Whatever your industry may be, deciding to invest in a GPS fleet tracking solution will prove to be a very wise investment for your company.
The trend of GPS tracking is growing exponentially, and most companies find that they will see a return on their investment in a short amount of time.
There are many apparent benefits to the installation of a GPS fleet management solution, the most obvious being the assistance in recovering any stolen assets. You also have the ability to save on fuel costs through better routing and observing driver performance. The correct solution can also help with your payroll since your workforce will be resilient to stay on time knowing that their vehicles are being tracked. All of these benefits simply add more revenue for your company and increase your overall profits.
However, in order to achieve these benefits, you must pick the right GPS system for your needs. This means doing your homework and ensuring that you go with the right provider that will give you more than “dots on a map.”
What to Look For in Your GPS System
As mentioned earlier, it is imperative that you do your research when shopping for a GPS fleet management program. There are many options to take in mind, and you want to make sure that your ultimate decision is the right one.
What Kind of Hardware Do You Need?
There are a couple of options you have when it comes to the type of hardware you can use for GPS tracking. One of these possibilities is to go the “plug-and-play” route, and opt for a device that simply connects to the vehicle via the OBDII port.
You may also decide to go with a device that is actually hardwired to the asset, which allows for a more convert installation. It is a more difficult and time-consuming installation, but it does have its own set of benefits as well.
There are other things to keep in mind when deciding on your hardware. Here are a few examples:
- Is the device on the 3G cellular network or better? Most 2G units will be obsolete in the coming year.
- Will the device work on CDMA, GSM/GPRS, or HSPA cellular networks? Is it available on a satellite network?
- Besides telling you where the vehicle is located, what other information will the device provide? For example, will it monitor driver behavior, motion, hard braking, impact detection, and speed?
How do You Access the Information?
If you are receiving lots of incoming data from your GPS devices, you want to make sure that you are able to access the information in an easy and efficient way. Look at the dashboard to see how the information received from the device is displayed. You also want to make sure you are able to set up alerts via e-mail or text message for specific actions, such as when an engine starts, the vehicle is speeding, or when the asset leaves or arrives at a pre-determined location set through a geofence.
You also want to know where you will be able to access the information. Are you also able to see your vehicles on a smart phone or tablet, or only via a computer?
How is the Company’s Reputation?
A recent study shows that the fleet management market is expected to grow from $12.06 billion in 2014 to $35.35 billion by 2019. Because of this, there are new companies entering the market all of the time. While searching for a provider, make sure the company has a proven track record of innovation and customer support. Make sure the company has longevity, and is not just starting in the industry. For example, Rastrac has been in business for over 20 years, and has developed and innovated many new ideas and standards in the telematics and fleet management industry.
Get the Most Bang for your Buck
Of course, one of your main goals will be to see a fairly rapid ROI. In order to achieve this, you need to know exactly what all of your expenses will be. Ensure that you ask the provider about any installation costs, monthly monitoring fees, and if any contract terms are applicable. With Rastrac, you actually have the options to go with or without a contract commitment.
Are you ready to start a GPS tracking solution for your company?
Contact us here at Rastrac with any questions and to see how our solution will help save you time and money.
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