Fleet Tracking
Additional Add-on Services
Jul 10, 2024
Managing a large fleet comes with a number of challenges—from keeping track of vehicles in real-time to ensuring driver safety and minimising operational costs. As a fleet manager, you need reliable tools that simplify these complexities and boost overall efficiency.
At Fleetsmart, we understand the demands of your role and have developed comprehensive van tracking solutions to meet the unique needs of large fleets.
In this guide, we’ll be looking at the features of Fleetsmart’s van tracking software, explaining how we can help streamline your operations, enhance productivity, and reduce costs.
Fleetsmart’s real-time tracking technology uses advanced GPS mapping integrated with Google Maps. This allows fleet managers to pinpoint the exact location of each van with an accuracy of up to 2 metres.
Real-time tracking provides continuous updates on vehicle positions for better route planning and swift response to any on-road issues. The integration with Google Maps, including satellite images and street view, ensures that fleet managers have a clear view of their vehicles' whereabouts, significantly enhancing fleet management capabilities.
Fleetsmart’s tracking software includes a robust reporting suite using Excel spreadsheets to provide detailed insights into fleet performance. Key metrics tracked include start/stop times, route deviations, instances of speeding, harsh braking/acceleration, and idling periods.
These comprehensive reports allow businesses to analyse driving patterns and identify inefficiencies, leading to more informed decisions that improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. By addressing these inefficiencies, companies can save on fuel, reduce wear and tear on vehicles, and ensure safer driving practices.
The Journey Replay feature enables fleet managers to review the complete journey of each van from start to finish. This includes visualising routes taken, stops made, deviations from planned routes, and instances of speeding or idling.
Journey replay is particularly useful for delivery fleets to verify delivery times and resolve any disputes regarding service delays. By providing a detailed playback of journeys, fleet managers can better understand driver behaviour, optimise routes, and enhance overall service reliability.
Geo-fencing allows fleet managers to set virtual boundaries around specific geographic areas. Fleetsmart’s software sends instant alerts whenever a van enters or exits these predefined zones. Geo-fences can be configured by location and time, providing an added layer of security to prevent theft and unauthorised use of vehicles outside of working hours.
This feature is highly effective in managing vehicle movements, ensuring that vans stay within designated areas, and promptly responding to any potential security breaches.
Monitoring driving habits is essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of a fleet. Fleetsmart’s Driver Behavior Reports track various aspects of driving behaviour, including speed, braking, acceleration, and idling.
By analysing these reports, fleet managers can identify risky driving behaviours and provide targeted training to drivers. Improving driver behaviour not only enhances safety but also contributes to better fuel efficiency and reduced vehicle maintenance costs. This proactive approach helps create a safer driving environment and promotes a culture of responsible driving within the fleet.
Fleetsmart understands that fleet managers are often on the move and may not always have access to their computers. The Email and SMS reports feature ensures that they remain informed about their fleet’s status at all times.
Managers can choose to receive periodic status reports or real-time alerts for events such as speeding, entering/exiting service areas, or unusual behaviour.
This feature provides flexibility and convenience, allowing managers to stay connected and make informed decisions from anywhere.
The live DVLA lookup feature in Fleetsmart’s software automatically imports tax and MOT data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This ensures that all vehicle records are up-to-date, aiding compliance with regulatory requirements.
Keeping track of tax and MOT statuses manually can be time-consuming and prone to errors; therefore, this feature simplifies fleet management and ensures that all vehicles remain legally compliant, reducing the risk of fines and legal issues.
Dashboard cameras offer significant benefits for monitoring driving behaviour and providing incident evidence. Fleetsmart’s dashboard cameras auto-upload HD video footage, ensuring that the video is secure and tamper-proof.
This footage can be invaluable in the event of an accident, providing clear evidence to support insurance claims and potentially saving thousands of pounds by preventing false claims. Additionally, the presence of a dash cam can encourage drivers to adopt safer driving practices, knowing that their actions are being recorded and reviewed.
