The Benefits of Fleet Tracking Systems

Fleet tracking systems use GPS information to help a manager keep tabs on company vehicles. A device is installed in each vehicle that communicates with GPS satellites to give accurate information about the vehicle's location. This information is collected by computers and stored in a database. Most services offer specially designed computer software that displays where each vehicle is on an interactive map. Knowing where your vehicles are can be useful for a number of reasons; a manager can be certain that deliveries are made on time and never have to worry about a missing driver.

Fleet tracking systems often incorporate a small screen that sits in the dashboard of each vehicle. Road maps and location information are used to show the driver his location and give directions to the destination. The manager sets the course for each of the vehicles on his computer at the office. Most software keeps logs of truck routes and destinations for record keeping. Plus, updates to the route can be sent instantly to the driver at any time. This can be useful when a last-minute stop needs to be added to a driver's route or a detour needs to be taken.

These displays often include voice communication systems so that the vehicle can communicate with the manager. If an issue arises and the driver needs assistance, the manager is only a button's press away. On the flip side, the manager can alert the driver of route changes and additional information. Bad weather, road work, and traffic can be avoided by watching the map and communicating with the vehicle, saving time and money.

Fleet tracking systems are also useful for watching over the vehicles. GPS receivers are effective enough to detect the speed of a vehicle, so most services offer a way to alert the manager if one of their cars is speeding. Logs are kept on each unit, so it is easy to keep track of how many miles a driver has traveled and when a vehicle needs to be scheduled for maintenance. A GPS device also serves as an anti-theft device and makes it much easier for stolen vehicles to be recovered.

Positioning technology and data logging help make monitoring and effectively deploying vehicles easier and more accurate. By no means are these features completely necessary to manage company vehicles, but fleet tracking systems offer tools to boost efficiency for the demands of the modern economy. While a computer interface won't drive the cars itself, it makes driver safety and accountability much easier to achieve.