GPS Myths

Fact vs Fiction: GPS Tracking Edition

Busting the most common fleet technology myths

If you’ve ever explored the possibility of implementing a fleet tracking solution, you’ll have likely come across the most common objections to doing so.

Whether put forward by drivers, operations or finance departments, they tend to follow the same outdated school of thought.

And despite much evidence to the contrary, many of these myths refuse to go away.

So, to correct the record once and for all, this eBook covers four of the most misunderstood aspects of fleet tracking technology – and the real-world advantages such a solution can offer to your business.

Myth 1: My drivers will think I don’t trust them

Trust is a hugely important factor in the running of any business. So, it’s understandable that this would weigh heavily on the minds of fleet managers and fleet-reliant business owners.

However, a GPS fleet tracking solution is not just a way to keep tabs on your drivers. It can be an incredibly powerful tool to help you boost safety, efficiency and productivity – making life easier for every member of your team.

With intelligent routing and scheduling to improve communication between the office and the road, your drivers are empowered to focus on what they do best. Changes to routes, job instructions, and ETAs are shared automatically, reducing distractions and micromanagement.

Near real-time ETAs

Office staff can easily see a driver’s location, job status and ETA without manual communication.

Smart routing

Jobs are scheduled efficiently, accounting for road and traffic conditions, vehicle type and customer requirements, reducing unnecessary miles and time on the road.

Safe working environment

Data collected by your GPS solution on maintenance status and harsh driving can help to promote vehicle safety and improve driver behaviour.

39%

of fleets have reduced accidents with GPS tracking.1

Myth 2: We only cover a small area

While route optimisation may be unnecessary as you know the area you cover so well, modern fleet tracking still has plenty to offer.

Small areas of inefficiency can have big consequences among smaller fleets. So, by monitoring idling and other wasteful behaviours such as speeding and harsh acceleration, you can potentially save money on your fuel spend and reduce wear and tear on your vehicles.

Geofences are also beneficial, even across smaller areas. By placing virtual perimeters around real-world locations, you’ll receive alerts whenever a driver takes a detour from an agreed route or drives into an unauthorised area.

Make your customers happy

Use near real-time location data, vehicle status and traffic information to keep customers informed with accurate ETAs.

Spot areas of inefficiency

Monitor fuel consumption, idling and much more across your fleet to spot areas of waste.

Fight unauthorised use

Use geofences for peace of mind that your vehicles are only ever used for working purposes, 24/7.

44%

of fleets have improved customer service since implementing a GPS tracking solution.2

It is not uncommon for smaller fleets to feel like a comprehensive fleet tracking solution is too complex for their needs. However, this is often not the case.

Myth 3: We have a system that works

GPS tracking myths are not only perpetuated among fleets without solutions in place. Even those with existing systems can believe there’s no reason to upgrade. However, your system does not have to be broken before it can be improved.

If you are working with a solution that provides you with location data and vehicle status but little else, you are missing out on a wealth of valuable insight. Modern fleet tracking technology can help you improve maintenance processes, driver performance, and operational efficiency while reducing fuel consumption, mileage and costs. If yours can’t, you’re not seeing the full benefits of this powerful technology.

Maintenance alerts

Receive alerts based on mileage, engine hours or time to keep up to date with routine servicing, repairs and part replacement.

Monitor fuel consumption

Keep tabs on inefficient behaviours as well as expected and actual fuel consumption to take action against waste and fraud.

More than fleet tracking

Supplement your GPS solution with in-cab video, asset tracking, immobilisation and more to close gaps in your fleet knowledge.

56%

of fleets with GPS tracking have lowered their fuel consumption.3

Perhaps the most common objection to any new investment – “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

Myth 4:

Fleet tracking is too expensive

A comprehensive fleet management solution can help you to decrease waste, improve productivity, lower fuel spend and potentially fit more jobs into the working day. These types of improvements, both large and incremental, can add up to significant cost savings, which over time can more than cover the cost of installing and running the solution.

The majority of fleet managers surveyed in the Fleet Technology Trends Report UK 2022 saw a return on their investment within the first year of implementation.

Of course, there is a cost involved in implementing GPS tracking across your fleet. That cannot be avoided. However, this is very much an investment rather than a simple expense.

No myths – just metrics

There may still be many myths around the use of GPS fleet tracking technology, but for many businesses, the results are very real. With simple, user-friendly dashboards, you can delve into masses of valuable fleet data in seconds. So, you can get greater transparency into your mobile operation, spot areas of inefficiency and drive safety, productivity and profitability.

Once connected, the Verizon Connect platform can help to improve and automate your business, enabling you to increase efficiency, grow revenues, and react fast to customer needs.

Verizon Connect is leading the way in innovation with a fleet management platform rated #1 for user experience.

Verizon Connect provides all-in-one fleet software solutions for enterprise and small-to-medium business fleets. With decades of industry experience, Verizon Connect is committed to helping fleets strive for improved productivity, efficiency and safety.

See vehicle, job and asset status on a live map, schedule and manage work in the field, and coach workers on safe driving habits with near real-time dashboards, reports and alerts. Connect your other business technology to your fleet data with integrations and partnerships.

Plus, you can take your business with you using our suite of mobile apps for onthe-go fleet tracking at home or in the field.

We’d love to discuss the benefits of connecting your vehicles and equipment, your people and your work.

To learn more about Verizon Connect, visit verizonconnect.com/uk or call +44 800 975 4566.