{"id":5430,"date":"2020-04-28T16:45:50","date_gmt":"2020-04-28T14:45:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/?p=5430"},"modified":"2020-04-28T16:45:50","modified_gmt":"2020-04-28T14:45:50","slug":"answers-to-the-most-frequently-asked-questions-about-gps-fleet-tracking-systems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/2020\/04\/28\/answers-to-the-most-frequently-asked-questions-about-gps-fleet-tracking-systems\/","title":{"rendered":"Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions about GPS Fleet Tracking Systems"},"content":{"rendered":"

Need some help figuring out what GPS fleet tracking<\/a> systems are all about? Below are answers to six of the most frequently asked questions on the topic that will give you a solid base of knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is fleet tracking?<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

In its simplest form, fleet tracking is the use of a device or software to locate and monitor your vehicles. This tracking is performed by dispatch or a fleet\u2019s home office and the purpose is to efficiently manage your vehicles and mobile workforce\u2014at the very least, a fleet manager will know who\u2019s where at what time.<\/span><\/p>\n

That being said, fleet monitoring has evolved to be much more than dots on a map. Modern fleet tracking systems are dynamic, relaying satellite images in real time and providing detailed data on driver and vehicle performance. This depth of information has proven to help fleet operators adjust resources on the fly, improve fleet safety<\/a> policies, increase productivity, and lower costs.<\/span><\/p>\n

How does GPS fleet tracking work?<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

All fleet tracking solutions involve some type of Global Positioning System (GPS). Fleet GPS units are typically installed in the vehicle. Vehicle data is sent via cellular towers and satellite from<\/em> the GPS device to<\/em> a dispatcher computer or mobile device in near real-time. The information flow looks something like this:<\/span><\/p>\n

\"fleet<\/span><\/p>\n

The level of sophistication of the GPS fleet tracking system and how much information it relays can vary. The best software transmits information such as: vehicle location, speed, mileage, idle time, engine diagnostics, and trip histories. Some fleet GPS services can even incorporate external data sources, such as live traffic updates, road and weather conditions, online maps, posted speed limits, and other advanced telematics<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does GPS tracking always happen in real time?<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

Not always\u2014there are a few caveats. First, getting real-time fleet tracking depends on the system you\u2019re using. Some solutions can provide this live tracking, while others cannot, so be sure to ask your fleet tracking vendor about their capabilities in this arena. Secondly, the ability to get real-time updates is dependent on available cellular coverage (this holds true for all <\/em>systems). As long as a vehicle\u2019s GPS device can ping a cellular tower or satellite, the data will continue to flow with no more than a few second delay.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the benefits of GPS fleet tracking systems?<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Each fleet is different and will experience unique perks of fleet tracking, but there are a few common benefits that span most organizations:<\/span><\/p>\n