How can GPS Trackers Help Businesses That Transport Heavy Equipment and Machinery?
GPS (Global Positioning System) trackers have several applications in different industries. Most people are familiar with the GPS on the phones or the navigation system in their car. Most of the handheld devices are used for navigation purposes, however, that is not the only use of his technology.
One of the industries that benefit from using GPS monitoring is the heavy equipment and machinery industry. A Global Positioning tracker can be a valuable business tool to manage expensive machinery, heavy trucks, service vehicles, and more.
Generally, a small tracking device is securely installed on the asset. As the surrounding conditions can get very rough, the monitoring device is designed and installed in a way that can survive extreme conditions.
The device uses the asset’s power source, but certain devices can use their source for power.
The tracking device is not only installed on the asset but it is electronically integrated so it can communicate and gather information from the asset. The tracking device is also integrated with monitoring software that can display key parameters from the asset. These key assets could include location, engine status, temperature, and other important parameters.
The fleet manager can use the information provided by the GPS tracking for a variety of functions. They can use the tracker to monitor hours of service, set up geofencing triggers, monitor vehicle conditions, analyze worker efficiency, and more. It also can be used for improved adherence to security measures such as safe driving speeds. Government compliance rules and policies can also be implemented using GPS trackers.
For example, the local city laws might restrict construction during certain hours of the day. The GPS trackers can help businesses stay compliant with these laws. There is also historical data stored in certain types of monitoring systems which can help businesses in verifying accurate billing and timesheet information. It can also assist in a better warranty recovery process.
Which GPS Vehicle Tracking Options are Best for Heavy Haul Transportation Companies?
One of the leading companies in this field is GPS Technologies based out of Holly Springs, NC. They offer a comprehensive solution for monitoring of heavy equipment and machinery. They have perfected their products through years of research and field experience.
GPS technologies use very accurate technology with reliable and easy to use devices. It has been serving clients since 1998 and has continued to be a leader in the industry through continuously innovating their products. There is also a great emphasis on customer service, implementation, and on-going technical support.
Not only do they provide the best in hardware and software technology, but they also offer flexible pricing models. Customers can start benefiting from the trackers without having to commit a long-term contract or high upfront costs.
5 Tips When Choosing a GPS Device for Heavy Equipment and Machinery
The benefits of using a GPS tracking system for your heavy equipment and machinery have been mentioned above. However, those benefits are only possible if you choose the right tracking product for your needs. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- 1. One of the first things you should is to have a clear understanding of what you want to do with the GPS tracking system. Are you just looking for location information or do you need more advanced features such as geofencing features? The objective of the system will narrow down your search to a smaller pool.
- 2. You can narrow down the choices further by determining if you need real-time data or periodic updates. Real-time data is useful when you have a need and a mechanism to monitor data in real-time. For example, if you want to be notified every time a vehicle or equipment goes beyond a certain point, you will need real-time data capability. The advantage of real-time data is that you more control over the vehicles or equipment. For more government compliant purposes, you are going to need that. On the other hand, if you value long battery life or if you do not need continuous monitoring, then a passive system will be sufficient for your needs.
- 3. A lot of GPS tracking systems come with property software that will only work with their software. They might not want to expose the APIs that allow it to be integrated with other third-party software. If you are already using a monitoring system, you need to decide if you want to integrate with the system or switch to using their software. If you want to integrate, you should look for a non-propriety product.
- 4. Not every GPS tracking system allows you to monitor the condition of vehicles or equipment. This requires specialized hardware, software, and implementation. If you want to know the state of the engine, the performance of the driver, fuel levels, etc., you should look for specialized solutions designed for such purposes.
- 5. Lastly, pick a vendor that offers warranty and satisfaction guarantees. Also, look for a vendor that offers flexible payment options. You do not want to be stuck in a long-term contract with high upfront costs. This allows you to utilize the system at an affordable price.
Heavy Equipment and Machinery Industries That use GPS Systems
Several types of business use GPS technology for monitoring of heavy equipment and machinery. In the oil and gas sector, tracking allows office staff to monitor remote equipment and machinery. In the mining industry, GPS monitoring is used for machine guidance for drilling or dozing applications.
In the agriculture industry, GPS tracking is used on machinery and heavy equipment for precision planting of seeds. Several other industries use GPS technology for better business outcomes.