aware of what you're doing and where you are - after all, they're paying for your time and efforts.

Doom

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Apart from when you're in the tiolet, I'm not sure that you have any right to privacy at work. Your manager has a right and responsiblity to be aware of what you're doing and where you are - after all, they're paying for your time and efforts.

Do your homework before you make incorrect statements please , you have a reasonable right to privacy at work....

From the data commissioner;

While employees have a legitimate expectation of privacy in the workplace, this right must be balanced with the rights and interests of the employer. (In particular, the employer's right to run their business efficiently and above all, to protect themselves from any liability or harm an employee's actions may create.) While a monitoring policy may be considered convenient to service the employer's interests, it must be clear that the employer's interest cannot justify an intrusion on an employee's privacy.

Mrs OBumble

And does the data commissioner go on to outline what exact right to privacy you have at work? Feel free to quote, or even better link to, their published statement.

The way I see it, that phrase "to protect themselves from any liability or harm an employee's actions may create" is pretty wide. I'd certainly take it as meaning they have a right to know where you are at all times, and to monitor that the place where you are is the place where you're supposed to be.

Doom

That piece above is from the Data commissioner website, it does not say 'exact' anywhere but it does say 'balanced' which is open to both employees and employers, so therefore an employer wanting to track me every second of my workday is not balanced in my opinion.....

And this is also from the website;
'it must be clear that the employer's interest cannot justify an intrusion on an employee's privacy'

So an employer does not have absolute rights on this...

Mr. Loverman

I think there's something you're not telling us. Your opinion on this topic is too strong.

Regardless, if you communicate with your employer the way you are communicating here, she will think you have a very bad attitude and are trying to hide something.

Doom

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

I think there's something you're not telling us. Your opinion on this topic is too strong.

Regardless, if you communicate with your employer the way you are communicating here, she will think you have a very bad attitude and are trying to hide something.

Your post is very funny...if you weren't been serious, why would I have something to hide? I like my job and do it well.
Also my attitude....you don't know me, therefore you cannot judge my attitude. I simply am a firm believer in my rights as a person and employee.
Why do you presume my boss is female?

Mr. Loverman

Doom wrote: »

Your post is very funny...if you weren't been serious, why would I have something to hide? I like my job and do it well.
Also my attitude....you don't know me, therefore you cannot judge my attitude. I simply am a firm believer in my rights as a person and employee.
Why do you presume my boss is female?

Your posts here tell me a lot about your attitude. Insults, etc.

I used the word "she" when talking about your boss because I had to say either she or he, and I chose to say she. It's just a personal preference of mine.

donkey balls

Have to say most companies that I have worked for have the company trucks fitted with GPS/on board PDA etc and no one seems to have a problem with them.

Gatling

Also just because you turn off the GPS on a device ,doesn't mean it isn't been still been tracked ,

Doom

Gatling wrote: »

Also just because you turn off the GPS on a device ,doesn't mean it isn't been still been tracked ,

Exactly, newer PDAs use various methods, 3G, Background systems triangulating device with 3G masts.

Doom

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

Your posts here tell me a lot about your attitude. Insults, etc.

I used the word "she" when talking about your boss because I had to say either she or he, and I chose to say she. It's just a personal preference of mine.

Well you could have used 'Your' or 'they' instead
'Your boss will think you have a very bad attitude and are trying to hide something' or
' they will think you have a very bad attitude and are trying to hide something'

Anyway if my Communist comment hurt your feelings I'm sorry...and Mr. Loverman you have also (poorly) attempted to insult me too.

This thread was started to get some advice about the use, restrictions, experience and type of data collected by companies, so if people don't mind I would like it to get back on track, as I've answered my reasons for not wanting or liking this system.

Doom

donkey balls wrote: »

Have to say most companies that I have worked for have the company trucks fitted with GPS/on board PDA etc and no one seems to have a problem with them.

Thanks, did they give you any info on what the data was been collected for etc, I assume it was to help use the nearest truck, delivery times etc....They have to tell you by law if they use it it for anything else.

Doom

collie0708 wrote: »

I work in management to a large company that uses GPS on is fleet of vehicles and PDA... My experience is that no one cares about the GPS locations people are at unless a client has a issue and even then we just ring our driver. I think maybe you are a little paranoid or are unfortunate to have a bad employer.
Ps GPS mode can be disabled on all PDA s...

Have you got a company info pack on this system if an employee wanted to know what the collected data was used for....i.e. employee guidance on use of GPS/ PDAs.