Technology is evolving every day, and also it is helping each industry to advance its mundane tasks for better performance. Many industries are getting benefits from technology on their own, and the fleet industry is also in the race. By adopting geofencing and GPS tracking technology, the fleet industry is getting the most out of technology. Further, by doing so, this industry can provide individuals with tracking access in real-time on fleets. In this article, we will tell you about the several benefits of GPS tracking and geofencing for fleets.
What is GPS Fleet Tracking?
GPS Fleet tracking is a global satellite navigation system that enables users to track vehicles and drivers remotely. The whole process starts with the emitting of signals from installed devices and leads to satellites that locate signals. Fleet managers will be able to track vehicles and drivers in case of emergency and get them out of emergency.
Advantages of GPS Tracking and Geofencing for Fleets
Fleet managers who are willing to improve their route planning for optimal roads should adopt GPS tracking and Geofencing. In this section, we have prepared a list of manifold benefits of GPS tracking and geofencing for fleets.
- Smarter Route Planning
- Prevent Cargo Theft
- Prevent Unauthorized Vehicle Use
- Reduced Administrative Burden
- Automated Alerts
- Usage-based Invoicing
- Better Customer Service
- Increased Productivity
- Reduced Detention Time
- Reduced Fuel Usage
Smarter Route Planning
GPS fleet tracking assists fleet managers in pinpointing optimal and subpar roads through past trip analysis on location history maps. Further, it enables fleet managers to optimize routes based on historical data that will keep them able to avoid emergencies. This approach helps them enhance driver efficiency and productivity throughout the way.
Prevent Cargo Theft
GPS tracking and virtual geofencing can potentially deter vehicle and cargo theft by enabling real-time monitoring of vehicle locations. If the car gets stolen, fleet managers will swiftly get its real-time location to find it and get it back. However, they are also capable of responding to deviations from designated routes that enhance security measures along the way.
Prevent Unauthorized Vehicle Use
Real-time GPS fleet tracking enables fleet managers to monitor vehicle locations instantly for better prevention of unauthorized use of vehicles. By accessing location history records, they may detect vehicles that are being misused for unauthorized side jobs or personal use. This will put an extra layer of security around the car for unauthorized access.
Reduced Administrative Burden
Fleet managers streamline operations by replacing manual paperwork and reducing phone communication with drivers using GPS tracking and geofencing. They achieve this through a fleet management dashboard, providing real-time updates, thus minimizing administrative tasks for better outcomes. Moreover, they will be able to save buyers’ precious time and money on unnecessary operations.
Automated Alerts
GPS tracking enables real-time vehicle tracking, allowing fleet managers to set up geofenced alerts for job site entries and exits. This automation streamlines operations eliminates manual tracking, and reduces administrative tasks. Knowing vehicle locations and receiving automated notifications of important movements minimizes delays and improves productivity. Early notifications based on geofenced alerts enhance efficiency and reduce detention time for shippers, receivers, and customers.
Usage-based Invoicing
GPS tracking enables precise monitoring of vehicle and asset locations and durations, which is crucial for industries like oil and gas. Further, it ensures accurate invoicing by tracking time on-site and facilitates streamlined billing, invoicing, and payroll management for fleet administrators. GPS tracking and geofencing will enable fleet managers to put an extra layer of security on various tasks like invoicing.
Better Customer Service
Customer service still remains essential for the fleet industry to improve its relations with customers. GPS fleet tracking enhances customer service and outpaces competitors by providing real-time vehicle location data. Furthermore, it enables the precise estimated arrival times for customers to achieve their goals for a better future ahead.
Increased Productivity
GPS tracking allows fleet managers to enhance competitiveness by monitoring performance against delivery service level agreements (SLAs). SLAs delineate expected service levels from a variety of vendors who incorporate metrics and consequences for non-compliance. For instance, GPS data can verify timely or early package deliveries, aligning with specified SLA timeframes, thus bolstering competitiveness.
Reduced Detention Time
Reducing detention time is crucial, achieved through GPS tracking and geofencing. Moreover, real-time tracking and automated alerts pinpoint driver entry and exit from facilities. This helps flag unproductive shippers and receivers, while Facility Insights provides warehouse data like dwell time and peak hours for Motive customers.
Reduced Fuel Usage
You should understand that optimal fuel usage is crucial for fleet profitability. Fleet managers use GPS tracking and historical data to compare routes, identify fuel consumption, and select the most efficient route. This approach assists them in minimizing waste and reducing operating expenses to save money on fuel.
Challenges of GPS Tracking and Geofencing for Fleets
However, this technology has manifold benefits but also poses some potential challenges that need to be overcome. In this section, we have compiled a list of some challenges that need to be overcome.
- Battery Life
- Geofencing Accuracy
Battery Life
GPS tracking devices rely on battery power to transmit location data, and it’s a significant concern, especially for long-haul fleets. This challenge is compounded by the fact that some vehicles may not have easy access to power sources for recharging. Moreover, it makes it essential to choose tracking devices with efficient power management features for better solutions.
Geofencing Accuracy
Geofencing allows fleet managers to outline restrictions and acquire indicators whilst vehicles enter or exit specific areas. However, accurate geofencing can take much effort, particularly in regions with challenges or complicated terrain. Inaccurate geofencing can result in fake alarms or missed notifications, undermining the effectiveness of this selection for fleet management.
Final Thoughts
GPS tracking and geofencing provide fleets with manifold benefits by offering tracking access and more. Fleet managers will be able to track vehicles and drivers to ensure their safety in case of emergency. If they encounter an emergency, then they have an option to contact the fleet manager to ask for help. By doing so, tracking them will be an easy task, and saving them will also become straightforward. The above-mentioned benefits have become possible only due to GPS tracking and geofencing in fleets.
