Geotab’s GO devices are the foundation of modern fleet telematics, capturing the real-time data organizations need to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize operations. The effectiveness of that technology depends entirely on the quality of its installation. Orbital Installation Technologies is a certified, nationwide Geotab installer with the expertise to deploy GO devices across fleets of any size, vehicle type, and operational complexity.
What Professional Geotab Installation Enables
A properly installed Geotab GO device delivers far more than vehicle location. Accurate, certified installation enables the full range of the platform’s capabilities:
- Real-time GPS tracking: Precise vehicle location and movement data across the entire fleet
- Driver behavior monitoring: Identification of harsh braking, speeding, and distracted driving events
- Engine diagnostics and fault codes: Proactive visibility into maintenance needs before failures occur
- Fuel consumption data: Fleet-wide efficiency benchmarking and waste reduction
- HOS/ELD compliance: Fulfillment of federal electronic logging mandates
- Geofencing and routing: Zone-based alerts, automated notifications, and dispatch optimization
- Third-party platform integration: Connection of telematics data to existing operations software via Geotab’s open API
Devices that are installed correctly produce accurate, reliable data. Substandard installations introduce data errors, system malfunctions, and integration failures that undermine the value of the entire platform.
Geotab GO Device Installation: GO9, GO, and GO Plus
Orbital is certified to install all devices in the GO hardware lineup, including the current GO9 and both next-generation platforms.
- GO9: Geotab’s current-generation standard, widely deployed across commercial and public sector fleets. Orbital supports both new GO9 deployments and fleet migrations off GO9 to next-generation hardware.
- GO (Next Generation): The new standard for modern fleet operations. Built on a unified architecture with native Bluetooth integration, advanced input/output capabilities for PTO monitoring and vehicle immobilization, tamper detection via integrated supercapacitor, and full IOX ecosystem compatibility. Engineered for high-integrity diagnostics across fuel, engine health, and EV performance.
- GO Plus: Engineered for complex operations and high-security environments. Adds satellite-ready tracking for remote asset visibility, an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot for driver tablets and ELDs, native Wi-Fi client mode for automated depot data uploads, a dedicated internal battery for accident reconstruction data capture, and government-grade security certification.
The GO and GO Plus share a unified architecture, but their installation requirements and configuration differ based on operational use case. Orbital technicians are certified across the full device family and equipped to guide deployment decisions between GO and GO Plus based on fleet type, connectivity requirements, and operational environment.
Hardwired vs. OBD-II Geotab Installation
Geotab GO devices support both OBD-II plug-in and hardwired installation methods. The choice has direct consequences for data depth and program performance.
OBD-II connections offer faster deployment but limit access to certain vehicle data points and are more susceptible to accidental disconnection, and are routinely unplugged by drivers. When a device is disconnected, you immediately lose visibility into GPS location, driver behavior, engine diagnostics, fuel data, and compliance reporting. Even temporary disconnections create blind spots that weaken safety programs and undermine accountability.
Orbital eliminates that risk using approved manufacturer Geotab harnesses that integrate the device directly into the vehicle’s electrical system. Devices are mounted securely and installed covertly so they are not accessible to drivers. The result is consistent data transmission, full engine data access, and protected program integrity with the data outcomes the organization needs from the MyGeotab platform.
Installing into the Geotab IOX Ecosystem
Geotab’s IOX accessories expand GO device capabilities beyond basic telematics. These accessories must be installed correctly to function properly and protect the vehicle.
Improper IOX installation does more than create data gaps. Incorrect wiring can trigger false dashboard warning lights, generate inaccurate fault codes, interfere with CAN bus communication, and disrupt factory electronics. In serious cases, poor installation can damage or disable vehicle control modules. When this happens, fleets experience unnecessary downtime, added diagnostic costs, potential warranty issues, and operational disruption.
Orbital installs and integrates the full range of Geotab IOX accessories, including:
- IOX-USB: In-cab USB power and data connectivity
- IOX-BT (Bluetooth): Driver identification and asset tracking via Bluetooth beacon
- IOX-GOTALK: In-cab audible driver feedback for real-time coaching
- IOX-RS232 and IOX-CAN: Serial and CAN bus integration for third-party hardware
- Temperature sensors: Cold chain and climate-sensitive cargo monitoring
- Auxiliary input/output connections: Custom integrations for specialized vehicle equipment
Orbital technicians are trained across the full IOX catalog and understand how each accessory interacts with the vehicle’s electrical architecture. Installations follow professional wiring standards with proper voltage validation, secure mounting, and post-installation testing. Every system is verified to ensure accurate data reporting and normal vehicle operation before the vehicle returns to service.
Inside the Geotab Authorized Installer Program
Geotab’s Authorized Installer Program is structured in modules, with certification awarded by installation type rather than as a single, general credential. Installers complete specialized training and assessments for each module, demonstrating proven expertise in vehicle electronics, 12V/24V systems, and professional wiring standards.
Orbital is certified across the full range of Geotab install types—not just plug-in deployments.
What Orbital Delivers on Every Install
- Installation strategy: OBD-II vs. hardwired installation is evaluated by vehicle class, with harness compatibility verified by make, model, and year. Hardwired installs enable full engine data in MyGeotab. OBD-II is used only where appropriate for the fleet program.
- Correct wiring and vehicle system compatibility: Proper wiring prevents fault codes, warranty risk, and electronics damage while ensuring accurate GPS, odometer, and engine data from day one.
- IOX accessory configuration: IOX deployments require deliberate wiring, mounting, and configuration. Improper setup is a leading cause of data gaps. Orbital technicians are trained across the full IOX catalog.
- GO device generation transitions: Fleet migrations between GO generations require structured planning to preserve data continuity and minimize disruption. Orbital supports both new deployments and active transitions.
- Device longevity: Proper device placement and securing reduces premature failure caused by vibration, moisture, and heat across all vehicle classes.
- Post-installation data validation: Every device is validated after installation to confirm accurate data transmission and correct MyGeotab configuration before the vehicle returns to service.
- Ongoing support: Orbital provides ongoing service and support to maintain long-term Geotab program performance.
Why Fleets Choose Orbital
Orbital combines full Geotab certification with nationwide field capability to support fleets of any size.
- Geotab certified: Authorized across the full range of GO device install types, including GO9, GO, and GO PLUS
- Full IOX capability: Trained and experienced across the complete Geotab IOX accessory catalog
- Orbital’s nationwide dispatch hubs: Certified technicians are sent directly to your fleet, scaling to match your needs anywhere in the country.
- Fleet-scale experience: Serving commercial, municipal, and transit fleets of all sizes
- Multi-vehicle capability: Cars, vans, trucks, heavy-duty vehicles, and specialized equipment
- TaskRaptor-governed deployments: GPS-stamped, photo-verified proof of work on every installed asset
- Warranty-backed workmanship: Installation quality backed by ongoing support
- Minimal downtime: Deployment scheduling coordinated around fleet operations
Schedule Your Geotab Implementation
Orbital provides the certification, platform knowledge, and field experience to execute Geotab deployments with accuracy and efficiency, from a single-site rollout to a national fleet program.
Contact Orbital at (317) 774-3668 or through the online contact form to discuss your deployment requirements.
