With the advancements in technology in recent years and the new innovations at advanced connectivity solutions, several business operations have evolved over the years, eliminating paperwork completely. From production, packaging to delivery, and after-sales service, business operations cannot function effectively without technology. Similarly, small and medium-sized fleet businesses can leverage the power of technology to improve their fleet management and increase the bottom line.
Fleet management assimilates several vehicle-based technologies, GPS (Global Positioning System) being one of them. You must have heard about GPS trackers and used them for navigating to a location without having to ask for directions. But, many fleet businesses have been using GPS for more than just navigation. These systems have evolved into Telematics systems, providing business owners and fleet managers with unmatched information about the condition and location of their vehicles, as well as the driver and how they behave in the traffic. Tracking systems are able to monitor if a driver is speeding excessively, or accelerating too fast, braking too hard. This data is presented to the users in a meaningful way using Driver Scorecards, charts and dashboards.
Moreover, its applications are not limited to large-scale multi-national fleet organizations. Small and medium-sized fleet and transportation companies can also use GPS technology to grow and expand their business. Whether your fleet is 5 or 100 vehicles, challenges and hurdles are similar to those of larger fleets. Not to forget, maintaining vehicles and drivers is a costly affair, and S&M fleets may struggle to earn enough revenue per mile. Another challenge for large as well as S&M fleets is driver turnover and retention. Other tasks include vehicle acquisition and maintenance, fuel management, drivers’ safety, compliance requirements, and much more. Accomplishing all these aspects seems unattainable sometimes.
GPS tracking systems are ideal for small to large businesses with vehicle fleets and provide accurate insights into operations and mitigate most of the challenges, keeping drivers safe and maintaining vehicles well maintained.
Real-time Location Tracking
One of the essential benefits of GPS technology for fleet business is real-time location tracking. Fleet owners or managers can quickly know where a particular vehicle of the fleet is. Further, vehicle theft is the biggest threat for both S&M and large-scale fleet businesses. The recovery rate of stolen vehicles is still pretty low. But, with GPS technology, we hope to see a change in the rates. Real-time location updates help owners get the vehicle’s exact location, which the police authorities can use to recover the vehicle as fast as possible.
Improving Performance of Drivers
While this might seem like an absurd benefit, it is very much authentic. GPS tracking systems provide information about the expected arrival time of each delivery, the speed at which a driver can deliver, and much more. Along with these details, other details such as routing alternatives, weather conditions, traffic-hit areas, kind of deliverables, etc., ensure route management. When all of these insights come together, fleet managers can ensure unparalleled performance of each driver by creating a schedule and effectively utilizing their time. You can set up geo-fence zones around drivers’ daily routines and assigned tasks to get notified if they leave the zone and travel somewhere they are not supposed to.
Monitoring Driving Behavior
Every fleet business is most worried about a driver’s driving behaviour and work ethic. Most companies don’t have any clue if their vehicle is used for unauthorized purposes, even during work hours. So, how can small and medium-sized fleet businesses have a better view of drivers’ work ethics? GPS technology is the solution! GPS trackers provide information on when a driver starts a vehicle, when he arrives at the location, which routes a driver takes, and much more. Thus, employers can precisely know the number of work hours of each driver. If a driver takes an unauthorized route, the tracker informs the fleet manager.
Further, employers can also monitor drivers’ driving habits. GPS tracking solutions monitor excessive speeding, sharp turns, sudden braking, etc. In the event of any harsh behaviour, fleet owners are notified instantly. By proactively monitoring driving behaviour, you can pinpoint drivers’ poor habits and provide extra training to improve their driving skills and reduce the chance of a collision or an accident. Moreover, when drivers are aware of such monitoring, they comply with standard driving practices and increase productivity.
Lower Fuel Consumption and Saving Costs
Did you know excessive speeding increases fuel consumption? Driving above the speed limit for every five mph cost around 20 cents more per gallon of fuel. Further, excessive idling also increases fuel consumption as the idle time of an hour consumes 0.82 gallons of fuel. GPS trackers provide detailed insights and reports on fuel consumption and vehicle usage. By analyzing the reports, you can reduce idle time by recommending the ideal route to your drivers. Similarly, monitoring drivers’ driving behaviour can control excessive speeding and cut down on fuel consumption. Lower the fuel consumption, better the cost savings. Read more on https://www.icompario.com/en-gb/.
The reports include other aspects such as engine temperature, fuel level, tire pressure, the vehicle’s overall health, engine oil, etc. So, fleet owners can avoid extra expenses of the fleet’s routine inspection. The data from location tracking systems can help them decide if an assessment is actually required. You can set up service maintenance reminders to keep up with your tax payments and maintenance routines. The system will notify you before the maintenance date, giving managers great peace of mind.
Conclusion
GPS fleet tracking system improves fleet performance, lower fuel costs and accidents, improve driver behaviour and overall business operations. Small and medium-sized fleet businesses can ensure their business runs smoothly and profitably. Large enterprises will find it even more useful by eliminating paperwork and unnecessary idling completely. The system will provide you with reports for allowing you to educate your drivers on better driving behaviour and habits. Visit rewiresecurity.co.uk to learn more about Fleet Management systems.
