How to Choose the Right GPS Fleet Tracking in 2019
If you monitor a fleet of vehicles, you may be considering GPS fleet tracking to give you data about location, start and stop times and lengths of stops. The devices might be fairly standard, so how do you know what to look for in your system?
Here are 7 questions you can ask to determine the tracking system that will work for you.
1. What type of information do you need?
Devices can be active or passive. An active device sends you real-time GPS tracking information about location, mileage and driver activity. A passive device tracks the vehicle and allows you to download the information when you plug the device into a computer. Passive devices are usually less expensive than active GPS tracking devices, but you get completely different data sets.
2. What type of assets are you monitoring?
Although vehicles are the most common use of GPS tracking, you can also install GPS asset tracking devices on fixed assets, such as expensive generators or heavy-duty equipment. You get the same type of tracking capabilities, but the device can help you monitor where your equipment is at all times. Portable devices are also available for items that don’t provide power to a device.
3. What does the software monitor?
Fleet tracking software should give you the information you want and need. Some devices monitor driver behavior, telling you if your driver is unsafe or not. Software can be quite detailed, giving you vehicle diagnostics and maintenance tracking. Determine what type of monitoring you require to make sure the software fits your needs.
4. Does the software provide notifications and reports?
You do not have the manpower to stare at an active tracking monitor 24/7. The software should be able to send you notifications when something isn’t right. You also want to be able to get weekly reports to monitor overall behavior.
5. How easy is the software to use?
You want a system that is easy to navigate. You don’t want your staff to be slowed down for weeks while they integrate this new system into your business model. Try the software before you install anything. Better yet, get a couple of the people who will be using it to try it out.
6. Who are the people behind the software?
Look at the experience and knowledge of the people running the company you’re using for GPS fleet tracking. Not only should the company know technology, they need to know the vehicle industry. GPS Technologies has over 20 years in the industry with software for a wide range of needs. What kind of customer support is provided? You want someone available when you need them.
7. What is your budget?
Practically every business decision comes down to price. You’ll need to look at the contract and the cost for your fleet, because it will be based on the number of vehicles you have, the features you need and what type of monitoring you want. Most vendors go off a month-to-month contract. You may also need to purchase fleet tracking devices. Make sure to consider how much you will save by having safer and more productive drivers.
GPS tracking devices for your fleet might be a big decision, but by protecting your inventory, improving productivity and giving you real-time information, they offer a return on investment that could pay for itself easily in a short time.
Categorised in: News
This post was written by Malcolm Rosenfeld