GPS trackers have revolutionised the way businesses manage their fleet vehicles since these devices offer a multitude of benefits, from enhancing efficiency to safeguarding assets.
By understanding how GPS trackers work and their potential applications, businesses can make informed decisions about incorporating this technology into their operations.
Here, we explain more about how GPS trackers work and how they can save your business money.
What do GPS vehicle trackers do?
The first step is to understand what GPS trackers do.
GPS trackers utilise satellite signals to determine the precise location of a vehicle in real-time.
Tracking firm Tracker Team have stated that GPS trackers provide businesses with valuable data that can be used to optimise operations, improve safety and reduce costs.
The advantages of GPS trackers
GPS trackers have a range of advantages for businesses in the UK, including:
Enhanced efficiency
- Route optimisation: GPS trackers will identify the most efficient routes, minimising fuel consumption and reducing travel time
- Idle time reduction: By monitoring vehicle idle time, businesses can identify areas where fuel is being wasted and implement measures to improve driving habits
- Improved dispatching: Real-time location data enables more efficient dispatching of vehicles, ensuring that resources are optimally allocated.
Improved driver and vehicle safety
- Geofencing: GPS trackers can be used to create virtual boundaries (usually called ‘geofences’) that alert businesses if vehicles enter or exit unauthorised areas
- Speed monitoring: Tracking vehicle speed can help identify instances of reckless driving, reduce the risk of accidents and ensure compliance with speed limits
- Emergency response: In case of an emergency, GPS trackers provide precise location information for a swift response from emergency services.
Cost reduction
- Fuel efficiency: By optimising routes and minimising idle time, businesses can significantly reduce fuel consumption and associated costs
- Theft prevention: GPS trackers will help deter theft by making it easier to locate and recover stolen vehicles
- Maintenance management: Tracking vehicle mileage and usage patterns can help schedule maintenance and repairs more efficiently, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
How does GPS technology work?
GPS trackers consist of a small device that is installed in a vehicle.
It’s this device which receives signals from GPS satellites orbiting the Earth, allowing it to determine its location with high accuracy.
The tracker then transmits this location data to a central server, where it can be accessed by authorised users.
How could a GPS tracker benefit your business?
Vehicle fleet monitoring
- Real-time tracking: GPS trackers provide real-time visibility into the location of your fleet vehicles, enabling you to monitor their progress and ensure they are operating as expected
- Usage analysis: By analysing vehicle usage data, businesses can identify trends, optimise operations and identify potential areas for improvement
- Driver behaviour: Trackers can be used to monitor a driver’s behaviour, such as speeding, excessive idling and harsh braking, helping to improve safety and reduce costs.
Tracking vehicles in case of theft
- Rapid Recovery: If a vehicle is stolen, a GPS tracker can help pinpoint its location, facilitating a faster recovery
- Theft deterrent: Knowing that their vehicles are being tracked can deter thieves, reducing theft risk.
Improving customer service
- Accurate delivery times: GPS trackers provide customers with accurate delivery time estimates, improving customer satisfaction
- Proactive issue resolution: If a vehicle experiences a breakdown or delay, GPS trackers identify the issue and will send assistance promptly.
Ensuring compliance
- Regulatory adherence: GPS trackers help businesses ensure compliance with industry regulations, such as working hours requirements for commercial drivers
- Company policy enforcement: By monitoring driver behaviour and vehicle usage, businesses can enforce company policies and ensure that employees are operating vehicles safely and responsibly.
Enhancing GPS tracker functionality
While the core functionality of GPS trackers remains focused on providing real-time location data, advanced features are continually being developed to expand their capabilities and offer even greater value to businesses. These include:
· Integration with telematics systems
GPS trackers are seamlessly integrated with telematics systems, providing a comprehensive suite of features for fleet management. Telematics systems can capture and analyse data on vehicle performance, fuel consumption, driver behaviour and maintenance requirements. By combining GPS tracking with telematics, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of their fleet operations and make data-driven decisions.
· Advanced analytics and reporting
GPS trackers generate detailed reports on various aspects of fleet operations, including vehicle usage, driver behaviour, fuel consumption and maintenance history. Advanced analytics tools can help businesses identify trends, identify areas for improvement, and measure the effectiveness of their fleet management strategies.
· Integration with mobile apps
Many GPS tracker systems now offer mobile apps that allow users to access and manage fleet data from their smartphones or tablets. These apps offer real-time updates on vehicle locations, generate reports and trigger alerts for various events, such as speeding, unauthorised entry or battery failure.
· Enhanced security
GPS trackers are equipped with advanced security features to protect against unauthorised access and data breaches. These features may include encryption, authentication protocols and secure data transmission methods.
· Integration with electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure
For businesses with electric vehicle fleets, GPS trackers can be integrated with EV charging infrastructure to monitor charging status, track energy consumption and optimise charging schedules.
· Integration with vehicle diagnostics
Some GPS trackers can be integrated with a vehicle’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) system to monitor engine performance, detect potential issues and schedule preventive maintenance.
· Integration with video surveillance
GPS trackers combine effectively with in-vehicle cameras to provide a complete picture of vehicle activity. This can be particularly useful for resolving disputes, investigating accidents or monitoring driver behaviour.
· Integration with mobile workforce management solutions
GPS trackers are suitable for integration with mobile workforce management solutions to track the location and activities of field workers, improve productivity and ensure compliance with regulations.
Essentially, by leveraging these advanced features and applications, businesses can maximise the value of their GPS tracker investment and gain a competitive advantage in today’s fast-paced and demanding market.
How GPS trackers save firms money
Essentially, GPS trackers offer a wide range of benefits for businesses of all sizes.
By understanding how this technology works and its potential applications, businesses can make informed decisions about incorporating GPS trackers into their operations.
From enhancing efficiency to improving safety and reducing costs, GPS trackers can be a valuable investm
