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By Greg Bartlett

GPS has significantly improved the overall operation of my business!

It’s hard enough keeping track of family cars.  For companies, the struggle to know where each company vehicle is can be time consuming, expensive, and a hassle.  Many companies are looking for ways to streamline their fleet operations, making them more efficient and profitable.

So it’s no surprise that one study showed that about 47% of companies which use fleets are tracking their vehicles with GPS vehicle tracking, up from about 35% last year.  These companies have found numerous benefits from tracking their fleets.  Not only can they know where each vehicle is and monitor speed and driving habits of their employees, but they have also reduced idle time by about 25%, decreased fuel costs by over 20% and mileage by over 30%, and increased employee productivity by over 20%.  All this because they started using GPS vehicle tracking to monitor their fleets.

Many GPS systems allow employers to actively monitor their fleet, tracking each driver.  They can make adjustments such as finding the best routes, monitor their drivers to ensure that they are driving safely, and even keep tabs on the vehicle’s maintenance.  The need for an oil change or necessary maintenance, for instance, could be reported to the company, which could deal with the problem instantly.  Excessive idle time, improper use of company vehicles, and over reporting the number of hours on the clock can all be discovered when the vehicle is being tracked.  Employers can even set up “geo-fences” which allow them to predetermine the areas where employees can drive.  If the employees leave the area, then the company is instantly alerted.

GPS tracking saves companies money by reducing fuel costs, increasing efficiency, keeping drivers accountable, and monitoring vehicle conditions.  Furthermore, insurance companies often reduce rates for companies whose fleets are equipped with GPS tracking.

Despite the closer monitoring that GPS brings, many employees actually appreciate GPS vehicle tracking.  Most GPS systems have an option that allows the driver to hit a panic button in the event of an emergency, such as a mechanical failure or hijacking.  In fact, one company reports that their GPS tracking system has already helped them track and recover a vehicle when it was stolen.

Companies who are trying to keep track of their fleet don’t have to depend on spreadsheets, phone calls, and estimates.  With GPS vehicle tracking, they can know exactly where each vehicle is and what each driver is doing, and they even get to increase efficiency and save money, too.