Improvements in technology and the need for businesses to become more efficient with their vehicles use have resulted in huge improvements in how commercial fleets are tracked.
The data that is tracked by fleet telematics allows companies to see areas where they can save money and run their fleets more cost-effectively. The tracking devices are easily installed into the OBD port of each vehicle and the fleet operator can view all vehicles through a central website.
New developments in the use of telematics are launched almost daily it seems, but there is no need for the business owner or fleet manager to be constantly installing the latest thing. A little research will help to identify the system that will work best for your fleet and give you the type and amount of information you require.
When deciding on your needs, think ahead, the system that suits today may not be adequate once your business expands and an alternative method such as one provided by the emerging cell phone technologies might be more suitable. Such technology provides tracking of multiple entities, such as both a salesperson and their vehicle. These systems also offer tracking of calls, texts, and web use and generally provide a wider range of options.
Jason Francis, Managing Director of fleet software and occupational road safety expert Jaama says increasing numbers of fleet decision-makers understand the importance of choosing technology that can fully integrate with systems operated by external suppliers and other company departments, such as HR, payroll and finance, and which can also be accessed by drivers.
“Until only a few years ago, they still had to manually enter virtually every single piece of fleet relevant information,” he says. “Not only was this time-consuming and administratively cumbersome, it could be prone to mistakes.
“Today’s computer software is able to seamlessly populate systems in real time, ensuring up-to-the-minute accurate management information.”
Devices generally fall into two basic types generally classified as "passive" and "active". "Passive" devices store GPS location, speed, heading and sometimes a trigger event such as key on/off, door open/closed. Once the vehicle returns to a predetermined point, the device is removed and the data downloaded to a computer for evaluation. Passive systems include auto download type that transfers data via wireless download. "Active" devices also collect the same information but usually transmit the data in near-real-time via cellular or satellite networks to a computer or data centre for evaluation.
Many modern vehicle tracking devices combine both active and passive tracking abilities: when a cellular network is available and a tracking device is connected it transmits data to a server; when a network is not available the device stores data in internal memory and will transmit stored data to the server later when the network becomes available again.
Whatever method you decide on, some form of tracking is essential to increase the efficiency of your fleet by eliminating excess consumption of fuel, unauthorised vehicle usage and unnecessary overtime expenses. Efficient tracking will reduce vehicle wear and increase the lifetime of your fleet, while live traffic updates allow fleet controllers to reroute drivers, or give updates to customers.
Awareness of driver behaviour will encourage good driving and enhance overall fleet safety. It should also result in fewer penalty notices and speeding fines, and identify training needs for dangerous or careless drivers.
Location tracking means fraudulent claims against your fleet can be identified. Impact recording and notification means you can get help to your driver the instant they are involved in a collision.Safety and security are improved by automated weekly/monthly journey and driver reports, along with crash detection and theft alerts, enabling you to identify causes before they become crises.
With drivers involved in fewer incidents as a result of practicing ‘smarter driving’, annual mileage being tracked – less time at the wheel equals less risk, your insurance premiums should come down
And not to forget the benefits to that all important person, your customer; tracking systems on delivery vehicles can tell a customer the specific location of goods being transported, so they know when their goods are going to reach them. A tracking system also helps to make customers feel that their goods are safe.