Challenges with Open-Source Fleet Management Software

by Dreamer Technoland Web and Mobile app Development

In the market, the pre-built fleet vehicle tracking systems work on the simple principle that allows you to know their precise position and other essential details. The information collected by the digital solution is showcased on the dashboard. By looking at the dashboard, you can make sound business decisions and analyze potential issues. It is a great way of pushing your vehicle and fleet business to new heights. As soon as companies became aware of modern software and tools, they started employing them in their daily routine to simplify their day-to-day tasks. However, the market is full of open-source fleet tracking and management systems that are known for simplifying vehicle management for businesses. In this article, we will share a few challenges that occur with open-source fleet management solutions. With that said, we will also share a reliable way of managing your vehicles.

Before we dive into the world of fleet management software development services, let us quickly understand what an open-source system is.

What is Open-source Software?

Open-source software is a digital platform whose code is available on public platforms and can be easily modified. The biggest example of an open-source platform is Wikipedia where you can get information about everything that is available in the world. An open-source platform is constantly monitored by the team and often the issues are corrected by the outsiders. Open-source platforms are considered a safe alternative to most of the commonly available tools. This methodology of building software and applications increases transparency, and collaboration and promotes community-oriented development.

According to opensource.com —

“Source code” is the part of the software that most computer users don’t ever see; it’s the code computer programmers can manipulate to change how a piece of software—a “program” or “application”—works. Programmers who have access to a computer program’s source code can improve that program by adding features to it or fixing parts that don’t always work correctly.

When source code is considered open source, it means that the code is visible and available for modification.

What are the Benefits of Open-Source Software?

Open source is considered as a great way of building vehicle tracking systems for fleet management because of their wide range of benefits. Let us explore them in detail.

Low Initial Costs: With the help of open-source software, you can get rid of the fleet management software development costs. These costs are mostly based on the subscription.
Transparency: The approach and source code of the open-source fleet vehicle tracking systems are available to everyone. It eliminates the vulnerabilities that might occur in the platform and promotes transparency.
Backed by Community: Open-source software and applications are supported by a huge community of developers who relentlessly identify potential issues.

What are the Drawbacks of Open-Source Software?

An open-source fleet management software development process is quite complicated which makes it full of issues. Let us discuss the potential problems in detail.

Complicated Solution: As the software solution is crafted for a community and business, therefore, they often cause issues during installation. Moreover, the fleet vehicle tracking systems are complicated for first-time users and they are unable to identify the interface and use it.
No Warranty: The prepacked fleet tracking and management do not come with any warranty. In case of any issue, you can reach the support team, but they won't be able to help in resolving the problems if they are big. Though tiny issues can be easily identified and resolved, what about the major problems? They cannot be fixed.
Poor Compatibility: Often a vehicle tracking system for fleet management system has a few additional demands for running it on your laptop, computer, or tablet. It asks you to fulfill a few additional requirements like Windows 11, Android 14, or specific RAM requirements.

These issues hamper productivity and stop you from making sound business decisions. However, the only solution that works for fleet vehicle tracking systems is to go for a personalized one.

Summary

The prepacked fleet tracking and management systems are known for delivering top tier performance, but it is full of issues. Never go for an open-source vehicle tracking system for fleet management, go for a tailor-made solution that is crafted as per your business needs.