Toggle Menu What is GPS Fleet Tracking? Vehicle Location Tracking and Beyond SCROLL Home > Resource Library > FAQs > What is GPS Fleet Tracking KEY TAKEAWAYS At its core, GPS fleet tracking uses satellite and cellular technology to allow fleet managers to locate vehicles and other assets in real-time. But modern fleet tracking systems go beyond dots on a map to provide real visibility and actionable insights into a wide variety of areas impacting driver behaviour and the management of vehicles, equipment and other assets. When paired with artificial intelligence, GPS fleet tracking tools can completely revolutionise a business, grouping millions of available datapoints into easy-to-digest insights. Additionally, it gives decision-makers up-to-date and accurate data on factors like vehicle usage, fuel consumption, total time spent on site and more. Armed with this information, fleet managers have everything they need to make decisions with confidence and increase the return on investment from their vehicles and assets. WHY DO BUSINESSES INVEST IN GPS FLEET TRACKING? While GPS fleet tracking has been available in some form since the 1980s, significant advancements in recent years have made it more useful, affordable and reliable. Businesses can see more than just the location of a vehicle at any given time. Advances in telematics devices, sensors and the introduction of AI allows users to understand more about their fleet operation. By capturing insight into driver behaviour, compliance, vehicle maintenance and job management, businesses get a complete picture of performance and can identify areas for improvement. This is the main reason for businesses to implement the technology and many are seeing improvements in driver safety, operational efficiency and customer service. Some business are also investing in gps fleet tracking to stay connected to their drivers. Many solutions include mobile apps that connect drivers with dispatchers and streamline job assignment and communication. Having dedicated channels that offer instant data transfer ensures that important information like route changes, job status updates and proof of delivery are always recorded. Andrew Rossington, Chief Product Officer, explains how mobility can take you anywhere: WHAT INDUSTRIES USE GPS FLEET TRACKING? GPS fleet tracking is commonly used in nearly every industry, although the use cases vary depending on each business's situation. In the construction industry, for example, fleet tracking is used to ensure proper equipment utilisation across job sites. In retail and manufacturing it's a viable way to better manage fuel costs and compliance by allowing managers to effectively transport and deliver products, reliably and on time. It's also commonly used for services and specialty trades, helping to make sure that employees make it to job sites on time with the help of job assignment applications and making sure that all vehicle use is authorised. GPS fleet tracking is vital in the transportation industry. Compliance rules, such as tachograph and driver coaching tools make fleet tracking systems invaluable. THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FLEET TRACKING DEVICES All fleet tracking solutions require a small telematics device to be installed. There are a wide range of different device types that offer different functionality. The 3 most common devices are: Managed install devices: These are hard-wired into your vehicles and are tamper resistant which offers greater security. These devices are often chosen when the data being gathered is required for compliance or critical to business workflow. Hardwired devices also have greater connectivity to peripheral devices and sensors, providing users with a fuller picture of operational performance. Self-install devices: These are plugin devices that are simple to install and easier move between vehicles across your fleet. Businesses choose these devices when the data they are collecting isn’t required for compliance and when they have a high vehicle turnover or a large volume of rental vehicles. Phone-based tracking: These solutions use apps which turn your phone into a tracking device. These solutions offer limited sensor and vehicle connectivity, and they are usually preferred when the main business focus is either to manage workflow (such as job dispatch and POD) or when the business wants to track employee locations away from the vehicle. WHAT DRIVER APPS CAN BE USED WITH GPS FLEET TRACKING? Teletrac Navman offers a suite of apps that provide full mobility, including the ability to conduct digital pre-trip inspections, upload and store documents, get turn-by-turn navigation, and manage daily run sheets. Here are just a few of the mobile apps available today: Messaging: Improve driver-dispatcher communication with text-based messaging apps. Documents: Upload and store important documents in the cloud, such as safety regulations, company policies and user guides. Job Management: Add efficiency and streamline proof-of-delivery with flexible job dispatch applications that manage jobs from assignment to proof of delivery. Forms: Digitise workflows and streamline data capture for key processes including accident reports and load collections. Digital Checklists: Remove paper-based processes with digital checklists. Journey Management: Set pre-defined routes and receive alerts when a vehicle deviates or makes an unscheduled stop, a great app for vehicles transporting sensitive cargo. GPS FLEET TRACKING FEATURES Track your vehicles in real-time Vehicle Tracking See all of your vehicles in real-time in a way that improves safety and security. Asset Tracking Locate all your powered & non-powered assets in real-time and improve utilisation. Scorecards Get driver scorecard reports based on set KPIS giving impactful coaching to drivers. Sensors Power take-off sensors measure a variety of activities on vehicles and equipment. Job Dispatch Make informed decisions on which drivers are dispatched to what jobs, where and why. Documents Keep all of your critical documents in one platform for easy management and distribution. Route Planning Make sure your drivers are taking pre-set routes and get alerts of unscheduled stops. Maintenance Get maintenance alerts and simplify preventative repairs, all while controlling costs. GPS FLEET TRACKING Frequently Asked Questions How does GPS fleet tracking work? How accurate is GPS fleet tracking? What types of vehicles can I track with my GPS fleet tracking device? How do I access GPS Fleet Tracking Software? What training is included? What levels of support are offered? How are telematics devices installed? What platforms will the app work with? What if I need a custom solution? Will I need additional IT equipment? Lead Your Fleet With An AI-powered Platform BUILD YOUR SOLUTION RELATED ARTICLES Fleet Tracking Best Practice: How to Get the Most Out of Your Fleet Tacking System Vehicle tracking devices: What’s the difference Fleet Tracking System: 5 Key Business Benefits Fleet Tracking: The Ultimate Buyers Guide PRODUCTS & PRICING Find the solution that’s right for your business in minutes In just three easy steps, our interactive product tool lets you match the right solution to your unique needs. 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