5 Ways Your Business Should Use Vehicle Tracking [Advice]
A GPS vehicle tracking system can be one of the best investments a business can make to protect company vehicles. Once all of the homework has been done to find an affordable, easy to implement and feature rich system, though, many companies are content to simply monitor their fleet. This is particularly true for small business owners who may feel overwhelmed by the new technology. There are a few easy ways to add even more valuable to your GPS vehicle tracking system by taking full advantage of its features.
One: Real Time Vehicle Tracking
This is an obvious use, but it is an important one. Do not let the novelty of the technology wear off and take your interest with it. Your GPS vehicle tracking system allows you to know where all of your employees are at any given time. This is a powerful tool! Be sure to regularly check in to make sure that trucks are not stuck in traffic (or taking that extra long lunch). If your crews are dispatched throughout the day, your system will help you determine who is closest to service calls.
Take the time to learn how to use the GPS vehicle tracking system and its software. One of the biggest mistakes people make with technology is not really learning how to use it. On a related note, if you haven’t invested in a system yet be sure to look for one that is easy to use. Once you have learned the system you should be able to customize it. Make it the most value it can be for your business. Perhaps this means dividing your fleet into smaller groups or adding other users to the monitoring software. At the very least, set up alerts. The system should email or text you when something important is happening! Also set up the system so you can access it from your smartphone. Then, instead of being stuck at your desk, you can check in from anywhere.
Two: Vehicle Security
A properly implemented GPS vehicle tracking system protects your property. Although not exactly a car alarm, you can set up alerts that may warn you a vehicle is being stolen. If your vehicles are supposed to be stored in a specific location, mark it with a geofence (learn how here). Then you can create an alert that tells you when vehicles enter or leave this location. Another option is to set specific work hours for the vehicles. This might not work for you if your business runs 24 hours a day. Still, between geofencing and work hours you should be able to create alerts that warn you if something unexpected is happening.
Of course, if your vehicle is stolen then you can track its movements. This can not only lead to a quick recovery, but it may enable police to find your truck before its contents are gone forever!
Three: No More Punching In
If your employees work off site, your vehicle trackers may replace the traditional punch clock. The system (if properly set up) will record whenever a crew leaves or returns to your main location. This can be used to track how many hours each crew works. You can also begin to track how many hours of service your fleet has accrued for your maintenance records.
Four: Simplified Billing, Mileage And More
Your reports can do more than track employee hours. By checking how long trucks were at customer locations you can easily figure billable hours. You can easily figure travel time as well. Even if you do not bill for travel, it is useful to see how many work hours are being spent moving from job to job. Mileage can also be easily collected through your GPS vehicle tracking system. You can also begin to track how many hours of service your fleet has accrued for your maintenance records.
Five: Safe Drivers Are Good Business
Make sure that your drivers know that the GPS vehicle tracking system is there for their benefit. More importantly, make sure to use it to help them! They should know if they are lost or stuck in traffic outside help is available. They should also know you are able to monitor their speed. Not only will this help to keep them under the speed limit, it could be helpful if there is an accident. Your tracker could prove that your driver wasn’t speeding, for example. Be sure to talk with your insurance company. Your GPS vehicle tracking investment may also result in a policy discount.
There are probably many more ways your business can benefit from your GPS vehicle tracking system. The most important thing is to learn how to use your system so you can customize it to your specific needs.