We all know how easy it is to lose time on the road. Be it getting stuck in traffic, making a wrong turn and running into troublesome detours, there always seems to be some obstacle between you and your destination. This problem is compounded when you have an entire fleet of vehicles that need to get to where they are going on time. One of the best solutions is a GPS-based fleet tracking system.
Fleet tracking is a system wherein a central office is able to keep tabs on the location of all its vehicles. Individual vehicle tracking is provided via a Global Positioning System, or GPS, transponder mounted on each vehicle. This tracking system uses satellites in geosynchronous orbit to determine the vehicle's exact location within a few meters. Because the information coming in from these vehicle tracking devices can be logged electronically, it is invaluable for use later in potential insurance claims. In these situations, having documentation for every detail is crucial in ensuring that the insurance provider comes to a fair decision.
If the vehicles in your fleet are fitted with radio systems or the drivers are equipped with mobile phones, the tracking system can be used to spot detours, traffic jams, road construction and other obstacles. The driver can be informed and redirected to a more optimal route. This helps to save time, fuel and money. It also gets crucial materials to your clients as quickly as possible. This can help to boost customer satisfaction and your business' overall reputation. With computerized fleet tracking, no portion of your supply chain is ever left in the dark.
Not only does a vehicle tracking system help to optimize routes and minimize operating costs, it also does wonders for accountability. Your company will be able to tell if drivers are making extra stops, taking unauthorized routes, making undocumented stops, or even speeding. With the proper software, a computer can interpret the incoming fleet tracking data and issue notifications via mobile text message when an irregularity is detected. These discrepancies can also be stored in a log and cataloged for later analysis.
