How to Choose A GPS Fleet and Tracking System

Updated
April 27, 2021
Posted
Frederick W. Daily, J.D, LL. M (tax)
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GPS trackers come in many shapes and size; the only way to set them apart is through their features and characteristics.

GPS trackers are here because of the ease in which they make fleet management a straightforward process. The hardware consists of software that can track your vehicles, record drivers’ habits, give status reports of the entire fleet, and give alerts on incidents or accidents as they occur. The main reason you need this device is to gather all information to help in managing and improving efficiency, safety, and functionality of the entire fleet.

This guide will help you find the right fleet tracker for your business by identifying what to look for before settling on the device of choice. So if you are looking forward to learning about GPS fleet tracking services, then keep reading.

GPS Tracker Overview

Fleet tracking device is like a virtual manager who keeps following your drivers wherever they go and giving a status update upon request. Using GPS fleet tracking software is a sure way of ensuring your vehicles operate efficiently and drivers operate within the laws of the road and the business.

The device is made of both hardware and software. The type of hardware or software will depend on the kind of information you want to read from your fleet.

Some trackers can be as simple as a plug and play that is also portable and can be plugged into the vehicle’s ODB port. Other trackers have advanced interfaces that require hooking onto various sensors to relay data to the information center.

The good thing about both these gadgets is the effortless installation that does not require a technical Knowledge. The tracker uses a Global Positioning System to locate your vehicle. The data is rendered on a software platform showing all the vehicle components. You will get real-time updates and alerts from the car using data sent directly to the person operating the software.

Tracker Software

Like any other GPS tracking device, the tracker can locate vehicles, give directions to assigned routes, and set up new routes. Additional information such as vehicle diagnostics, driving behaviors, and maintenance tracking are also collected. All these information is obtained from sensors fitted to strategic places in the vehicle.
Some fleet trackers have software with tools that allow for dispatches and scheduling to improve efficiency. Such features are useful for boosting customer satisfaction especially when you give accurate arrival and departure times in the case of a public transport company.

Pricing

When it comes to choosing a fleet tracker, make sure that the money spent on the device is equal to the features your business needs. Some of the standard features you will find on any GPS fleet management system are:

  • Integration with fuel cards
  • Dashboard showing the tracking pattern
  • Communication and navigation options
  • Live customer support
  • Safety tracking

Please note that if you need additional features, you may need to dig deeper into your pocket.

Other Capabilities

Alert Systems: you should get notifications through email or text in case of an incident

Ease of use: look for a tracker with a manageable platform and simple dashboard

Accessibility: a fleet tracker that is accessible anywhere and anytime through a mobile interface is far much better


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Frederick W. Daily, J.D, LL. M (tax)
Originally Published
September 11, 2018
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