8 Misconceptions about Real-Time GPS Tracking for Fleet Management

In the connected world, thousands of transportation companies are managing an effective fleet with the help of real time GPS tracking. It is the crux of the latest technological development made in the industry.

In fact, telematics or GPS devices are crucial for maintaining smooth business operations. An advanced vehicle tracking system monitors the driver behaviors and sends automatic alerts during emergency situations. It also helps in reducing vehicle idling, improves vehicle maintenance, and provides the routing information.

However, there are some business owners who still don’t consider it as a worthy investment. Their decision is shrouded by some misconceptions related to the applications and capabilities of these devices. Here, these myths are debunked for shedding the light on the feasibility of GPS tracking.

Myth 1: The Drivers Are Always Under the Blade

With the help of GPS tracking, the companies can monitor their fleet on a real-time basis. It is not a cellphone tracking system where the drivers are traced minute by minute. Rather, these systems track the vehicles by providing dots on a map that you must join for completing the picture.

In the telematics used for GPS vehicle tracking, there are levels of technology that depend on individual needs of a business. From simple tracker to a remote temperature monitoring system, you can keep the drivers and the vehicles safe while complying with the government regulations. It gives access to the data. This information can be used in the best interest of the drivers as well. It can eliminate the risks of potential accidents.

Myth 2: GPS Reduces the Driver’s Productivity and Work Efficiency

Many companies think that real-time tracking devices will hamper the daily routines and average productivity of their drivers. It’s not true. GPS fleet management system starts working as soon as a driver turns on the ignition. These devices automatically collect and transmit the data.

They need an active input only when the driver is using an ELD or Electronic Logging Device. Most of the fleet managers currently using this system will vouch for its simplicity and effectiveness.

Myth 3: GPS Tracking Is Not a Business Necessity

There is a common misconception that GPS devices have limited capabilities that can be handled even by using cell phones or handheld devices. The cell phones cannot provide accurate information related to real-time vehicle location, movement history, driver’s speed, hard braking, and other valuable metrics.

On the other hand, GPS tracking devices are integrated with high-end features that allow all these functions for the benefit of your company. You can ensure safe driving and keep your vehicle on the roads with regular preventive maintenance.

Myth 4: GPS is an Expensive System

Cost is a major concern and GPS tracking systems typically need a sizeable investment in the hardware. Depending on the size of your fleet and your operations, the cost of this entire setup can vary from $15 per month to $1000 per month for an enterprise-sized solution. You can reduce the monthly expenditure and upfront costs by comparing the vendors on various parameters.

With proper implementation, these systems can identify the inefficiencies costing thousands of dollars every month to your company. You can reduce these unnecessary expenses by choosing the best real-time tracking system. It is an investment where you should consider the ROI in a long-run. Make a cost-benefit analysis and you will be surprised by the profitability added by GPS trackers for vehicles.

Myth 5: Small Businesses Do Not Require GPS Tracking

Apart from the costing concerns, the small businesses fail to identify the benefits added to their operations by a tracking device. This is a misconception that telematics is meant only for enterprise-sized corporations. Even a small company with 3-4 vehicles can benefit from this system.

For example, if there is an ad-hoc requirement, the operations manager can track the real-time location of the on-field employees and send them to the required location immediately.

Myth 6: If the Employees are Trustworthy, there is No Need for GPS Tracking

This myth can get many business owners and fleet managers into trouble. The need for GPS tracking devices for vehicles is not driven by trust issues. Rather, it is required to ensure accuracy and prevent costly mistakes during operations. The employees are trustworthy but they can make mistakes.

With telematics and GPS tracking, you can monitor every employee holistically and utilize this technology for their safety. For example, if a vehicle gets stolen somehow, you can recover this asset with the help of real-time tracking system. These systems can communicate with the engine control module of the vehicle due to which they can identify the potential problems and dangers for assuring the safety of drivers.

Myth 7: Real-Time GPS Tracking is Very Time-Consuming

It does not take an unreasonably long time to install the GPS systems. The fleet tracking solutions can be time-intensive if you need them to be. The latest technologies have made these products simple to install and use. You can insert the device into the port to start tracking immediately.

Many functions performed by this device can be automated and you can set alerts that are received on your mobile phone or email. Moreover, this technology eliminates the requirement of paper logs and call sheets that are manually prepared. If viewed from a wider perspective, it can save a lot of time instead of consuming it.

Myth 8: GPS is Just Another Product

Many business owners commit a mistake by perceiving GPS as a product. It is a service that provides consistent support and information about the real-time location and conditions of your entire fleet. It is based on a formal contract under which the service provider is obliged to sign a service agreement applicable for a certain time and integrated with necessary terms.

Conclusion on the GPS Tracking Myths for Fleet Management:

This industry has grown exponentially in the past few years. Instead of believing the myths or making additional assumptions, the transportation and fleet management companies should consider this growth. Also, assess the effectiveness of tracking systems in enhancing the productivity and reducing the operational costs for the businesses in the long-run. It is a proven technology that can offer assured returns on your investments.