Why GPS Truck Tracking is a Must-have For Fleet Operators?
by Ayushi Nagalia | Jun 1, 2023GPS truck tracking is a complex task that can only be handled well with the help of the right software However, you need to take care of the GPS truck tracking app you ultimately put your faith in.
Table of Contents
Is your business dependent on trucks? Are you struggling with striking a balance between operations and management?
If you nodded yes to any of these questions, the answer is GPS truck management software!
Technology has been taking over the business and general world as we know it until now So, it is time to ride in the truck full of business success Let technology help you boost your business operations so that you have all the time in the world to be the ‘human’ aspect of your business
Read this blog to know about why your business necessarily needs a GPS truck tracking software!
What is GPS Truck Tracking?
GPS truck tracking is a cutting-edge solution that uses telematics and GPS technologies to accurately detect and monitor trucks in real time It can either be a tool in a larger fleet management software, or an overall solution via a GPS truck tracking app
Truck tracking allows firms to track their fleet, optimise routes, and improve overall operational effectiveness
Businesses that use GPS truck tracking obtain significant insights into the movements of their vehicles, allowing for better decision-making, more productivity, and improved customer service. It’s a game-changing solution for modern fleet management, ensuring precise tracking and efficient operations
How Does GPS Truck Tracking Work?
Obviously, before you put your money into any GPS truck tracking system, you will need to figure out how it works, right?
So, to understand how a GPS tracking system works, you will need to understand how any GPS tracking software works to begin with We have explained the process your vehicles’ data will go through to help you maximise your business growth in the following steps:
Global Positioning System (GPS): The GPS system functions on a network of GNSS satellites that orbit around the Earth. These satellites work together to get a precise locational point for your trucks
GPS Receivers: Each truck is equipped with a GPS receiver The purpose of this hardware is to communicate with the satellites to receive signals and help them determine where the vehicle exactly is
Data Transmission: After receiving the locational data, The GPS receiver transmits it to the fleet management software, a cloud-based platform via cellular or satellite networks.
Real-Time Tracking: The server takes location data from all the trucks in your fleet and displays it on a digital map in real time When presented in the software, it provides fleet managers with up-to-date truck locational information
Route Optimization: With the easily digestible data, it becomes simpler for both managers and software to devise such optimised routes that consume the least amount of fuel, time, and safety from the fleet
Geofencing: Geofences or POIs can be created with GPS truck tracking. When put around an area, geofences allow you to get notifications whenever trucks go in and out All thanks for GPS and real-time truck tracking
Reporting and Analytics: Based on the data acquired, GPS truck tracking systems generate detailed reports and analytics This data assists fleet managers in assessing performance, identifying areas for improvement, and making data-driven
How Do GPS Truck Trackers Create Competitive Advantage?
If you embrace technology, it is sure to reward you with lots of competitive advantages In this section, let us look at some benefits of GPS truck tracking systems so that you know why we are asking you to put your money into them!
Increased Truck Visibility: The benefit of real-time tracking is that managers get to see their vehicles at all times But if some visibility is left out, the right notifications and alerts do the trick!
Better Resource Optimisation: GPS truck tracking software helps you see more than just the locational data Through map data, sensor information, and other on-road data, managers can use features like route planning to use resources to optimum use
Improved Fleet Safety: Real-time visibility and other safety features such as video telematics, SOS alarms, immobilisation, and parking mode allow vehicles to be safe Therefore, much less costs to be made on vehicle recovery or new procurement
Reduce Operational Costs: Features such as fuel monitoring and route planning solutions help organisations cut operational costs You will learn how to employ the fewest resources feasible without sacrificing outcomes
Higher Customer Satisfaction: When your business is able to reduce the difference between the ETA and ATA, customers will obviously be happier Higher customer loyalty is bound to give you a competitive edge over your completion
What To Look For In The Best GPS Truck Tracking System?
The SaaS market’s diversity and competition make it difficult to choose the best GPS truck tracking system for your fleet
But don’t be worried! We’re here to help you make the greatest decision So, we have curated a lit of things you must look for before choosing the GPS truck tracking software you’ll operate your fleet on Carefully consider the following points
What Features Does It Offer?
The first thing you need to see is the features the GPS truck tracking software you’re considering offers After all, the features make or break a software, right?
Driving Behaviour Analysis: Driver behaviour analysis results in significant cost reductions Therefore, your GPS truck tracking efforts should help you distinguish between risky and responsible drivers
Fuel Monitoring: Fuel monitoring features such as drainage reports and real-time fuel monitoring make fuel management easier Fuel monitoring is critical for preventing waste and its implications on the environment and fleet economy
Route Management Software: You can use a GPS truck tracking system to plan and map routes based on intelligent insights from geographical data. Using trip management, you may get your drivers to not make unnecessary stops and long detours.
Sensor Integration and Compatibility: Using IoT and OBD sensors, such as cabin thermometers and tyre pressure monitors, provides a more accurate picture of the vehicle’s and driver’s performance You need to see if the sensors you already use in the fleet are compatible with the software
Geofences: Geofences are an excellent method for tracking the movement of your trucks and analysing their movements You can use geofences smartly to create multiple use cases
Safety Features: Safety features like parking mode, SOS alarms, door sensors, and eLocks play a huge role in keeping your trucks, drivers, and consignment safe
Automation: Machine learning and automation are the foundations of telematics’ future Smart ETAs, automatic reporting, and other features, have a significant impact on the overall efficiency of your trucks
Alerts and Notifications: You should get notified every time a truck takes a wrong route or if there are any emergency instances
Reporting and Analysis: Check the kind of reports the software generates, giving you an idea of the software output you will get
How Easy Is It To Use?
