Vehicle tracking systems have revolutionised fleet management. Managers are now able to track every vehicle in their fleet in real time, with data on fuel consumption, route efficiency, vehicle diagnostics and even driver profiling available to them on a daily basis. GPS tracking has transformed the way fleets operate, making maps almost a thing of the past and linking every driver to a central control point. But when looking at vehicle tracking systems, what should the savvy fleet manager consider?
The primary concern initially is the cost. Comprehensive fleet management systems don't come cheap, but the initial financial outlay has to be considered against the long-term potential savings to the company as a whole. Some operators have seen their fuel bills alone reduced by up to 40% per annum - a considerable and ongoing saving, particularly during a time when oil prices are driving up costs at the pump. Savings in fuel costs alone can often justify the initial cost of a vehicle tracking system.
However, there are free options available. Google and Locatea.net both offer a free GPS tracking system. Google's 'Latitude' is a free access system showing participants their exact location on the planet and the location of their friends and family who have also signed up to the system. Locatea.net works in a very similar way, giving an accurate location of everyone that wants to be involved in the network. But therein lies the weakness of both systems - they are not designed for business users. Rather, their appeal lies more in the 'social networking' aspect of online communications - basically, they're a bit of fun that you can join if you want to. It's just as easy to opt out of the system. For accurate, useable information that can make a real difference to your business, fleet managers are better off steering clear of the free packages and looking for more specialised adaptations of GPS tracking software.
Paid vehicle tracking is different. It is specifically designed for business users and allows fleet managers to monitor and control exactly how their fleet operates. Putting aside the obvious benefits of paid tracking systems - real time locations, diagnostics and fuel consumption data etc - paid for tracking also guarantees the end-user a far more comprehensive aftercare service. With some 'plug and play' systems, software updates, patches or general aftercare maintenance of the system can be an expensive extra, with the additional extras being limited to maps, for example. Fully comprehensive services offer this invaluable extra as part of the package, ensuring that your system is kept up to date with not only the latest maps, but also the most up to date diagnostic capabilities, general maintenance and repair in the event of anything going wrong. Updates, hardware and software are also covered by a manufacturer's warranty, which means that your system is always working at maximum efficiency. Free systems tend to rely on generic updates, which may not have the additional features included as part of the package.
Like any other product, vehicle tracking systems are a product that is designed to fulfil a particular niche in the market. There are plenty of systems to choose from, so the fleet manager's first step is to do a bit of in-house research, decide exactly what they want their GPS tracking system to achieve and weigh up the benefits of each system individually in relation to their own business needs. Vehicle tracking systems provide fleet managers with a powerful tool in their business strategy to maximise efficiency and maintain a well run, cost-effective fleet. It should be a considered business decision and one that takes into account the long-term benefits as well as the short-term initial outlay.
OEM Data Delivery is a division of OEM Controls, Inc, which has provided rugged, customized electronics to the off highway and construction industry for over 40 years. We understand the equipment and the brutal environment in which our customers work. We aren’t just technicians concocting solutions; we are the off-highway techies that know your equipment and the data you need to maintain it. For more info about fuel tracking system visit Oemdd.com.
The primary concern initially is the cost. Comprehensive fleet management systems don't come cheap, but the initial financial outlay has to be considered against the long-term potential savings to the company as a whole. Some operators have seen their fuel bills alone reduced by up to 40% per annum - a considerable and ongoing saving, particularly during a time when oil prices are driving up costs at the pump. Savings in fuel costs alone can often justify the initial cost of a vehicle tracking system.
However, there are free options available. Google and Locatea.net both offer a free GPS tracking system. Google's 'Latitude' is a free access system showing participants their exact location on the planet and the location of their friends and family who have also signed up to the system. Locatea.net works in a very similar way, giving an accurate location of everyone that wants to be involved in the network. But therein lies the weakness of both systems - they are not designed for business users. Rather, their appeal lies more in the 'social networking' aspect of online communications - basically, they're a bit of fun that you can join if you want to. It's just as easy to opt out of the system. For accurate, useable information that can make a real difference to your business, fleet managers are better off steering clear of the free packages and looking for more specialised adaptations of GPS tracking software.
Paid vehicle tracking is different. It is specifically designed for business users and allows fleet managers to monitor and control exactly how their fleet operates. Putting aside the obvious benefits of paid tracking systems - real time locations, diagnostics and fuel consumption data etc - paid for tracking also guarantees the end-user a far more comprehensive aftercare service. With some 'plug and play' systems, software updates, patches or general aftercare maintenance of the system can be an expensive extra, with the additional extras being limited to maps, for example. Fully comprehensive services offer this invaluable extra as part of the package, ensuring that your system is kept up to date with not only the latest maps, but also the most up to date diagnostic capabilities, general maintenance and repair in the event of anything going wrong. Updates, hardware and software are also covered by a manufacturer's warranty, which means that your system is always working at maximum efficiency. Free systems tend to rely on generic updates, which may not have the additional features included as part of the package.
Like any other product, vehicle tracking systems are a product that is designed to fulfil a particular niche in the market. There are plenty of systems to choose from, so the fleet manager's first step is to do a bit of in-house research, decide exactly what they want their GPS tracking system to achieve and weigh up the benefits of each system individually in relation to their own business needs. Vehicle tracking systems provide fleet managers with a powerful tool in their business strategy to maximise efficiency and maintain a well run, cost-effective fleet. It should be a considered business decision and one that takes into account the long-term benefits as well as the short-term initial outlay.
OEM Data Delivery is a division of OEM Controls, Inc, which has provided rugged, customized electronics to the off highway and construction industry for over 40 years. We understand the equipment and the brutal environment in which our customers work. We aren’t just technicians concocting solutions; we are the off-highway techies that know your equipment and the data you need to maintain it. For more info about fuel tracking system visit Oemdd.com.