Any company within the logistics sector will have heard about the benefits of fleet tracking technology for its vehicles. With this being said, we still find that there are many small businesses which run fleets, failing to take advantage of this incredible technology. GPS tech is very simple yet very effective and the data which is provided by a small device is huge. Companies merely have to place a device on each of its vehicles and then invest in the software which will crunch that data and present it to the team.
The tech may be basic, but the data is very high level and here is what we can glean from this kind of tracking device.
Driver Behavior
It is always important that teams are doing all that they can to make sure that their drivers are taking care of the vehicle during their shift. This means a sensible driving style, braking in good time, taking corners carefully and driving in a way that best protects the vehicle. The data which trackers can provide here include average speed, braking distances, cornering speeds, idle time and even gear change behaviors. This gives management the information which they need to manage their drivers towards better behaviors. This can increase productivity, protect vehicles and save money on unnecessary maintenance.
Vehicle Location
The most basic data which fleet tracking software can provide is a live location of the vehicle. We can use this to keep our customers in the loop with real time information; ensuring driver safety when they are lost or if they have had an incident, as well as being able to locate a stolen vehicle in no time at all. This latter benefit is exactly why insurance companies will offer a discount on premiums for logistics companies which utilize this technology.
Vehicle Maintenance Updates
Logistic companies spend so much more on making sure that their vehicles are fit for purpose and that they are running efficiently. This is part and parcel of running such a business, but only if it is actually necessary that vehicles need investment. The best way to make sure that companies can avoid costly repairs is with regular, minor maintenance. Owing to the way that tracking devices are able to gather data on the use of the vehicle, algorithms can be applied which enable the shipping company to know exactly when to take their vehicles in for maintenance. This is not only a cost saving option but it supports logistics companies with planning. Taking a vehicle off the road is only a good idea when it has been planned. Regular maintenance will ensure that there are less surprises down the road regarding emergency repairs.
All of this data is gathered by just a single tracking device on the company vehicle. Fleet tracking software is then able to collate the information so that management can easily digest it and use it accordingly. This is low cost tech which has a huge impact on the logistics industry.