After you have sorted if the features offered by the GPS truck tracking software work in coherence with your business requirements, you need to check for ease of use You need to see if the software is easy to install and how much time you will have to spend trying to understand how it works.
Ideally, you wouldn’t want to spend too much time and waste productivity trying to figure out a software that is meant to reduce your operational time and wastage!
How Powerful Is the Software?
Check how accurate the locational data collected by the software is Ideally, the location should be accurate down to 10 metres. Otherwise, the whole idea of ‘real-time’ is robbed away. The software should be able to give updates right when your truck makes a wrong turn, not when it is already half a kilometre away!
Moreover, to maintain the integrity of live monitoring, the software should have 0% downtime like TrackoBit You should never be in a situation where you want to see your vehicle’s location but cannot because the system is down.
Will The Software Provider Help Me at All Hours?
In continuation to the spirit of always having access to the software, the software company should also have a strong technical support system After all, what if you face an emergency problem at 5 am but have to wait till 10 am to get any resolution?
Does The GPS Truck Tracking Software Fit My Budget?
Last but definitely not the least, you need to see if the fleet management software meets your budget requirements
After all, what is the point of making an investment that might become too difficult to get desired ROIs from, right?
Summing Up
There you have it! Too many reasons why you and your business will be missing out on too much if you do not use a GPS truck tracking software. So, what are you waiting for? You should try a software that help[s you solve all your truck tracking business problems Give TrackoBit a try, you’ll not regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How does GPS truck tracking streamline compliance?
GPS truck tracking improves compliance by improving route planning, monitoring HOS, ensuring location adherence via geofencing, enabling proactive maintenance, improving safety measures, integrating with electronic logging devices (ELDs), and facilitating efficient record-keeping Real-time visibility and automatic data gathering streamline compliance reporting, eliminate errors, and improve operational efficiency
Q2: How accurate are GPS truck trackers?
GPS truck trackers can be as accurate as you want them to be It all depends on the kind of trackers and software you use WIth the right equipment, GPS truck trackers can be as accurate as down to the last 10 seconds
Q3: How does GPS truck tracking improve driver safety?
GPS truck tracking plays a pivotal role in improving driver safety Here’s how:
Real-time tracking: If drivers get in any trouble on the way, managers can send help the right way
SOS Alarms: WIth a multitude of safety alarms like the SOS alarm, drivers get to tell managers when they might be in trouble
Driving Assessment: Through driving behaviour analysis, drivers get to know about their risky patterns and managers can arrange for suitable training
Video Telematics: Video telematics with DMS and ADAS are specifically made to make driving easier and safer through AI
Route Optimisation: Route optimisation tools allow managers to choose routes that are as safe as possible for the drivers
Q4: What are the main factors in GPS truck tracking ROI?
GPS truck tracking systems can affect your fleet’s ROI through:
Fuel Savings: Reduced idling and optimised routes result in lower fuel consumption, resulting in significant cost savings
Increased Productivity: Better dispatching, less downtime, and simpler operations boost productivity and overall fleet efficiency
Reduced Maintenance Costs: Preventing breakdowns and costly repairs through proactive maintenance and early vehicle diagnostics
Improved Customer Service: Real-time tracking allows for more accurate ETAs, better communication, and enhanced customer satisfaction, which leads to increased loyalty and repeat business
Insurance Premium Savings: GPS tracking encourages safer driving practices, which may qualify fleets for lower insurance costs
No Overhead Costs: Avoiding fines, penalties, and accidents as a result of improved compliance monitoring and driver safety procedures has a beneficial influence on the bottom line
Q6: What processes can GPS truck tracking software digitise?
GPS truck tracking software can digitise a variety of fleet management tasks, including:
Maintenance Management: Using digital records of vehicle diagnostics, maintenance schedules, and service reminders, maintenance operations can be streamlined, minimising laborious paperwork
Driver Communication: Real-time updates and instant messaging allow for seamless contact between drivers and dispatchers, enhancing coordination and efficiency
Compliance Monitoring: Tracking hours of service (HOS), driver conduct, and adherence to regulatory standards automatically streamlines compliance management and reporting
Reporting and Analysis: GPS tracking software offers thorough statistics and analytics on fleet performance, fuel consumption, driver behaviour, and other factors, providing vital insights for informed decision-making
Customer Service: Accurate real-time tracking data enables better customer communication, more precise ETAs, and proactive customer service.
Q7: Can GPS truck tracking help improve driver skills, especially for new hires?
A huge factor of GPS truck tracking systems is driving behaviour analysis Through this solution, managers can see in real time how their drivers are performing Managers can:
Get metrics on how well drivers are performing on the roads
Get incidental evidence through video telematics whenever a driver driver rashly or a vehicle gets into an accident
Once managers get this information, it becomes much easier for them to give
Evidential feedback
Offer directed training
Q8: Does GPS truck tracking work only for large fleets?
No! GPS truck tracking software can be used for fleets of any size As soon as a fleet manager has to handle more than two vehicles, managing their performance, requirements, etc becomes next to impossible without software support
Ayushi Nagalia
Ayushi Nagalia is a Senior Content Specialist at TrackoBit She is passionate about music, writing, and reading When not abusing her keyboard, you will find her lost in her playlists or organizing things. View
Never miss an update from TrackoBit. Get articles, tips, and industry insights delivered right into your inbox.