The Benefits of GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems
GPS vehicle tracking systems offer much more than simply knowing the location of your vehicles. They provide significant business benefits, such as cost reduction, security enhancement, and productivity improvement. By implementing even basic GPS tracking, you can boost fleet efficiency and drive operational success. Here’s a breakdown of how these systems can transform your fleet management.
Reduce Unauthorized Vehicle Use
One key advantage of GPS tracking is controlling unauthorized use of company vehicles. This can prevent employees from using vehicles for personal errands, side jobs, or any non-work-related activities. With GPS fleet tracking, managers can view and replay routes taken by vehicles, which helps monitor and curb such behavior. Additionally, businesses can set up Points of Interest (POI) around the city, such as non-work-related locations, and receive instant alerts if a vehicle enters those areas.
For example, setting up alerts for places like pubs or residential addresses can help hold employees accountable and ensure that vehicles are being used solely for business purposes. This prevents misuse and prolongs the life of the vehicles.
Control Fleet Fuel Costs
Fuel expenses are a substantial part of running a fleet, and excessive idling or speeding can increase these costs. Many GPS tracking systems come equipped with preset alerts for activities such as idling and speeding. By notifying fleet managers when these activities occur, the system encourages drivers to adopt better driving habits. GTM’s Idling Alert, for instance, sends a notification if a vehicle exceeds a specific idling time, allowing managers to intervene and save on unnecessary fuel usage.
Efficient routing through GPS tracking also helps lower fuel costs by minimizing travel distances and preventing unnecessary detours. These small adjustments can lead to substantial savings on gas and overall operational expenses.
Reduce Labor Costs
One of the benefits often overlooked is the ability to reduce labor costs. GPS tracking systems can log accurate driver working hours, providing essential data for payroll. GTM’s Hours Worked Report, for example, helps businesses track the actual hours a vehicle is in operation, detailing start and finish times, and average daily hours.
This functionality prevents payroll discrepancies, eliminates the need for manual timekeeping, and reduces the risk of paying for unearned overtime. Additionally, it cuts down on administrative work by providing precise, automated timecard reporting.
Increase Productivity
GPS tracking can greatly improve productivity by minimizing wasted time and increasing the number of jobs completed daily. Features like “Find Nearest Vehicle” allow fleet managers to locate the closest technician when a job request comes in. By reducing travel time, businesses can complete more jobs per day, leading to higher profitability.
For instance, if you can add just a few more service calls each week by optimizing routes and quickly dispatching nearby vehicles, it can significantly boost your bottom line. Additionally, the ability to track vehicle downtime ensures that vehicles are being used as efficiently as possible, reducing time spent idle or out of service.
Improve Customer Service
Faster response times and more accurate estimated arrival times improve customer satisfaction. By using GPS vehicle tracking, you can provide clients with accurate updates on when to expect your service team, which boosts trust and reliability. Moreover, GPS tracking can help confirm the completion of scheduled visits and ensure that service personnel are taking the most efficient routes.
Fleet managers can use GPS tracking data to settle disputes with clients regarding arrival times, service delays, or the duration of visits. By having solid data on vehicle location and time spent at job sites, you’ll be better equipped to address client concerns and ensure smooth service delivery.
Enhance Fleet Safety
GPS tracking also enhances safety by monitoring driver behavior. It offers insights into driving habits, such as speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration. These metrics help identify risky drivers and promote safer driving behavior by providing real-time feedback and alerting managers to unsafe actions.
Installing a GPS tracking system with safety alerts not only protects your employees but also reduces the risk of accidents, potentially saving lives and avoiding costly repairs or liability claims. Some advanced systems even offer in-vehicle coaching tools to assist drivers in real-time.
Compliance and Reporting
GPS tracking systems generate accurate and detailed reports that ensure compliance with company policies and legal regulations. Whether it’s monitoring vehicle usage for tax purposes or tracking driver hours to comply with labor laws, GPS systems automate these processes and eliminate manual errors. In addition, customizable reports allow businesses to focus on the metrics that matter most, from fuel consumption to maintenance schedules.
Study Insights on GPS Tracking
A study by the Aberdeen Group, titled “Improving Productivity and Profitability through Service Fleet Management,” showcased the measurable impact GPS vehicle tracking systems have on businesses. The research revealed a 12.2% increase in service profitability and a 14.8% reduction in average travel time per job. Companies also experienced a 9.9% decrease in overtime pay, a 13.2% reduction in fuel costs, and a 27.9% increase in operator compliance.
These numbers illustrate the profound benefits of GPS tracking, showing how companies can streamline their operations and increase profitability by adopting this technology.
Conclusion
Implementing our GTM GPS vehicle tracking system is an invaluable step toward improving the efficiency and profitability of any fleet-based business. Beyond knowing the location of your vehicles, the ability to reduce fuel and labor costs, boost productivity, and enhance fleet safety are just a few of the ways GPS tracking can benefit your operations.
By optimizing routes, managing driver behavior, and ensuring vehicles are used appropriately, you can see measurable improvements in both operational performance and customer satisfaction. Investing in a reliable GPS tracking system is not just a cost-saving measure—it’s an investment in your company’s future success.
