5 Reasons to Use GPS Tracking for Construction Equipment

Twenty years ago, the construction industry could do nothing to keep up with thieves. Consider the case of Stuart Michaelson of the Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan. In 2005, he told a newspaper reporter, “We train builders in the best ways to light up their projects at night. We tell them how to hire the best security crews.”

Michaelson advised construction companies to post signs that announced a “$2500 reward for information leading to the recovery of stolen equipment.” He advised contractors to have appliances and other big-ticket home construction items delivered at the last minute. Even so, Michaelson said of his own construction site, “They stole a backhoe in broad daylight.

If you don’t use GPS tracking, some of Michaelson’s advice to contractors in 2005 might still be your best alternative, although not a very good one. The fact is that construction equipment thefts still cost the industry across the United States over $1 billion a year. And for equipment not protected with GPS tracking devices, the recovery rate is just 21%.

But in the 2020s, construction companies have theft prevention methods that work. GPS tracking technology from GPS Technologies gives construction companies a way not only to protect their assets against theft but to protect their workers and lower their insurance costs at the same time. But one of the most significant benefits of GPS tracking for construction companies is one that is not immediately obvious.

GPS tracking makes logistics simpler.

The 2020 National Construction Payment Report found that about 70 percent of construction projects run over budget or exceed deadlines. The main reason is the difficulty of keeping track of essential equipment and knowing where workers are when needed.

With GPS tracking technology, site managers can plan optimal (not always the shortest) routes to deliver equipment to the site. They will know when company assets are moving, down to when the driver opens the door to the delivery vehicle, and when the engine is turned over. Because GPS telematics tracks not just the location of equipment but also monitors the operation of equipment, managers will be aware of unused equipment that can be put to good use. And managers will be instantly aware of diversions of company property to personal use by employees.

Stopping personal use helps to remember and keeps liability insurance in force. Without expensive riders, most business insurance policies won’t pay for damage employees do to your equipment or other parties when they are engaged in unauthorized use of your assets.

GPS tracking keeps workers safer.

GPS tracking for company vehicles gives you more than a red dot on a map. GPS telematics can tell you when your operators slam on the brakes, take off in a sudden start, or make a wide turn. Informing you of rough driving can cue you to coach your drivers for safer, fuel-efficient driving. It can also help you respond immediately when there is an accident.

GPS tracking also monitors dozers, graders, backhoes, front-end loaders, forklifts, and cranes. You will know when your workers are on the job. Telematics will keep you informed of onboard diagnostics and maintenance issues. You will be able to monitor worker progress in real-time.

GPS tracking reduces fuel and maintenance costs.

When drivers know you monitor their speed, they usually stick to the speed limit. They may get up to 15% better fuel efficiency. Their vehicles are much less likely to break down on the road. They are involved in fewer crashes.

Your insurance rates go down as a result.

Remote tracking of equipment issues helps you get timely maintenance for your equipment. And preventing mechanical problems before they happen prevents delays that put projects behind schedule.

Did we mention that GPS tracking helps prevent theft?

Thieves are less likely to attempt to hijack your equipment if they know it has GPS tracking. You are more likely to recover your equipment if thieves take it anyway.

How much difference can GPS tracking for construction equipment make in getting stolen goods back? In Mississippi, where most construction equipment does not have GPS tracking, the theft recovery rate is about 21%. In Washington state, where most construction equipment has GPS tracking, the theft recovery rate is slightly under 80%.

If you are in construction, you need GPS tracking. But how do you decide which GPS tracking system will work best for you?

You’ll need hardware that is suitable for the equipment you are tracking. 

You may need a hard-wired GPS device behind the dashboard into the ignition, engine, and ground. Or you may need an OBD2 plug-and-play tracker installed directly into an onboard diagnostics port.

You need a tracking system that has an easy interface. 

You can’t get good results from any GPS tracking system that requires you to keep a manager tethered to a computer screen. You need dynamic GPS tracking that can be monitored with mobile devices.

You need to be sure you are choosing a cost-effective GPS tracking system. 

The cheapest is seldom the best. Your GPS tracking system must match the equipment you are tracking and the employees who use it. You need to be sure your GPS tracking system generates the information you need for important management decisions and keeps your workers safe.

And you need service and support. 

It’s one thing to get a great GPS tracking device, but you also need the experience of a GPS provider with enough experience to help you adapt your system to the constantly changing needs of your business.

GPS Technologies has the necessary equipment and experience to ensure it works for you. When you have questions, GPS Technologies has answers. We are here every weekday from 8 to 5. Contact us by calling our main office at (847) 382-5107 for more information, or request a quote online today!

Categorised in: GPS Tracking Service

This post was written by GPS Technologies