What is fleet tracking? Fleet tracking is a management system that uses GPS tracking to monitor the activity of fleet vehicles and assets. Typically, a fleet is a group of land-based assets, such as vehicles, trucks, field personnel, and powered or unpowered machinery (e.g., trailers).
Telematics technology is used by GPS fleet tracking to gather information from fleet cars and other assets.
This information is typically actively collected via a GPS tracking device connected to a vehicle’s OBD port, making it more beneficial for fleet managers and company owners who may utilize it to make tactical decisions about operations.
Why Use Fleet Tracking?
Remaining Competitive
In the highly competitive supply chain sector, companies constantly seek an edge in fleet management to minimize inefficiencies while maintaining superior service quality.
Telematics plays a key role in this quest. Fleet tracking systems, by gathering data on driver behavior and vehicle operation, offer actionable insights to enhance driving practices. These include reducing speeding and idling, optimizing route selection, and promoting safe driving habits.
However, the benefits of these technologies aren’t limited to large corporations. Businesses of all types can significantly profit from implementing fleet tracking software, leveraging its potential to streamline operations and improve overall efficiency.
Government Compliance
Maintaining the data required for government compliance, particularly with the U.S. Department of Transportation, is another area where a fleet monitoring system may help.
Some fleet tracking can keep track of potential DOT compliance containing pre-and post-trip inspections, document maintenance, repair work monitor driving hours, and compute fuel tax expenses for international transportation. Additionally, it offers evidence of the document’s chain of custody.
Environmental Impact Reduction
Developing a green fleet plan is another aspect of software offering fleet management solutions. This phrase refers to using telematics to lessen an organization’s environmental effects.
It all starts with the enormous quantities of data that telematics software gathers, which can be used to assess a company’s efficiency level and where it is to reduce environmental consequences. This involves reducing fuel use and emissions through smarter driving practices and regular maintenance.
Fleet managers can uncover methods to enhance a supply chain system by looking at it as a whole with the use of software solutions. These changes should support sustainability across the board.
Companies may increase their productivity, sustainability, and profitability by choosing the appropriate fleet tracking solutions.
How Does Fleet Tracking Work?
Once installed on a commercial vehicle, a GPS fleet tracker establishes a connection with a constellation of satellites. This connection enables the device to determine the vehicle’s precise location.
The device employs a technique known as trilateration, which calculates the vehicle’s position by measuring its distance from at least three satellites in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network.
Through this process, the GPS tracker gets the vehicle’s exact latitude and longitude, as well as its time and elevation, and then transmits this information in real-time.
This signal, carrying the vehicle’s location coordinates, is captured by a wireless carrier tower, which then forwards it to a cloud-based server.
Users with access to fleet tracking or management software can connect to this cloud server to receive up-to-date GPS data on the vehicle’s location, allowing for effective monitoring and management of their fleet.
Read also: How Does GPS Work?
What Types of Businesses Need Fleet Tracking?
Fleet tracking presents various challenges, but an effective fleet tracking solution helps to address these issues.
Fleet tracking systems are not exclusive to any single business sector; they are a critical component across a diverse array of industries that rely on transportation and logistics. Here are some common types of businesses that require fleet tracking to enhance their operational efficiency, safety, and compliance.
- Public Services
- Construction and Heavy Equipment
- Service and Delivery Businesses
- Field Sales and Service
- Retail and E-Commerce
- Energy and Utilities
- Transportation and Logistics
What GPS Tracking Device Is Right for Your Fleet
Choosing the right GPS fleet trackers involves understanding the specific needs of your company and the differences between types of GPS trackers. Key considerations include:
- Real-time tracking device or not
- What asset or fleet do you want to track
- What data do you need
- Choose between battery or non-battery fleet GPS tracker
- Key features you need
- Cell-based or satellite-based fleet tracker
Conclusion
Fleet tracking employs vehicle tracking devices and software to monitor a fleet of trucks, automobiles, people, and land-based equipment.
Fleet managers may monitor the locations of cars, maintenance needs, driving patterns, the safety of the fleet, overall production, and whether a corporation is fulfilling environmental goals using GPS and cutting-edge telematics software.
This innovative method of fleet tracking and supply chain management is powered by telematics. This includes software that promotes improved fleet productivity and intelligent vehicle technologies.
These technologies enable managers in both large and small businesses to significantly improve efficiency. This is essential to fleet management programs that maintain a business competitive and compliant with laws.
