Businesses that operate around the tenets of home delivery and convenience are booming in popularity nowadays. During lockdowns, we even considered these companies as a glimmer of hope. People appreciated having items delivered to their doorsteps when they were confined to their homes.
On the other hand, If you manage a fleet of trucks as part of your job in the trucking sector, you may be aware of the challenges that come with doing so.
Having a fleet tracking system saves the day. It is useful to employ telematics to track your fleet of vehicles, enhance driver safety, and provide status reports if you manage a business that makes use of a fleet of vehicles. These options emphasize effectiveness, save you money, and can help you comply with crucial state and federal laws like those governing electronic logging device usage, the International Fuel Tax Agreement, and driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs).
However, the major purpose of these services is to gather vital information about your fleet so you can run your business more effectively. Telematics software offers insight into fleet information such as safety, fuel efficiency, and a wide range of other pertinent data.
What Is a Fleet Tracking System?
As your virtual ride-along, use GPS fleet tracking. GPS fleet tracking allows you to keep a check on everything from where you are, eliminating the need to hire a manager to oversee vehicles and drivers while they are on the road. This kind of solution aids in ensuring that vehicles run effectively and that drivers act responsibly and safely.
Depending on what you want to monitor, several types of hardware are required for your car. A deck of cards’ worth of simple, plug-and-play gadgets are available from some services. Others need more complicated installation, which typically entails connecting several sensors to your vehicle’s information centers. The software acts as a single hub for all of the information and receives real-time updates and data from the hardware.
But There Is A Reason It Is Called A System And Not A Tracker
It not just tracks the whereabouts but is the control of a collection of commercial automobiles. Any company that depends on commercial cars engages in effective fleet management. The primary responsibility of fleet management is to monitor fleet performance to increase productivity and ensure smooth business operations. Vehicle fleet managers may be charged with duties like driver supervision, vehicle upkeep, route planning, and program implementation when it comes to overseeing fleet operations. These duties could be advantageous to your company. [You can check out the some of the best Fleet Tracking devices for your business HERE.]
Why You Might Need One?
GPS fleet tracking software can find vehicles, plan routes, and provide directions to predetermined locations. Additionally, it offers data on tracking maintenance, safe driving practices, and vehicle diagnostics. Since many hardware components have accelerometers & similar sensors that can detect any abrupt acceleration or braking by your driver will be recorded in the program. Even reporting on abrasive turning and cornering is available from some services. Utilizing this technology, you can also monitor idle time, which is crucial data for increasing fuel efficiency.
It also partially eliminates the risk of cargo theft. With GPS tracking, you can always keep track of your truck to prevent theft. In comparison to unprotected, untraceable trailers carrying expensive cargo, trailers with GPS fleet tracking devices are far easier to recover.
How To Choose What Is Right For You?
Buying a GPS fleet tracking solution can mean a financial commitment. There are many choices available, but for better results, you have to ensure that you pick the best one. This manual contains background information on key features and provides answers to frequently asked concerns about fleet tracking services. Here are a few essential criteria you should consider when doing research, evaluating your options, and choosing a product or service.
Identify your needs
Understanding the needs of your fleet is the most significant factor in selecting the optimal solution.
Each fleet has particular advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, you must determine the issues that prompted your company to select a software solution.
Tracking in real-time
You should be able to track any truck in your fleet’s precise location using the system’s live tracking and real-time functionality. Knowing where the car is right now is beneficial for:
–Estimated Arrival Times (ETAs) for each truck at the location are calculated constantly.
-offer assistance in the event of a collision or a breakdown.
-avoiding vehicle theft and illegal use.
-you should be able to set up a virtual geo-fence around a location.
Fleet Management
The tracking software should offer an automatic vehicle maintenance schedule to minimize failures and unscheduled downtime. Real-time diagnostic notifications make it easier to make repairs before a problem is worsened and becomes more expensive.
Easy to use
Buying and installing a new tracking solution will not help if your drivers, managers, and staff members find it difficult to use. The software and hardware’s accessibility are two of the most crucial features of any GPS fleet tracking system.
Although the tech should be advanced, end users should not have trouble understanding it. A dashboard with a simple interface must be for everyone. Make use of free promotional material demos when you shop for a GPS monitoring system for your fleet so you can try out the software before selecting one.
Software and Hardware
Each GPS tracking software program will have abilities of its own. Every GPS fleet monitoring device can find vehicles and assets, but some of them can also plan the best routes, give details on the health and condition of the truck, track maintenance, report on safe driving practices, and more. Determine your software requirements before making the decision.
Sturdiness is one of the hardware requirements that you should prioritize. No matter how flawless the fleet management system is, if it often crashes and negatively affects the workflow, it could result in unneeded downtime for your business. Every automobile has a gadget and sensors placed, typically above the gas pedal or behind the dashboard. There may be plug-and-play or hardwired options for some devices.
Cost
While you have to find a solution that fits your budget, it is also crucial to be sure it has the abilities and features your company needs. Your investment will go in vain if you select the least expensive technology that falls well short of your budget but does not improve your company. Although a higher initial cost can be unsettling, there are many operational and financial advantages of deploying a GPS fleet tracking system that can ultimately save you more money, such as:
-lower labor expenses
-minimized unnecessary fuel costs and usage
-decreased risk of car and asset theft
-increased efficiency
-lower insurance rates
-improved monitoring and tracking of vehicles
-optimized car repair and service intervals
Other Considerations
You can compare the luxury once you have determined which GPS fleet tracking system best fits your priorities and your essential business requirements. Although they are by no means necessary, these might be crucial for use and provide value-
- Alerts: Many fleets tracking systems allow configuration to mail or SMS fleet management notices and alarms. This way, you will be aware immediately if a specified route changes, a car breaks down, or a driver engages in reckless driving.
- Customer assistance and service: It can mean the difference between a successful implementation and everyday use and a technological nightmare to find a software vendor who can offer 24/7 friendly assistance and support.
- Portable access: Fleet managers must have the resources users need to keep an eye on their fleets while on the go. If remote access and a mobile app are essential features for you, ensure the GPS fleet tracking system you choose is either cloud-based or has an app.
- Improvements: Pick a company that engages in upcoming developments based on technical advancements and updates its current products in addition to offering product upgrades.
Conclusion
For fleet business owners, a real-time vehicle tracking system has various advantages. However, given the numerous options on the market today, selecting the best gadget for your company can be a difficult challenge. You can limit your options and take the best decision process with the help of the list of significant elements mentioned above.
Remember to take notes of all the requirements for your fleet, ask questions, and do not forget to opt for a demo before making the decision!
