GPS Vehicle Tracking Guide

Evaluating a GPS vehicle tracking solution can be a daunting task. There are many products on the market to choose from and every business' needs are different. SageQuest has created a buyer's guide to help simplify the process for companies seeking a fleet management solution. Below is an overview of SageQuest's most recent whitepaper. SageQuest's GPS Tracking Buyer's Guide can be downloaded in its entirety from their website.

Download SageQuest's complete 2012 GPS Tracking Buyer's Guide.

There are four parts that make up most GPS fleet tracking solutions: data collection, data transmission, turning data into usable information and customer interface.

• Data Collection: Location information is the primary basis for most GPS vehicle tracking solutions. The GPS (Geographical Positioning System) technology tracks data such as longitude, latitude, vehicle speed and other data.
• Data Transmission: Raw data can be transferred in real-time via cellular networks or it can downloaded on-site when the vehicle returns to the lot. Data transmission devices are typically categorized as handheld, installed passive or installed real-time. They each have different capabilities that will suite different business needs.
• Turing Data Into Useful Information: Vehicle data can create a usable picture of vehicle activity once parameters such as latitude and longitude are processed into readable addresses. This step is important for usability.
• Customer Interface: Mapping, reporting and alerts are all pieces of information GPS vehicle tracking software programs can present to managers, giving them all the tools they need to optimize their mobile fleet operations.

Vehicle tracking systems can help fleet managers improve fleet fuel efficiency, manage vehicle maintenance, audit specific incidents and ultimately exceed customer expectations. Four common way in which companies are using vehicle tracking to improve their mobile operations are:

Timecard Validation - A recent survey showed 60% of fleet management customers use data from their fleet tracking solution to authenticate start and end times reported by drivers. They also sport check for extended travel stops and audit specific incidents.

Efficient Dispatching - Dispatchers use the current location of field technicians to manage deployment for urgent jobs and to monitor drivers who are ahead or behind schedule.

Eliminating Unwanted Driver Behavior - Minimizing liability can lead to big savings for fleets of all sizes. Real-time reports and automatic exception reports help managers monitor drivers for speeding, unauthorized vehicle use, extended idle time and more.

Improving Overall Efficiency and Productivity - Valuable metrics from GPS fleet tracking systems can be used to identify top and bottom performers, establish benchmarks and standards, create incentive programs for employees and to improve budget planning.

There are many variables to consider when choosing a GPS tracking solution. In a market with so many options, some factors are simply more important that others. Here are some tips to help you in your search:

• Get a screen shot of each of the different Dashboards the solutions offer and compare them side-by-side.
• Make sure the mapping provider invests in innovation and that the mapping capabilities meet your business needs.
• Ask for specifics regarding product improvements - the best solutions have processes for customer feedback and a product roadmap for the next six months.
• Ensure the solution fits the size of your business. GPS tracking solutions are not always one-size-fits-all. Larger businesses have different needs that only certain providers and solutions will be able to meet.
• Get details on device installation such as cost and third-party coordination. Ideally you want to look for a solution that provides hardware and installation for free.
• Evaluate the training and support a prospective vehicle tracking solution offers.

For more information about choosing a GPS Vehicle Tracking Solution leave a question or comment on the SageQuest Facebook wall.