Compare These Top Vendors for GPS Fleet Tracking Software

GPS Fleet Tracking Software

Businesses that have vehicles and employees constantly on the road quickly find the benefits of having GPS tracking software. This software allows employers to monitor their employees more effectively. You will know where your employees are and be able to watch their behavior on the road. You can monitor vehicles for maintenance and save money on your insurance. GPS monitoring software and equipment can assist you with better employee management and more accurate payroll data. From passive systems to real-time systems, there are various options to look at when considering a GPS system for your business, and most of the pitfalls have to do with the expenses of getting started.

Benefits

The Advantages of Computerized Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring

Traveling, Monitoring Employees and Efficient Payroll

The ability to monitor where drivers are at all times allows businesses to meet customer's needs more efficiently, particularly when they call to inquire about a vehicle’s location. It also allows businesses to automate time sheet processing. Employers will know exactly when employees start work, when they take breaks and lunches, and when they stop working each day. With GPS monitoring software, companies will no longer need time clocks or time sheets and will have more accurate payroll data.

Employee Management

GPS monitoring also allows employers to manage employees more efficiently. Because a driver's vehicle is their workstation, many of them have a tendency to use the company truck to run personal errands or take naps on company time. This wastes gas and decreases productivity, which directly affects a company's profit margins. Constant monitoring of employees will cut down on this type of abuse and save businesses money.

Vehicle Maintenance

GPS software allows businesses to track the exact mileage of fleet vehicles. This makes it easier to keep up on routine maintenance, which helps to keep the vehicle in the best condition possible.

This is important for the safety of each driver, and regular truck maintenance saves money in the long run. It keeps the truck in great condition, allowing companies to get the best use of this asset for as long as possible. 

Driver Safety and Insurance Savings

According to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), 87.2 percent of all at-fault large truck crashes are driver-related. Because GPS vehicle tracking devices allow businesses to monitor each driver's behavior while on the road, there is less likelihood of at-fault accidents occurring. A good safety record will result in lower insurance premiums, and most insurance companies offer deductions for safety equipment, including GPS fleet tracking devices.

Pitfalls

GPS (short for global positioning system) tracking systems can be a great way to boost productivity among drivers and create a greater organization for fleet managers. Although there are obvious advantages to these systems, there are some less obvious pitfalls that those looking to purchase the software should avoid.

Cost

The cost of outfitting your entire fleet with a GPS tracking system can quickly become expensive. Not only will you have to buy a GPS tracker for every unit in your fleet, but you will also be purchasing the actual tracking system that is used to digitally view and manage your fleet. The combined costs can be overwhelming when not prepared for in advance.

Installation Time

Depending on the actual size of your fleet, installing all of the GPS transmitters in every vehicle can be an extremely time-consuming task. Making sure that the systems are correctly installed and configured for each unit can be a daunting prospect if you are unprepared. If you don’t have experience with this kind of system, the cost of a technician installing the system is yet another hidden cost that many people overlook when purchasing GPS fleet tracking software.

Distractions

An unforeseen problem that can increase accident rates for your fleet is the distraction of using and following the mapping systems that most GPS tracking systems employ. Although having a large and bright display will keep your driver from getting lost, it can also serve as a deadly distraction.

Driver Experience

If a driver does not have experience with GPS tracking systems, the costs of training will have to be considered when making a purchase. The training of your fleet of drivers is critical, as the aforementioned distractions can be a common occurrence when dealing with a new system. Proper training will help reduce the chance of accidents by drivers who are getting used to GPS tracking systems.

Pricing

Although the upfront costs for GPS fleet tracking software are typically the same for passive or real-time systems, the ongoing costs can vary.

Passive Systems

According to the economic consulting firm NDP Consulting Group, the cost per unit of ground transportation GPS tracking equipment dropped 56% from 2005 to 2010, making units more affordable for large and small businesses alike. Passive GPS software now ranges from $200 to $600 per vehicle.

Drivers may use either a clip-on device or a hardwired system to log details and transfer that information back to a central computer. Passive systems are less expensive because they require manual intervention.

Real-Time Tracking Systems

Real-time GPS fleet management expenses depend on the device purchase (as with passive systems), but also the ongoing monitoring fees. These fees are generally $25 to $45 per month per vehicle.

Companies that need installation services and training may incur additional charges, depending on the vendor and the contract details.

Conclusion

Any business that uses service vehicles or regularly sends employees on the road can benefit from having GPS tracking software. This software can assist your business with employee management, better payroll data collection, vehicle mileage oversight for maintenance, and vehicle location tracking. Though the initial costs may be somewhat daunting, the benefits can be well worth the expense. If you decide to install a GPS system, you will need to plan for those expenses as well as installation times and driver training. GPS monitoring software can greatly benefit your company’s productivity and your employees’ safety.