Fleetr, a Jooycar company, is the leader in small fleet management and insurance solutions. We have built an AI-powered platform that provides actionable insights to fleet owners with our GPS tracker. We are proud to serve nearly 40,000 connected vehicles via our OBD II device with affordable and easy solutions across several countries. We believe in the power of telematics and big data to address the pressing needs of the small fleet owner and are working tirelessly to reduce costs, improve efficiency and increase safety.
Questions About Fleet Tracking Systems: 10 Common Questions a Driver Might have About Your Fleet Tracking System
By combining fleet-tracking and telematics technology, fleet management can provide valuable information about fleets and help them to improve their operations.
With GPS Fleet Management software installed, fleet managers can track their vehicle’s speed and location GPS Tracking software while also receiving information on engine status and safety measures via telematic devices.
This is just a sample of the wide range of data that Fleet Tracking Software collects. Fleet tracking software has many benefits. It can help fleets improve maintenance operations, boost their safety, and lower fuel consumption.
The technologies behind Fleet Tracking Systems are advanced – but most systems are user-friendly and easy to use. Let’s look at common Frequently asked questions about this fleet tracking system.
What Is GPS Fleet Management?
This fleet management software utilizes telematics and GPS fleet tracking technology. To fully understand this type of system, you need to first know about the components-
- GPS
- Telematics
- GPS Fleet Tracking
- Fleet Management Software
What Is GPS?
GPS is a navigational system that can provide information about location, time synchronization, and velocity. It functions on land, in the air, or even at sea – anywhere there is a satellite signal.
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. GPS was initially made by and for the United States Military, but it has been accessible to civilians since 1996 when President Clinton recognized its utility.
He decreed it a dual use which means military and civilian applications are possible because he set up an executive board with authority over this revolutionary new technology called GPS.
The Three GPS Segments
A GPS has three parts called segments. They work in unison to produce GPS functionality. These segments are space, control, and user-based.
- Space- The space segment is made up of 28 satellites. Each satellite orbits about 11,000 nautical miles from Earth’s surface.
- Control – The control section includes five ground stations across the world, communicating with the space segment to ensure that each satellite is operating properly
- User – Users interact with satellites to determine their precise location.
What Is GPS Fleet Tracking?
GPS Fleet Tracking is the process of locating fleets and improving efficiency by tracking drivers’ routes, speeding patterns, and other stats. A GPS receiver installed in each vehicle tracks data which sends it back to the fleet manager.
This data includes locations, speeds, and routes traveled, among others which allows for reducing dangerous driving habits, understanding driver behavior better, and improving the overall efficiency of fleets.
What Is Telematics?
Telematics systems collect an extensive range of data used for navigation purposes in combination with onboard diagnostics. These include real-time data such as a vehicle’s position, speed, idling time, fuel consumption, or seat belt usage.
More specific data can also be collected, including information from the engine area; which may include readings like RPMs or manifold pressure, amongst other things depending on the type of sensor used.
What Is Fleet Management Software?
A fleet management system is a central information system for businesses that help coordinate their fleet and the workings thereof.
This type of software aims to reduce operating costs and boost the efficiency of the company’s fleet. One way it does so is by helping fleets stay abreast with government regulations.
Able to perform several tasks, such as route optimization and planning, maintenance scheduling, or even safety monitoring. There are many functions that come from having good quality fleet management software.
To take it one step further – combining fleet management software with GPS-tracking technology and telematics makes an organization’s fleet management complete.
Types of GPS Fleet Tracking
Companies can use two different GPS tracking devices depending on their needs. These GPS tracking systems include active and passive.
What is Active GPS tracking?
Real-time GPS trackers transmit real-time location data to an online server, depending on the uninterrupted connection for continuous location monitoring and smooth fleet tracking management.
All-inclusive GPS trackers are designed to monitor vehicles 24/7, so that fleet managers can see where every vehicle is at all times.
What is Passive GPS Tracking?
Passive GPS trackers store data at specific intervals or upon certain triggers, such as when the vehicle reaches its destination, crosses a geofence, or displays triggered activity.
These trackers then send the gathered data to their server for analysis. This GPS tracker relies on little-to-no interaction with satellites and cellular signals to collect information.
Downloading is mainly done manually after the fleet has moved through specific geographical locations (such as remote regions) with limited internet connections because updates can resume once communication has been restored.
Benefits of GPS Tracking in a Fleet Business
GPS Fleet Tracking is a business management software that can be leveraged for many reasons, such as making it easy to manage assets and personnel while saving time and money.
