Website visitor tracking (WVT) is the analysis of visitor behaviour on a website. Analysis of an individual visitor’s behaviour may be used to provide that visitor with options or content that relates to their implied preferences; either during a visit or in the future. Use of WVT technologies can be controversial when applied in the context of a private individual; and to varying degrees is subject to legislation such as the EU’s eCommerce Directive and the UK’s Data Protection Act. When it is done without the knowledge of a user, it may be considered a breach of browser security. However in a business to business context understanding a web site visitors behaviour in order to identify buying intentions is seen by many commercial organisations as an effective way to target marketing activities. Visiting companies can be approached, both on and offline, with marketing and sales propositions which are relevant to their current requirements. From the point of view of a sales organisation, engaging with a potential customer when they are actively looking to buy can produce huge savings in otherwise wasted marketing funds.
History
Tracking is the act of watching, following, or observing an individual or object over a certain period. This term has been used in many different contexts throughout history and even today.
In ancient times, tracking was primarily done by hunters as a means to track game animals. It involved studying animal behaviors, environmental factors, and tracking marks left behind by the animals in order to locate them. The ability to track was essential for the survival of early humans who relied heavily on hunting for food and clothing.
In the Middle Ages, tracking became more widespread as European countries began trading extensively with each other. Tracking helped merchants and traders keep track of their goods as they traveled through foreign lands. Ships were equipped with compasses and navigational instruments to help them find their way home if they became lost or separated from their cargo. Merchants also had to monitor market prices in order to maximize profits while ensuring that their goods arrived safely at their destination.
During the American Civil War, tracking took on a military role as Union soldiers tracked Confederate forces across the country in order to locate important resources or potential battlefields. The use of telegraphs and railroads increased the accuracy of these efforts; however, Union commanders often resorted to using local knowledge gained from civilians who provided intelligence about Confederate positions and movements.
Today, tracking has become an integral part of modern life. Smartphones are equipped with GPS capabilities in order to allow users to know where they are located at any given time—something that is extremely helpful for travelers navigating unfamiliar cities or areas without physical maps or printed directions. Police officers utilize tracking systems such as radar guns or GPS locators in order to quickly apprehend suspected criminals who may be fleeing from justice. Businesses use various types of software packages such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems in order to keep track of information about customers and leads in order ensure better sales service and more efficient operations overall.
Although tracking has evolved over time, its fundamental purpose remains the same: it helps us stay informed about our surroundings so that we can make better decisions which ultimately lead us towards our goals much faster than if we had no data at all!
Equipment
Tracking Equipment is an important tool for a wide range of applications, from monitoring wildlife to tracking the movement of vehicles. It consists of a range of technologies that enable the collection, storage and analysis of location data. This data can be used to gain valuable insights into human and animal behavior, as well as enabling other types of surveillance activities.
In recent years, the development of sophisticated tracking equipment has been driven by rapidly advancing technology and increased demand for detailed information about the environment and movements within it. Modern tracking devices are small and often easily concealed, making them difficult to detect. This makes them ideal for use in covert operations or in dangerous situations where they can provide real-time situational awareness.
The most common type of tracking equipment is GPS-based devices which use satellite signals to determine their location within a few meters accuracy. These devices are typically equipped with mapping software that allows users to view their position on an interactive map or other diagramatic representation. Other types of tracking equipment include RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags which allow for close range monitoring and can be used to track individual items within a given environment, such as goods in warehouses or animals in zoos or sanctuaries. More advanced systems also exist which combine several different kinds of technologies (e.g., GSM/GPRS/WiFi) to provide more detailed data about an area or item being tracked.
In addition to providing positional data, many modern tracking systems also offer features like geofencing – which triggers an alarm if an object leaves a predefined area – as well as speed and motion sensors that alert users when objects exceed predetermined thresholds. Additionally, some systems even support advanced analytics capabilities such as machine learning algorithms that can help identify patterns in collected data over time.
Tracking equipment has become one of the most widely used tools by both individuals and organisations alike due its versatility and low cost compared to alternative solutions such as manned surveillance teams or large-scale deployments involving multiple camera systems across multiple locations. As technology continues to evolve in this field, it is likely that new developments will further expand its potential uses and benefits for businesses around the globe.
Dangers
Tracking technologies have become increasingly common and widespread in recent years, with their use becoming ubiquitous in everyday life. While the advantages of tracking are numerous, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers associated with its use.
One of the primary concerns associated with tracking is data privacy and security. Since tracking gathers large amounts of personal data and stores them in a centralized location, it can be particularly vulnerable to malicious actors. This could lead to any number of security-related issues such as identity theft or financial fraud. Furthermore, even if the data remains secure, there is still a risk that companies or government agencies may misuse or exploit the information for their own purposes without an individual’s knowledge or consent.
Another potential danger associated with tracking is user manipulation. By analyzing and manipulating user behavior based on collected data, companies may be able to influence individuals in ways that they do not anticipate or understand – leading to decisions that may not always be beneficial for them. Additionally, since many businesses rely on collecting large amounts of data from users for targeted advertisement campaigns, this could lead to an increase in marketing fatigue as individuals become inundated with adverts tailored specifically to them.
Finally, there are also ethical implications of using tracking technology which need to be considered. While tracking technology has been used by both governments and corporations alike for a variety of beneficial purposes such as policing or marketing efforts; it can also be used by authoritarian regimes to monitor citizens’ activities and restrict their freedom of movement among other things – something which many would argue should never happen anywhere in the world regardless of context or purpose.
Overall, while tracking technologies can offer huge benefits; there are still significant dangers associated with its widespread use which must be taken into consideration before implementing any kind of system. To ensure that these risks are minimized it is crucial that organizations have stringent protocols in place regarding how they handle user data and employ measures such as encryption where possible to protect against malicious actors accessing sensitive information. Companies should also consider developing systems that allow individuals control over how their data is used so they can make informed decisions about what they want tracked whilst also preserving certain basic rights related to privacy and autonomy over themselves and their information online.