Looking for a smarter way to manage your fleet? GPS fleet tracking gives full visibility over all vehicles in real time, helping you to ensure operational safety and efficiency. This blog explores the ins and outs of vehicle tracking systems, how they work and what features to look for when choosing the right solution for your business needs.
What Is GPS Fleet Tracking?
GPS fleet tracking uses real-time telematics to give fleet managers full control over their vehicle fleet. GPS devices are installed discreetly within each fleet vehicle, which receive signals to track vehicle location as well as driver behaviour metrics such as speed, direction and fuel usage.
But, on the other hand, what if you’re a warehouse manager tagging pallets with labels for shipment? Each pallet is different, every time, and needs a large, unique label with a lot of visual data on it: information that can’t be predicted months or even days in advance. In this situation, having your own RFID printer is essential, as it allows you to print customised and informative labels on demand.
Another factor to consider is the type of tag required. Different materials and surfaces require different kinds of RFID tags—most notably, metal objects will need specially-insulated tags. The printers for on-metal tags are significantly more expensive; so, if you’re not doing high enough volume, it may not be worth the upfront investment.
The Top Benefits of GPS Fleet Tracking
GPS fleet tracking systems offer a multitude of benefits and valuable insights for transportation and logistics companies, delivery service owners, fleet managers and any company with vehicle assets. Some benefits of real time GPS fleet tracking include:
- Enhanced driver safety and ability to monitor unsafe driving habits, which can lead to fewer accidents and injuries
- Reduced fuel consumption through monitoring of idling, speed checking and predictive maintenance
- Geofencing creates virtual boundaries to improve security
- The monitoring of vehicle health can identify potential maintenance needs before issues escalate into costly repairs
- Real-time reports and dashboards promote data-driven decision making
With GPS fleet tracking from TEC-RFID, you’ll get these benefits and more, leading to a more efficient, productive fleet of vehicles.
How GPS Fleet Tracking Works
To unlock real-time location metrics, a GPS fleet tracking device is fitted on each fleet vehicle; it’s usually plugged into the OBD port but can also be attached to the car battery or auxiliary power outlet. Once plugged in, the device receives signals, including the vehicle’s location, speed and idle time and sends them to a secure central platform that’s usually integrated into a web-based dashboard.
Real-time GPS fleet tracking gives users a clear view of driver data to help them optimise fleets and take back control over fleet activity, finding areas for improvement. Please note that the type of tracking software you choose affects the level of tracking ability.
4 Key Features to Look for in a Fleet GPS Tracking System
1. Real Time Tracking
Most fleet managers opt for a GPS fleet tracking system as they want to have a view of real-time locations within their vehicle fleets. With the device, you can easily see where your vehicles are at all times, to ensure drivers are exactly where they should be.
The best GPS fleet tracking systems have location history so users can see past activity, which gives fleet managers a clear view of all movement.
2. Driver Behaviour Monitoring
GPS fleet tracking also lets users check driver behaviour. This vehicle tracking software gives insights into speed, braking, acceleration and idle time. To take full control over fleet activity, driver behaviour monitoring is an important feature to have within your GPS fleet tracking system.
3. Geofencing Capabilities and Alerts
Geofencing technology creates virtual boundaries around a geographical location, which triggers actions or alerts when a vehicle enters or exits that area. This feature flags any unauthorised vehicle usage outside of permitted locations. This is another important feature to enable within your GPS fleet tracking system, especially for security purposes.
Your GPS fleet tracking system can be tailored to your requirements and geofencing can be set up in the areas you choose, giving you exact locations of where all vehicles in your fleet are.
4. Analytics and Reporting
Most GPS fleet tracking systems, including our vehicle trackers here at TEC-RFID, have analytics and reports, accessible via web based portal. These reports give a full view of vehicle location through live maps, along with driving activity metrics.
How to Choose the Right GPS Fleet Tracking Solution
The right vehicle tracking system will transform how you monitor and manage your fleet of vehicles. The key considerations to look out for include:
- Fleet size: Consider if the GPS fleet tracking tool is advanced enough to work for your fleet size. Choose a system that is scalable and can grow with your business.
- Geofencing: The best GPS fleet tracking systems allow you to set up specific triggers or alerts when a vehicle enters or leaves specific geographical locations.
- Budget: Choose a system that balances top-of-the-range features with affordability; some platforms offer tiered pricing based on the desired features. The system must meet your operational and financial goals simultaneously.
- Reporting needs: Look for GPS fleet tracking that offers reliable reporting that’s presented in an easy-to-use dashboard.
Want to dig deeper into what makes a real time GPS fleet tracking system the right fit? Check out our full blog on choosing the best GPS tracking system for a detailed guide.
The Common Myths About Fleet GPS Tracking
Tracking Devices Are Too Expensive
While it’s true that GPS tracking systems have an initial upfront cost, the long-term benefits ensure cost savings through reduced fuel costs and improved vehicle maintenance. Once your GPS tracker has been installed, it requires little maintenance and is low-cost to operate.
It’s Only for Big Companies
Vehicle tracking systems from TEC- RFID are scalable and can work for both small and large businesses. The insights from GPS fleet tracking devices are beneficial for any type of company, whether it’s a small delivery company with a handful of vans or a large logistics firm with hundreds of vehicles.
Drivers Feel Like They’re Being Watched
Some drivers may worry that real-time GPS fleet tracking systems are a breach of privacy, allowing for micromanaging with fleet managers holding drivers accountable. However, the point of GPS fleet tracking is not to check up on drivers, but to ensure driver and vehicle safety.
GPS Tracking Is Complex
While some systems might be complex and lack user-friendliness, most modern systems are easy to set up and use. Here at TEC-RFID, we take care of the setup, installation and maintenance of your GPS fleet tracking system.
Looking for a GPS Fleet Tracking Solution? Get In Touch with Our Experts Today!
Investing in a reliable GPS tracking system is one of the smartest moves a business can make to ensure long-term success. From real time tracking to improved vehicle maintenance and more punctual driving activity, the benefits are clear.
Whether you manage a small fleet or a larger company that extends nationally, the expert team at TEC-RFID will help you find a tailored tracking solution that scales with your business needs. Speak to our team today at info@tec-rfid.co.uk or call us on +44 844 8707 873 to discuss how we can implement an RFID solution tailored to your business.