With customizable features built-in, managing staff and vehicles has never been easier, thanks to its compatibility with popular payroll programs. This system offers countless benefits – these are only a few!
Optimizing Your Fleet’s Maintenance
Vehicle maintenance is an essential part of the vehicle used for most fleets. Fleets spend money repairing vehicles and dealing with unforeseen car malfunctions – but there are ways to avoid these expenses.
GPS fleet management software can help fleets save on both costs thanks to the information it provides about vehicle performance and maintenance schedules. An Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) II device plugs into a car’s onboard computer, sending early warnings about potential problems before they become serious.
This data helps maintainers better understand what needs fixing, so they don’t waste time diagnosing problems that someone else already knows how to fix! Plus, it can also locate the closest repair shop for outsourcing parts.
Improves Fleet Safety
GPS fleet management software can use the power of the data gathered by its many sensors to improve your fleet’s safety substantially. The software allows fleet managers to monitor driver behavior and identify dangerous driving habits, such as not wearing a seatbelt or speeding.
Fleet managers can train and coach individual drivers according to their specific needs. Vehicle collisions are very costly for fleets; thus, correcting poor driving habits early leads directly to lowering these expenses.
Track Fuel Efficiency
Often the most significant monthly expense for fleets is fuel. It accounts for a significant percentage of operating costs. As such, it’s imperative that fleets monitor their car’s fuel efficiency accurately.
GPS fleet management system can do just that; it tells you how much gas each vehicle needs on average while tracking data such as idle time and fuel expenses.
GPS fleet management software can also give tips to increase your fleet’s gas mileage when necessary. You might be able to identify those gas-guzzling cars or drivers who love wasting gallons at a time sitting around idly waiting for something to happen.
Maximize Vehicle Utilization
GPS fleet tracking systems allow you to monitor the location and performance of your vehicles at any time and provide accurate information about them. This allows employees to keep track of every single vehicle in their fleet.
This data can be analyzed by an employee who manages a company’s fleet, which will give them insight into how they might maximize profits while minimizing downtime.
Reduce Insurance Costs
Fleet monitoring systems automatically monitor whether a vehicle has changed course away from its original route, instantly alerting authorities at the relevant departments should it happen.
Fleet drivers know they will be monitored by these devices, encouraging them to behave responsibly and stay within speed limits when behind the wheel of an employer-owned vehicle. As such, insurance agencies offer discounts for cars fitted with this tracking system – saving owners money on their monthly premium payments by approximately 30%.
Reduce Fuel Costs
Businesses that use fleet tracking systems experience drastic reductions in fuel consumption due to multiple factors- better route planning, less idling, and better driver behavior. This data can also be used to find the most efficient routes while saving time and money by reducing business expenditures on overpriced gas products.
Reduce Fleet Maintenance Costs
Vehicle tracking devices work wonders for fleet owners because they offer great features like vehicle diagnosis, fuel levels, engine temperatures, and more that allow you to monitor how well your car is running.
These tools also let you know when maintenance needs to be performed – such as tire rotations or other routine maintenance – which can help save money and lengthen the lifespan of vehicles and parts.
Improve Route Planning
Today’s sophisticated fleet tracking systems allow drivers to map their trips before starting them. Detailed directions for each leg of the trip are provided – reducing cell phone use while driving and making it easier to stay within the law.
In addition to providing alternate routes if there are traffic jams due to unexpected roadblocks or accidents, ensuring better driver productivity and improved customer satisfaction because of timely service delivery.
Improves Fleet Security
Fleet monitoring systems make it possible to create geographic boundaries that can send alerts when a vehicle enters or leaves the designated area. These handy features are beneficial if you want to set up definite safe zones where your drivers know they can take breaks every once in a while.
One nifty feature of these systems is being able to notify clients whether one of your vehicles has arrived at their location. Moreover, If there’s an emergency, these systems enable staff members from your company to quickly reach out to their driver and offer assistance – which keeps both parties safe!
Real-time Notifications
GPS fleet tracking systems allow for quick updates about the locations of your connected vehicles and alerts for when drivers don’t follow their predetermined routes.
With the information collected from embedded IoT sensors, fleet managers can boost productivity and identify which drivers excel in particular scenarios, leading them to complete control over how fleets perform.
Helps Improve Time Management
Fleet tracking systems eliminate billing discrepancies through digital timesheet verification.
With GPS vehicle tracking systems, you can remotely follow and observe your field crew by determining when they start and stop their vehicles.