Fleetsmart’s remote immobilisation tool enhances vehicle security by allowing fleet managers to remotely disable the engine of a stolen vehicle.
This feature is particularly useful in preventing theft and increasing the likelihood of recovering stolen vehicles quickly. With the simple press of a button via Fleetsmart’s smartphone app, you can immobilise the vehicle, rendering it inoperable until the command is reversed. This added layer of security ensures that your valuable assets are protected and can be quickly retrieved if stolen.
Complying with UK and GDPR privacy laws is crucial for any business that tracks vehicles. Fleetsmart’s Driver Privacy Switches allow drivers to mask tracking details when using vehicles for personal use, ensuring that personal journeys are not monitored.
This feature helps businesses stay compliant with legal requirements and respects the privacy of employees. By providing a clear distinction between business and personal use, Driver Privacy Switches foster trust and transparency between employers and employees.
Driver Identification Fobs are essential for fleets where multiple drivers use different vehicles. These fobs work by allowing each driver to log in to a specific vehicle, ensuring that their identity is linked to the vehicle they are operating.
This system benefits fleet management by providing detailed records of who was driving each vehicle at any given time, enhancing accountability and making it easier to address any issues related to driving behaviour. By monitoring individual driver performance, fleet managers can identify areas for improvement and ensure that all drivers adhere to company policies and safety standards.
GPS tracking significantly enhances route planning and fleet management by providing real-time data on vehicle locations and traffic conditions. This enables fleet managers to optimise routes, reduce travel time, and increase the number of deliveries or service calls completed each day.
GPS trackers play a crucial role in monitoring and improving fuel efficiency. By tracking metrics such as idling time, harsh acceleration, and speed, fleet managers can identify areas for improvement and implement fuel-saving strategies.
Case studies have shown that businesses using GPS tracking can achieve up to 15% in fuel savings by promoting efficient driving habits and reducing unnecessary mileage. This not only lowers fuel costs but also reduces the environmental impact of the fleet.
Tracking driver behaviour is essential for ensuring the safety of your fleet. GPS van trackers provide detailed reports on driving habits, including instances of speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration.
Features like driver behaviour reports and dashboard cameras further enhance safety by providing visual evidence in case of incidents. By monitoring and addressing unsafe driving practices, businesses can reduce the risk of accidents, lower insurance premiums, and promote a culture of safety among their drivers.
Real-time tracking and geo-fencing are effective tools for enhancing vehicle security. Geo-fencing allows fleet managers to set virtual boundaries and receive alerts if a vehicle enters or exits a designated area. This feature helps prevent unauthorised use of vehicles and quickly detects potential theft. Additionally, remote immobilisation enables fleet managers to disable a stolen vehicle’s ignition, aiding in quick recovery and protecting valuable assets.
Providing accurate estimated times of arrival (ETAs) and improving delivery times are key to customer satisfaction. GPS van trackers allow businesses to offer precise ETAs and keep customers informed with real-time updates.
This transparency ensures that customers know exactly when to expect their deliveries, reducing frustration and enhancing the overall service experience. Real-time tracking also allows businesses to quickly respond to any delays or issues, ensuring timely deliveries and satisfied customers.
When selecting a van tracker for your fleet, it's essential to consider factors such as fleet size, types of vehicles, and specific operational requirements. Customising the GPS tracking solution to match these needs ensures optimal performance.
For instance, delivery services may prioritise route optimization and customer ETA notifications, while construction companies might focus on geo-fencing and asset security. Evaluating these factors helps in selecting the right features and tools for your fleet.
Understanding the pricing models of GPS trackers is crucial for making an informed decision. Costs can vary based on features, installation, and the number of vehicles being tracked. It's important to calculate the potential return on investment (ROI) through cost savings.
