Managing your fleet operations without advanced technology seems like a total rollercoaster. One day, everything seems to be in place; another day, you may be over-snowed with bottlenecks.

Manual documentation and on-site monitoring result in many human errors and lost opportunities. This is where GPS tracking software comes in as a rescuer to streamline fleet operations, enhance efficiency, and maximize profitability.

Since its emergence in 1973, the GPS (global positioning system) has evolved as technology evolves. Asa n expert in GPS tracking with years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this groundbreaking technology has transformed the way we navigate and manage assets.

In 2018, the GPS tracking market size has reached USD 1.57 Billion and is predicted to surpass USD 3.38 Billion by the end of2025 with the CAGR of 11.58% over the forecast period. This thriving technology has been employed by companies working in several industries to enhance the efficiency of their operations, save costs, and ensure the safety and security of their assets.

Thus, as a fleet manager, if you have not leveraged GPS tracking for fleet efficiency yet, you are missing out on crucial growth opportunities!

In this article, I will define GPS tracking, highlight GPS vehicle tracking benefits, and showcase real-life examples of the successful implementations of GPS for fleet tracking.

Table of Contents

·       What Is GPS Tracking?

·       How Does GPS Technology Work in Fleet Management?

·       Achieving Cost Savings Through GPS Tracking: 7 Vehicle Tracking Benefits

·       Driving Efficiency: Case Studies of Successful Implementations of GPS Tracking Solutions

·       Track What Matters Most with Afaqy’s GPS Tracking Solutions

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What Is GPS Tracking?

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GPS (Global Positioning System) is a groundbreaking technology used by most people around the globe. You must have used it through the GPS tag in your smartphone to find directions or to know the longitude and latitude of your trips, for instance.

What sets this technology apart, in my professional opinion, is its ability to provide accurate information about an asset’s location in real-time. It plays a pivotal role in optimizing fleet operations and enhancing decision making by giving insights about vehicle’s locations, maintenance issues, drivers’ behaviors, idling, and fuel usage.

How Does GPS Technology Work in Fleet Management?

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GPS technology works by focusing on specific satellites orbiting the earth from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network and triangulates the position of the physical item being tracked.

This process of utilizing more than one satellite to determine the location, time, latitude and longitude is called “trilateration”.

A fleet software then collects this data and transforms it into fleet insights that help fleet managers take proactive decisions in case of heavy traffic, road deviations, accidents, or unauthorized uses. This enables them to mitigate risks and avoid any possible repercussions.  

In 2021,there were 6.5 billion Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) devices in use worldwide, including applications such as GPS tracking in vehicles, asset management, and healthcare.

Therefore, GPS has become part and parcel of fleet telematics nowadays. By using a GPS device attached to the vehicle or a cloud-based app, you can get accurate data about your vehicles. Not to mention that the cloud-based app is the most preferred method since it allows fleet managers and all authorized persons to track vehicles using any device be it a tablet, smart phone, or desktop.

Achieving Cost Savings Through GPS Tracking: 7 Vehicle Tracking Benefits

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Integrating GPS vehicle tracking into your fleet helps you have a bird’s eye view of the whole fleet operations in real-time. This means that not a single detail will be missed. This is crucial for enhancing decision making and getting insights into areas of improvement to reduce costs and improve the compliance and safety of your fleet.

Here are some of the major reasons why GPS tracking helps you achieve cost savings:

Enhanced Efficiency

Managing fleet operations efficiently cannot be accomplished through paper documentation. A fleet management system, especially with GPS impeded, enables you to track everything related to your fleet anytime and anywhere. How a vehicle is being driven, when, and by whom, you will have all the data on a single dashboard. This helps you track any deficiencies in the process and take prompt actions to avoid any losses or extra costs.

Moreover, the power behind GPS tracking also lies behind its ability to track tasks, allowing fleet managers to focus more on their core responsibilities and strategic decision making.

Controlling Fuel Consumption

55% of fleet managers reported significant reduction in fuel consumption since using fleet telematics software.

GPS tracking helps you cut costs by controlling fuel consumption and optimizing routes. For instance, GPS tracking software enables you to track idle times. You can give the proper instructions to drivers in case of excessive idling that may result in increased fuel usage.

Also, it allows you to plan routes and reroute on the go to avoid congested areas and take the most optimal routes. This enables you to control fuel consumption, save costs, and increase the number of deliveries, resulting in boosted productivity.

Maintenance Alerts

One of the biggest advantages of a GPS tracking system is its predictive maintenance feature. By sending maintenance alerts, you can set servicing or inspections schedules to avoid sudden breakdowns such as vehicle overheating, engine surge, and flat tire/blowout.

These breakdowns may cause delays in deliveries and customer dissatisfaction. By maintaining your vehicles regularly, you will be able not only to increase their longevity but also save the costs of recurring fixes and bolster customer satisfaction.

