Fleet managers have a large responsibility of managing their fleet at all times. They need to know the exact location of their vehicles, manage the expenditure on fuel, ensure the safety of their drivers, and integrate data obtained from internal and external sources to improve their customer service. Additionally, with the increase in e-commerce and online stores, shippers today want to know the estimated delivery time for their goods and the conditions inside the vehicle. Delays in shipments have become almost unacceptable as they significantly disrupt the supply chain for businesses. To cater to such challenging demand, managers have started installing GPS fleet tracking systems that provide real-time coverage and location.
What Is GPS Fleet Tracking?
A fleet tracking system is an automated solution that uses GPS to monitor a fleet’s activity. It involves tracking vehicles, workers, and equipment. Such systems have embedded IoT sensors that can collect valuable data from the fleet vehicles. They can easily integrate existing data into other applications and present it in real-time through dashboards. Fleet managers can then optimize this real-time data in making well-informed strategic decisions for their business. Here are three significant advantages of installing a GPS tracking system in your fleet:
1. Improved Route Planning
With GPS fleet tracking systems in place, the managers can plan all their routes before drivers commence their trips. This enables the drivers to benefit from detailed directions throughout the journey. The GPS will also automatically guide them to alternative routes in case of traffic jams, road closures, or accidents. This feature ensures timely delivery and protects the vehicles from having to go through damaged roads, positively affecting the productivity of drivers.
2. Reduction in Fuel Costs
Fleet tracking systems such as route4me can enable cost-savings as the result of better route planning and emphasis on improving driving behavior. A lot of fuel consumption occurs when drivers are speeding, so speed monitoring encourages drivers to be more conscious of their speed on the road. This cuts down on fuel consumption and costs associated with it for the business. Additionally, drivers will be less likely to use the fleet vehicles for personal use if they know that they are being monitored, further decreasing fuel usage. Fleet tracking data has enabled businesses to identify the best possible routes, saving them both time and money. Tracking systems can significantly reduce the operational costs of a business.
3. Enhanced Fleet Maintenance
Modern GPS integrated fleet tracking systems feature fuel level indicators, engine temperature indicators, etc. These can let you assess the health of your fleet and ensure your drivers’ safety. You can opt-in for alerts when your fleet vehicles need maintenance like oil replacement, alignment of the wheel, and fuel changes. This valuable data about the health of your fleet is well protected in the system and can be used to evaluate the fleet’s position in the future and provide accurate information when selling the fleet. This will eliminate the cost of unnecessary fleet inspections and extend the overall life of your fleet through regular maintenance.
Endnote
The fleet industry is increasingly getting saturated, and so the competition is rising. It is essential to keep your operational costs minimal to survive in this competitive market and gain a competitive advantage. A GPS fleet tracking system will enable you to reduce unnecessary operating costs and increase your profit margins in the long run. Additionally, video monitoring can help protect your fleet from theft and protect your drivers from legal matters in case of an accident. A GPS fleet tracking system can improve customer satisfaction immensely and establish your company’s credibility in the long run.
