A GPS tracking system offers many benefits for businesses, making it a critical tool for modern companies. Whether you’re tracking your fleet or looking to monitor a single vehicle, there’s no denying its advantages. Not only are modern businesses able to monitor their vehicles from any location, thereby improving driver safety and complying with HOS safety requirements, but they are also able to cut costs.
This article will explore five things you need to know about tracking trucks and how your business can benefit from RAM tracking system.
What Is GPS Tracking?
GPS tracking, simply put, is the use of a device that uses Global positioning system technology to track the location/movement of a person/vehicle in real-time. The location data can then be collected and displayed on a map which can then be used to locate something.
Benefits of GPS Tracking
1. Real-time monitoring
With real-time monitoring, you can see where your fleet trucks are and their status. This can help you make informed routing, dispatching, and overall fleet management decisions.
Another added benefit of real-time monitoring is it can help you respond quickly in case of accidents, breakdowns, or any other type of emergency, thus improving the safety of your drivers.
2. Cost savings
GPS tracking systems can help reduce fleet management costs by providing valuable information on fuel consumption, your fleet’s maintenance needs, idling time, and driver behavior. This data can then be used to identify any areas that require improvement.
3. Increased security
Another added benefit of a GPS tracking system is peace of mind. With GPS technology, you can monitor your trucks’ locations and movements at all times.
You can respond quickly to theft, alerting the police and protecting your vehicles from harm.
4. Better customer service
Another added benefit for businesses is that they can provide timely and accurate customer updates on the status of their shipments and give out precise delivery times. Your customer representatives can provide real updates and answer any queries promptly as they are tracking the trucks. This can lead to higher levels of customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Compliance with regulations
GPS tracking can help companies comply with regulations such as Hours of service. Fleet managers can track precisely how many hours a driver has been operating through GPS tracking. Managers can avoid costly fines and higher insurance premiums by monitoring driver activity.
Five Things You Should Be Mindful of When It Comes to GPS Truck Tracking
1. Type of Tracking
Regarding GPS tracking, one thing you should be aware of is that there are two types of monitoring, active and passive. With passive tracking, your data is stored on your tracking device. However, the data can’t be accessed until the device is connected to a computer.
On the other hand, Active tracking tracks your vehicles in real-time. The benefits of active monitoring are far more significant than those of passive. However, depending on your business needs, one might favor your company more than the other.
2. The Onboarding Process
Some complicated tracking systems will require you to take some substantial time to train employees. Ensure you choose a system with a simple and intuitive dashboard that won’t stress your employees when used. Some vendors will offer demos in person, so try them out before committing.
Additionally, ensure that your employees are on board with the integration. While you might receive some pushback from drivers who feel the company doesn’t trust them, explain why the system is essential. The integration process might help with the acceptance among employees.
3. Integration With Mobile Devices
How well does your tracking system integrate with your pre-installed hardware? While some systems are designed to integrate well with mobile devices, others are not.
Always ask your service provider whether their systems can be used on mobile devices. Additionally, if you want access to your information anytime, anywhere, make sure that the system is cloud-based and check if there’s an app on your preferred device.
4. GPS Systems Can Be Used for More Than Tracking
GPS tracking systems can be used for more than tracking and monitoring your vehicles. With the right system, you can track driver performance, set safety rules and restrictions, and even monitor fuel consumption. This can be critical to your business and improving your bottom line.
5. Cost
GPS tracking systems don’t come cheap. This means that the cost of GPS tracking varies depending on the specific system you choose, the number of vehicles you need to track, and any additional features you require. It’s essential to consider the cost of GPS tracking technology when evaluating its potential benefits to your business. You will need to determine whether the price is justified by the benefits you will receive, such as improved efficiency and reduced operating costs.
Additionally, consider any monthly fees you may be required to pay plus the costs from the regular upkeep and maintenance to ensure that your system works correctly and gives you accurate data. This should be done by a trained technician or the vendor you plan to work with.
Conclusion
GPS tracking can be a valuable tool for businesses helping optimize and reduce a business’s running costs. However, before implementing any system in your business, it’s essential to be aware of the charges, the type of tracking, maintenance, and support requirements. By addressing these issues, you’ll be well-positioned to take advantage of the countless benefits GPS tracking offers.