Monitoring Drivers’ Behaviors

Through real-time tracking, you can monitor and assess your drivers’ performance and provide training when needed. You will be able to track harsh braking, exceeding speed limits, road deviations, and distracted driving. A GPS tracking system allows you to deter any unsafe driving habits and guide your drivers towards the right safety measures. This leads to reduced accidents, vehicles’ wear and tear, and controlled fuel usage.

Improved Safety

As a fleet manager or owner, maintaining safety and security must be among your top priorities. Research has revealed that GPS improved safety by 33%. By monitoring all your fleet data in real-time, you will be able to track any theft attempts or unauthorized use. Moreover, by observing drivers’ behaviors, you can spot any unsafety driving habits and take the required actions immediately.

Also, some systems are provided with the geofencing technique which allows you to set virtual boundaries for your vehicles and notifies you instantly if a vehicle surpasses its limits. By improving the safety and security of your fleet, you can mitigate accidents and avoid any potential losses.

Complying with Laws and Regulations

GPS tracking helps you adhere to the laws and regulations set by your country or industry. By recording fleet data such as drivers’ behavior, maintenance issues, and speed, you can stay compliant with regulations and avoid common traffic fines and penalties.

Fostering Customer Retention Rates

A survey showed that 54% of fleet managers noticed improvement in customer service since using fleet tracking into their fleet operations. GPS tracking software enables them to share drivers’ locations with customers to monitor and track their deliveries in real-time. This will enhance their satisfaction and help you win their loyalty.

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Driving Efficiency: Case Studies of Successful Implementations of GPS Tracking Solutions

I have observed successful implementations of GPS tracking across various sectors and industries. Drawing from my professional experience, I’d like to share some inspiring case studies showcasing how GPS tracking has effectively contributed to the success and increased efficiency of various organizations:

A Case Study on GPS Tracking Tools in Police Vehicle Pursuits

The National Criminal Justice Technology Research, Test, and Evaluation Center conducted case studies of the use of GPS technology by more than one law enforcement agency. These studies aimed at evidencing the impact of the use of GPS to enhance safety during police vehicle pursuits, which often result in crashes and fatalities. The studies showed GPS tracking as a valuable tool to reduce the frequency and risks of dangerous pursuits.

Enhancing Efficiency and Accountability in a Major Motorcycle Dealership

A leading motorcycle dealership in the U.S. Southwest encountered challenges in managing its large fleet used for test rides and rentals, resulting in high fuel costs, inefficient routing, and unauthorized use of its vehicles.

The implementation of a Fleet Management system with real-time GPS tracking enabled this dealership to better route, reduce fuel consumption, and increase accountability by monitoring vehicle usage. This led to lower fuel costs, improved operational efficiency, better employee oversight, and increased profitability.

Technology Saves the Day: How a GPS Tracker Led to the Swift Recovery of Stolen Valuables

Allen Crosby of Phoenix, Arizona was one of the burglary victims where more than US$10,000 in electronics and jewelry was stolen. But luckily, Crosby had equipped his valuables with micro personal GPS trackers, which became important during the recovery of his valuables.

Conversed in a stolen camera, one of the trackers started beeping and allowed law enforcement to trace the location of the stolen goods right to the residence of the burglar.

Within 24 hours of theft, police were able to track down the exact location of stolen items with the help of a GPS device and caught the burglar. This was a very fast recovery, made possible directly by Crosby's foresight in using technology to protect his property.

Track What Matters Most with Afaqy’s GPS Tracking Solutions

Established in 2005, Afaqy has been pioneering innovative GPS tracking solutions. Backed by experienced in-house software developers and partnering with top hardware manufacturers, we deliver first-rate GPS devices and tailored software solutions to help you track and monitor your fleet in real-time efficiently and smoothly.

Monitor, Manage, and Protect your assets with Afaqy’s innovative GPS tracking solutions. Contact us today!

FAQs

What is GPS tracking and how does it work?

GPS tracking is a technique used to track the location of a physical item. By attaching a GPS device to the object that needs to be monitored, the device connects with certain satellites, delivering accurate data about the item’s location.

What is the difference between GPS and GPS tracking?

We use GPS to know the directions or identify where we are located on the map. On the other hand, we use GPS tracking to monitor the location of an object or another person.

Where is GPS tracking used?

GPS tracking makes it easier to manage both orders and customers for the delivery business. It's essential for route planning; thus, route planning software contains this component so that vehicles can reach their destinations via the best routes.

How do you know if someone is GPS tracking you?

To see if someone is GPS tracking you, look for signs such as rapid battery drain, strange behavior on your devices, or someone knowing your whereabouts unexpectedly. Check your phone for unfamiliar apps or settings and inspect your vehicle for hidden devices.

Using a GPS signal detector or reviewing your data usage can help identify tracking. If in doubt, perform a factory reset on your phone or seek professional help, especially if you suspect illegal tracking.

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