GPS fleet tracking services are essential for vehicle-driven businesses that need to track their assets. The trucking industry, car rental sector and small businesses with fleets of work trucks can all benefit from GPS tracking technology. They can use it to keep an eye on driver performances and locate vehicles and equipment for service. In fact, companies save an average of $51,000 a year by using fleet management software to improve productivity, safety and customer service.
The demand for GPS fleet tracking has generated many GPS tracking service options. It’s important to know how to compare GPS fleet tracking services to make an informed selection. Below are some of the most significant factors to consider when comparing GPS fleet tracking services:
The purpose of GPS tracking software is to collect information about your fleet. How that info is presented and how users can interact with it is just as important. While a GPS tracking service may collect quality info about fleet vehicles, that info is useless if it is difficult to understand or access through the tracking software. Consider the following points when assessing different GPS tracking options:
Try to look for tracking software that is easy to use and understand, preferably with reports that deliver meaningful and actionable insights. Track Your Truck’s software solution is easy to use and fully functional, with multiple logins, data restriction options and valuable report options.
You need to be able to identify when something goes wrong quickly. This means that alerts and notifications are essential. Consider the following when assessing the alert and notification functions of GPS tracking solutions:
Look for systems that offer the alert options that will be most valuable for your team. For instance, if you choose Track Your Truck, we offer text and email alerts to immediately notify users of speeding, vehicle departures and more.
Mobile accessibility to your fleet tracking tools are now a minimum expectation for GPS tracking solutions. The capabilities of these mobile portals vary widely between providers. Ask the following when comparing the mobile functions of GPS tracking software:
The best mobile fleet tracking solutions offer an easy-to-use browser that allows you to see as much information as possible. While it is common for mobile versions to limit the information presented to the essentials, including alerts and notifications, be sure the options you’re considering offer the key insights you will need to access on the go. Track Your Truck offers convenient access to your fleet’s details through easy-to-use mobile applications available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
One of the biggest differences between low-end and high-end GPS fleet tracking providers is the range of devices available. Some companies sell themselves as offering “free devices,” but only offer one device — usually a plug-in on-board diagnostic (OBD) II device. Unfortunately, this option is not viable if the vehicles to be tracked don’t have an OBD port or if your company is concerned about the device being removed.
Instead of looking for companies offering free devices, ask the following questions:
Look for service providers that offer the types of devices that fit your company’s needs. Track Your Truck offers a range of passive and satellite tracking devices suitable for a variety of vehicles and equipment, from HVAC fleets to trailers.
Customer service is something companies may not consider during the purchasing process, but it’s important to know that you’ll be supported when something goes wrong. Consider these questions when asking about potential service providers’ customer service:
Always look for providers with a customer-focused attitude and well-rated customer service teams. Individualized support, such as that offered by Track Your Truck’s internal support team, is always preferable. Track Your Truck also offers a customer service site with videos and training materials.
The company’s software team is just as important as the customer service team, but customers may overlook it during the purchasing process. Software teams are important to consider when there’s an application glitch. Ask these questions to evaluate a provider’s software team:
Look for companies with software teams that regularly update the software and associated apps. These teams tend to be much more responsive when glitches occur and regularly update the application with new features. For example, Track Your Truck has in-house systems engineers to ensure platform compatibility for browsers, API and apps are met.
Data access is of varying importance to different fleets. Some fleets need stats for the past month, while others prefer to look back further. Consider your company’s needs, then ask the following questions:
Most providers will store info for a limited time, so keep your preferences in mind when asking these questions. The best providers will store info for a full year or more, enabling companies to use the data for financial reporting, employee evaluations and other purposes. Track Your Truck offers 125-day storage with a free upgrade to 365-day storage if requested. If you need key info for longer than that, we also offer longer-term storage for an additional fee.
One of the final aspects to consider when comparing GPS fleet tracking options is the price. Many companies consider price first when comparing options. It’s important to remember that lower prices often mean less functionality, and you may miss out on essential, cost-saving functions when you go for the cheapest options first.
Instead, focus on the value-adding functions and services important to your company and narrow your options to providers that offer them before considering the price. Keep in mind 45% of fleets using GPS fleet tracking software achieve a positive return on investment within 11 months of implementation.
There are many factors to consider in a GPS fleet tracking comparison, and companies need to analyze how specific features and services will fit their needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a GPS fleet tracking service that offers high-quality functionality and industry-leading support, add Track Your Truck to your list.
Track Your Truck provides advanced GPS vehicle tracking backed by accurate and user-friendly desktop and mobile applications. Combined with top-quality customer service and a range of customization options, Track Your Truck offers a complete vehicle tracking solution that helps you maximize productivity, streamline operations, reduce costs and improve customer service.
Learn more about Track Your Truck today by giving us a call at 812-461-6548 or by requesting a quote.