Common GPS Fleet Tracking Problems: SOLVED! Rastrac Team | Jul 28, 2017 10:09:00 AM

GPS fleet tracking devices provide an abundance of valuable information, but it's worthless if users are unable to gain access to the data or it's not tailored to meet their specific requirements. RASTRAC's comprehensive support system provides easy solutions for some of the most common issues faced by fleet managers using a GPS tracking system. Some common GPS fleet tracking problems RASTRAC has helped solve include:

1. I Can’t Use the Software!

A lot of GPS system users struggle to use the software that comes with their fleet tracking solution. This is especially true of first-time users.

RASTRAC's fleet management system provides users the systematic help they need to become familiar with the software through user guides, a complete suite of online training tools, and live support.

User Guide to RASTRAC's Software

The guide gives new users essential information to assist them when first getting started with the software. Buttons available on the displayed dashboard are described and defined for users to help them become accustomed to their functions. The guide introduces the following user buttons:

1. Map. After login, RASTRAC opens the map view, displaying the last location of all vehicles. Detailed text information about the location can be obtained by clicking on the vehicle’s icon.
2. Fleet. The fleet button gives fleet managers a visual representation of a variety of statistical information that is collected from their GPS fleet tracking system. Data compiled from the entire fleet is immediately accessible to the fleet manager, and details of overall fleet operations are visible at a glance.
3. Alerts. The alert tabs allow users to review all alerts that have been prompted on their devices. Alerts are shown for established maintenance notifications, safety or performance alerts, and will also include any non-reporting devices.
4. Reports. RASTRAC allows users to run or schedule a wide variety of reports depending on the capability of the GPS fleet tracking device. Reports generated or scheduled may include:

Online Training and Tools

RASTRAC provides access to their extensive Knowledge Base to give users solutions to their problems. Users can find practical how-to tips, troubleshoot, and find answers to common questions. For specific help topics, detailed information can be assessed by selecting “Help” from the RASTRAC web server.

Live Help

RASTRAC telephone support is available during normal business hours, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, CST, Monday through Friday. Individual product training is also available that is specifically tailored to your business, and its unique needs and resources.

2. I Can’t Track a Vehicle’s History

Efficient fleet management often requires knowing where a vehicle has been during a specific date and time. RASTRAC allows users to obtain this information from the “Map” view that is displayed immediately after logging into the system.

First, select the vehicle you wish to track by clicking on the red button to the right of the vehicle name, or ID number. Then select the option to “View Track” and select the time period you are interested in. The track data is displayed on the map, reflecting the specific dates and times entered.

If there is no track history available, you will receive a message that the vehicle has not reported during that time period, has never reported, or that the last report is no longer available. Track time periods may be adjusted by using the timeline positioned just above the map.

3. I Can't Track My Maintenance Scheduling

A preventive maintenance schedule is one of the major advantages that a GPS fleet tracking system provides. These automatic maintenance reminders help fleet managers extend the operational lifetime of a vehicle and often prevent the costly repairs associated with breakdowns.

Some of the ways that RASTRAC helps fleet managers track their maintenance scheduling include:

Odometer or Engine Hour Tracking

The odometer reading is typically entered into the fleet management system at the time of installation. This reading allows you to keep track of significant intervals in RASTRAC’s maintenance module, including tire rotations, and oil and filter changes. Users have the option to schedule maintenance by either engine hour use or mileage.

Modify or Instigate New Maintenance Plans

To modify or instigate a new maintenance plan, click on the settings buttons located at the top of the page, and then choose maintenance. RASTRAC’s fleet maintenance tab gives you the ability to assign or create new maintenance plans for individual vehicles by simply clicking on the desired application.

Select the maintenance plan that you desire, or create a new one by entering the preferred plan attributes that you want to monitor. Plans may be time-based and scheduled according to miles, kilometers, nautical-miles, or engine hours. Users can select to be notified by an email, or text, alert when the maintenance plan expires.

4. I'm Not Seeing Data About My Drivers

Being able to track the performance records of individual drivers is crucial for improving fleet safety and efficiency. Isolating the drivers with great driving habits from the ones who need some improvement can allow fleet managers to reward great drivers and correct ones engaging in bad behaviors.

However, many users of fleet tracking solutions have difficulty tracking the driving records of individual drivers. RASTRAC's Driver Performance Report function helps with this problem.

With this report, it's easy to track which drivers have been speeding, and when, as well as many other key driving behaviors that could indicate dangerous driving habits. These reports help simplify tracking the activities of individual drivers, which is invaluable in fleets where different drivers may operate the same vehicle on different days.

RASTRAC has solved common GPS fleet tracking problems for thousands of businesses across the nation. If you need help solving your GPS fleet tracking problems, we're here to help!