Key Takeaway
GPS fleet tracking is a technology that utilises satellite navigation to monitor the movement and location of vehicles in a fleet. This technology has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the numerous benefits it offers to businesses, including increased efficiency, improved safety, and reduced operating costs.
Here are the top five features of GPS fleet tracking:
- Real-time tracking: One of the most important features of GPS fleet tracking is the ability to track vehicles in real time. This allows businesses to know exactly where their vehicles are at any given moment, which can be incredibly useful for dispatching, routing, and tracking deliveries. Real-time tracking also allows businesses to monitor their vehicles' speeds and ensure that they are following safe driving practices.
- Geofencing: Geofencing is a feature that allows businesses to set virtual boundaries around specific areas. When a vehicle enters or leaves one of these boundaries, the GPS fleet tracking system will send an alert to the business. This can be used to monitor the movement of vehicles and ensure that they are staying within designated areas. Geofencing becomes even more valuable when combined with power take off monitoring, enabling businesses to see if vehicle activities are/or are not taking place in specific locations.
- Vehicle diagnostics: Many GPS fleet tracking systems also offer vehicle diagnostics, allowing businesses to monitor their vehicles' health and performance. This can include information on fuel efficiency, engine performance, and maintenance needs. This data can help businesses identify issues with their vehicles before they become major problems, saving time and money on repairs.
- Driver behaviour monitoring: GPS fleet tracking systems can also be used to monitor driver behaviour, including speeding, hard braking, and sudden acceleration. This data can be used in driver scorecards, risky driving habits and provide feedback to drivers to help improve their behavior on the road. This can lead to safer driving practices, a reduction in incidents and better insurance premiums.
- Digital Workflows: Workflow apps provide businesses with the ability to streamline administrative tasks and improve the accuracy of data collection. Implementing digital processes can significantly improve the efficiency of fleet management operations, freeing up valuable time for businesses to focus on other areas of the operation. By automating manual tasks such as vehicle checks and maintenance logs, workflow apps improve the accuracy of data collected. This helps reduce the risk of errors and provides businesses with a more reliable source of information. The data collected through workflow apps is instantly accessible, enabling businesses to act quickly on issues and make more informed decisions.
How can these benefits help fleet managers?
GPS tracking can be a valuable tool for fleet managers to improve the efficiency and productivity of their fleet operations. Here are four key benefits of GPS tracking for fleet managers:
- Improve safety: Improving driver safety is the #1 benefit of GPS fleet tracking with 91%* of fleet managers seeing a reduction in accidents after implementing the technology.
- Reduce fuel costs: 95%* of fleet operators see a reduction in fuel cost after implementing fleet tracking software. GPS tracking can help fleet managers identify opportunities to optimize routes and reduce unnecessary driving.
- Increase vehicle utilisation: By tracking the location and usage of vehicles, fleet managers can identify opportunities to optimise routes and reduce idle time, leading to improved utilisation of their fleet.
- Enhanced customer service: With GPS tracking, fleet managers can update customers on the location and estimated arrival time of their vehicles, improving customer satisfaction.
Different types of GPS fleet tracking devices
Several types of GPS fleet tracking devices are available, each with unique features and capabilities. Here is a breakdown of the different types of devices:
- Hard-wired devices: Hard-wired devices are installed directly into a vehicle's electrical system and draw power from the battery. These devices are typically more reliable than battery-powered devices and have a longer lifespan, but they require professional installation and may not be suitable for all types of vehicles.
- Plug-and-play devices: Plug-and-play devices are simple to install and can be plugged into a vehicle's OBD-II port, which is typically located under the dashboard. These devices are easy to install and don't require any special tools or wiring, making them a good choice for businesses that want a quick and simple installation process.
- Battery-powered devices: Battery-powered devices can be permanently installed or can be portable, easily moved from one vehicle to another. They use a rechargeable battery to power the device and transmit data back to the central system. These devices are convenient and easy to install and have battery life spans of up to five years.
- Solar-powered devices: Solar-powered devices use solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, which is used to power the device and transmit data. These devices are ideal for vehicles that are frequently exposed to sunlight and can be a good choice for businesses that want to reduce their environmental impact. However, solar-powered devices may not be suitable for all locations or climates.
Important GPS fleet tracking specifications
In terms of specifications, GPS fleet tracking devices can vary in terms of their accuracy, battery life, connectivity options (e.g., cellular, satellite), and the type and frequency of data they can collect (e.g., location, speed, fuel consumption). Fleet managers should carefully consider the specific needs of their operations when choosing a GPS fleet tracking device.
In addition to GPS tracking, many devices also include other sensors and features, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and temperature sensors. These sensors can be used to monitor a variety of factors, including vehicle speed, acceleration, braking, and more.
Overall, GPS fleet tracking can help businesses improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and enhance safety. By considering the top five features of GPS fleet tracking, businesses can choose a telematics solution that best meets their needs and helps them achieve their goals.
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