Consider factors such as reduced fuel consumption, improved operational efficiency, and decreased theft risk. By quantifying these benefits, you can determine whether the initial investment in GPS tracking will pay off over time.
Ensure that the GPS tracking solution you choose can scale with your business. As your fleet grows, you’ll need a system that can easily integrate new assets without significant changes or costs. Look for solutions that offer customisable options and integration capabilities to adapt to evolving operational needs.
This flexibility ensures that the GPS tracking system remains valuable as your business expands and diversifies.
The installation process and level of support provided by the GPS tracking provider are critical considerations. Some systems require professional installation, which can ensure optimal performance and integration but might come at a higher initial cost.
Others offer self-install options that are more affordable and convenient but may require some technical know-how. Additionally, ongoing support is essential to address any issues that arise and ensure the system continues to meet your needs. Choose a provider like Fleetsmart, known for excellent customer service and comprehensive support.
Van tracking involves using GPS technology to monitor and manage the location, performance, and behaviour of commercial vans in real-time. A GPS device installed in each van communicates with satellites to provide precise location data, which is transmitted to a central software platform.
Fleet managers can access this data through an online dashboard or mobile app, allowing them to track vehicle movements, optimise routes, and ensure driver compliance with company policies.
GPS tracking offers numerous benefits for managing a fleet of commercial vans:
Optimise routes, reduce travel time, and increase the number of deliveries or service calls completed each day.
Monitor and improve fuel efficiency by tracking idling, harsh acceleration, and speed. Enhanced Driver Safety: Track driver behaviour and provide targeted training to reduce accidents and promote safer driving practices.
Use real-time tracking and geo-fencing to prevent unauthorised use of vehicles and quickly recover stolen assets.
Provide accurate ETAs and real-time updates to customers, enhancing service reliability.
When choosing a van tracker, consider the following essential features:
Real-Time Tracking and Mapping: Accurate location updates with Google Maps integration.
Set virtual boundaries and receive alerts for unauthorised movements.
Remote Immobilisation: Enhance vehicle security by remotely disabling the engine.
Comprehensive Reporting Tools: Detailed reports on vehicle performance, driver behaviour, and route efficiency.
Driver Behaviour Monitoring: Track and analyse driving habits to improve safety and fuel efficiency.
Battery Backup and Power Loss Alerts: Ensure continuous tracking even if the vehicle loses power.
GPS tracking reduces operational costs through several mechanisms:
Fuel Savings: By optimising routes and monitoring driver behaviour, businesses can reduce fuel consumption and lower fuel expenses.
Maintenance Savings: Proactive maintenance scheduling based on real-time data helps avoid costly breakdowns and repairs.
Insurance Savings: Improved driver safety and reduced risk of theft can lead to lower insurance premiums.
Operational Efficiency: Streamlined fleet management processes reduce administrative costs and increase productivity.
GPS tracking is beneficial for a wide range of industries and business sizes, including:
Logistics and Delivery Services: Optimise routes and improve delivery times.
Construction and Field Services: Monitor the location and usage of equipment and vehicles.
Rental Services: Track the usage and location of rental vehicles.
Public Transportation: Ensure compliance with schedules and monitor driver behaviour. Whether you have a small fleet or a large one, GPS tracking can help streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
The cost of GPS van tracking varies based on the features and services you choose. Key pricing considerations include:
Initial Setup Costs: The cost of installing GPS devices in each vehicle.
Monthly Subscription Fees: Ongoing costs for accessing the tracking platform and receiving updates.
Optional Add-Ons: Additional features like dashboard cameras, remote immobilisation, and driver privacy switches.
Potential ROI: Savings from reduced fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced security can offset the initial investment.
Choosing the right GPS tracker for your large fleet is a strategic decision that can significantly enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall fleet management. Fleetsmart offers comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of large fleets, ensuring you get the most value from your investment. To learn more about our van tracking solutions or to schedule a demo, contact us today at 01942 932442.