GPS-based fleet management
platforms help hundreds of thousands of transportation managers track fuel
costs, vehicle maintenance, and driver habits. These platforms overlap, but
your company may benefit more from one depending on features, contract requirements,
price, and partnerships.
We'll explain GPS fleet tracker
management systems and help you choose a tracking solution that improves
efficiency and safety.
Explain GPS fleet management
GPS fleet management uses GPS
tracking devices to understand vehicle locations, driver habits, fuel
consumption, and other metrics. GPS fleet management systems ensure safe
driving by monitoring driver behaviour and vehicle efficiency.
Hardware and software help them
succeed. Vehicle hardware tracks location, generates maintenance diagnostic
data, and monitors driving behaviour. The hardware updates the system software
in real-time using a cellular network (and sometimes satellite).
GPS fleet tracker can optimize
driver routes, run safety scoreboards, track vehicles and assets, change job
specs, schedule vehicle maintenance, and more.
Selecting a Fleet GPS System
Businesses can need help choosing
the best GPS fleet management service with many options. Follow these steps to
start well:
Be familiar with your fleet:
List all assets and vehicles that
need constant surveillance. This list will help you choose tracking gear. The
tools needed to follow a truck, container, or construction equipment vary.
Consider your monitoring KPIs:
The fleet composition will
determine needs, but priorities will remain consistent. You may value driver
safety and responsibility. Dashcams are ideal for monitoring drivers'
behaviour. If you care about construction asset management, you may be
interested in technology that tracks and analyzes maintenance metrics and sends
utilization alerts.
Prioritize essential features:
GPS fleet tracking is expensive.
Overspending is inevitable unless you clearly distinguish between essential and
desirable company features. Write down the features you need and the ones you'd
like if you could afford them. For instance, you may want tracking but not
dashcams. However, you may want an AI-powered dashcam with only a few
third-party integrations.
Set spending limits:
Based on fleet size and essential
features, set vehicle upper limits. You need a starting point, even if you need
to increase your budget.
Research the market:
Finding a GPS fleet tracking
solution is easy. Fortunately, most providers list their features and services
on their websites. The detailed reviews of the top GPS fleet tracker services
let you compare features and functions. Gather all the service provider
features you need and choose those within your budget.
Use no-risk demos and trials:
Ask potential service providers
for a free system trial. Free demos are typical for services without trials.
Salespeople can explain platforms' scalability, features that may suit your
company and upcoming updates.
Online feedback:
Online reviews can objectively
evaluate the platform's customer service and usability. Ask other fleet
managers who used a service provider for advice.
Shop and bargain:
For an accurate quote, list all
important features and services. Some providers won't change their prices, but
others may negotiate. They may demand more time or money upfront to lower the
price.
Conclusion:
GPS fleet tracker
systems are essential for accountable, efficient, and safe operations. GPS
tracking devices and powerful software let companies track vehicle locations,
driver behaviour, gas usage, and maintenance needs. Before choosing a GPS fleet
management service, consider your fleet, metrics, features, budget, and
contracts. Companies can make informed decisions that meet their needs through
market research, free trials or demos, peer reviews, and supplier negotiations.
Today's fast-paced business world requires a GPS fleet management system that adapts to
your fleet's needs and provides value and reliability.