This will also give you the ability to set up automatic emails of reports that show how many hours an employee has worked, so there are no inconsistencies like overbilling or underbilling.
Improves Customer Satisfaction
Fleet management system helps improve service levels. And compliance with mandatory regulations with real-time information about the vehicle’s route and performance.
Not only that, but you’ll be able to provide accurate updates to your customers as they’ll know where their orders are at all times – providing them with a stress-free customer experience!
Can Integrate with your Company Applications
With features such as integrating with your supply chain and logistics applications to update shipment information, you can always stay up-to-date on what’s happening during transport. Generating automatic incidents and alerts will allow you to respond quickly to anything from a delayed or broken-down vehicle.
How Does GPS Fleet Tracking Work?
GPS Fleet Tracking is a management Software that provides solutions for businesses with vehicles. GPS Fleet Tracking can track and monitor the location, speed, and time of all vehicles in a fleet. This information lets business owners know where their drivers are at all times. It also provides data on fuel consumption and engine hours, which can help companies lower costs by avoiding unnecessary repairs or maintenance.
Why Would I Need a Fleet Tracking System?
We always start with answering this question in fleet Management because many people think they don’t need one if they only have one vehicle and only use it for personal reasons.
The truth is that all companies should invest in GPS fleet tracking because it has so many benefits for both the company and its employees. A few of these benefits include increased productivity, lower fuel usage, fewer maintenance costs, and decreased theft risk.
Businesses also benefit from things like accurate time-keeping and comprehensive mapping features. All of these things make having a GPS fleet tracking system worth it!
What Is the Cost of a GPS Tracking System?
To answer this question, let’s first talk about what you get when you buy one! Typically, companies will receive an online web portal where they can track the routes their vehicles take.
And see any stops along the way, driver profiles; load distribution statistics; reports detailing fuel usage rates and any violations of company policy that drivers may commit (such as speeding); text message alerts; live mapping, and more!
A business can purchase a 3G-enabled device for anywhere between $25-$50 per month. Depending on the service provider they choose to work with. They can then set up recurring billing that automatically sends monthly or annual payments.
If a business wants to add another feature to its plans, such as automated software updates or remote diagnostics, it will generally run them around $25 per month too.
What Devices Do Businesses Typically Use for Tracking Purposes?
There are two types of devices used for business fleets – stationary ones and mobile ones – and there is no correct answer to which one business should choose because each type has its pros and cons. For example, stationary units offer higher accuracy than mobile units but lack much mobility.
On the other hand, mobile units allow businesses to locate lost or stolen vehicles but lack accuracy. Stationary units offer long battery life, whereas the batteries in mobile models die quickly. It just depends on the needs of your business!
Do You Need Internet Access for Fleet Management Software?
Yes! Without internet access, a business won’t be able to connect to its system remotely and send messages/data as needed – meaning they’ll miss out on some important information/benefits listed above.
Plus, without internet access, staff members won’t be able to log in and see how productive each person is throughout the day or week!
Are GPS Fleet Tracking Systems Expensive?
GPS fleet tracking systems come with a number of different price points and options, so it’s difficult to give one definitive answer to this question.
Generally, a system’s upfront cost is minimal, and they become profitable for businesses within a year. In addition, businesses can finance or lease their system over the years if they need help paying for it.
Is Installation Hard?
Installing the hardware on your fleet is pretty straightforward! All you need is power for stationary units, and for mobile units, you need power and data coverage for the carriers you want to work with.
Businesses can install these units themselves or hire a professional to do it for them. Either way, it’s an easy process!
Can Anyone Use My GPS Fleet Tracking System?
Your GPS Fleet Tracking System is only accessible to your company and its staff.
Is the Fleet Management System User Friendly?
When looking for a fleet management solution, it’s always advisable to settle for one that has a user-friendly interface and is easy to use. Moreover, it should have logical navigation that all your employees won’t have difficulty using.
Moreover, it would be best if you settled for one that can be easily customized to your daily operational needs. On the flip side, settling for a hard-to-use fleet tracking software might fade into non-existence.
What Are the Security Features of a GPS Tracking System?
Security is always a top priority with GPS Fleet Tracking Systems, which employ some great security features! The first is encryption – this ensures criminals or hackers cannot intercept data.
In a Nutshell
Implementing a GPS fleet tracking system benefits any business looking to manage its company vehicles. It provides insight into vehicle and driver performance, which can minimize fuel consumption, maintenance costs, accidents, paperwork needs, and lost or stolen assets. Ultimately it boosts company revenue and profitability while improving customer service.
