What is fleet tracking software?
Fleet tracking software isn’t a new concept, but what the technology has the power to do in the present day and how it actually works is still a mystery to many. GPS fleet tracking software has a ton of uses and benefits for companies of all shapes and sizes. Keep reading for a broad overview of everything you need to know about this technology.
How does fleet tracking software work?
Modern fleet mapping software reveals what’s happening, as it’s happening, by connecting a Global Positioning System (GPS) in the vehicle. Vehicle data—such as engine status, accelerometer information, or video telematics—is sent via cellular towers, and satellite from the GPS device to a dispatcher computer or mobile device in as little as a few seconds. This quick communication can give fleet managers a real-time view of their field resources.
And that’s just for starters. It’s becoming more standard for fleet management software to use GPS information to calculate speed, location, mileage, idle duration, and trip histories. Some of the best software systems take it even further and incorporate additional data sources, such as online maps, posted speed limits, traffic, road and weather conditions, and even video. The hardware and software work together, as one integrated solution, to provide fleets with more information than ever before.
What is fleet tracking software used for?
There are countless different ways data and analyses can be used to improve fleet management, productivity, efficiency, and safety, but all efforts are ultimately designed to achieve higher performance. Some of the most common uses of fleet tracking software are:
- Pinpointing real-time vehicle locations
- Finding the closest vehicle to any destination
- Accessing up-to-the-minute estimated arrival times
- Reviewing full trip histories with route replays
- Recovering stolen vehicles
- Optimizing routes
- Setting alerts for geofencing, speeding, and idling violations
- Tracking mileage by vehicle, state or driver
- Getting accurate fuel reports from the vehicle’s engine control module
- Automating the collection (and improving the accuracy) of odometer mileage readings
- Identifying inefficient driving habits, such as braking, idling, and speeding that may cause excessive fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear
And remember that you don’t have to be locked to a desk to access this goldmine of information. The most successful fleet tracking systems integrate hardware AND software that seamlessly sync up with each other to get you the data you need, instantly and from anywhere—through your desktop, mobile, or tablet.
Myths about fleet tracking software
Don’t let false assumptions or misperceptions hold you back from getting the technology your fleet needs to stay ahead of the competition. Bust these three common myths about fleet tracking software:
Myth #1: It’s too much data we don’t need.
Sure, you can track employees and vehicles via cell phone, but the data you get is limited and delayed. With GPS fleet tracking, you get near real-time, dynamic information that helps you not only track, but manage, your people and vehicles. You need this data about fuel, engines, routes, locations, and more because it helps you make quick, informed decisions that can fine-tune operations. The information proves particularly critical during busy seasons when resources are tight and demands are sky high.
GPS tracking will help you reduce expenses, increase productivity, and improve customer service, no matter the size of your business. And when drivers and technicians experience real-time routing, improved communications with dispatch, and decreased paperwork, they buy in, too.
Myth #2: It’s expensive.
Fleet tracking software doesn’t have to be thought of as an extra expense. The system will more than pay for itself when it’s leveraged to save on costs related to excessive fuel use, inefficient vehicle maintenance, and resolving customer service issues. GPS fleet tracking with video can pay off even more by uncovering incidents caused by unaddressed risky driving behaviors, and reducing litigation and insurance fees arising from false claims. Because fleet GPS tracking software allows you to see and control your operations and associated costs, it’s easy to build a strong ROI in a short amount of time…which quickly overshadows any initial investment you may have to sell your leadership on.
Myth #3: It’ll take too much time and effort to implement.
Change isn’t easy, but your fleet also can’t afford to run on outdated methods and technology. Advancing your operations is the only way to improve and succeed, while also keeping fleet safety as a top priority. The good news is that companies have the option to self-install or use a professional installer to implement the equipment . And keep in mind that your vendor will work with you to help make the onboarding process quick and painless. You’ll have resources and support to ensure everyone understands how the technology works and how to get the most out of it. After an initial learning curve, you’ll find that using fleet monitoring software saves time and makes your jobs quite a bit easier.
The Lytx Fleet Tracking Service takes modern fleet tracking a step further with video
Real-time fleet management solutions can revolutionize your business. With the Lytx Fleet Tracking Service, you get the features that solve your needs in an easy-to-use package. Lytx takes things a step further by integrating video, telematics, and fleet tracking, making it a one-solution package for your fleet management needs. It gives you real-time* access to vehicles in the field, helping you to make smart decisions on the fly and improve customer satisfaction while operating safely and more efficiently.
The Lytx Fleet Tracking Service includes:
- DriveCam® cameras that capture GPS data (no extra equipment, or software download needed)
- Integration of fleet tracking information with video footage and driving behavior data (up to 100 driving hours of continual video)
- Real-time* vehicle locations, powered by Google Maps and Google Traffic
- APIs that automate data for third-party systems, such as dispatch and service management
- Cloud-based system that’s compatible with desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, giving you access to your fleet anytime, anywhere
Source: https://www.lytx.com
CUT COTS OF THE FLEET WITH OUR AUDIT PROGRAM
The audit is a key tool to know the overall status and provide the analysis, the assessment, the advice, the suggestions and the actions to take in order to cut costs and increase the efficiency and efficacy of the fleet. We propose the following fleet management audit.
