GPS or Global Positioning System has a multitude of applications that can help you and your business in the long term. This critical technology has been harnessed to form the basis of software that will help with security and convenience.
GPS can be used in many aspects, like tracking transportation fleets, deliveries, distribution, and even personnel. This technology is scalable, and you can use it even if your business grows quickly. Small businesses too can benefit from GPS technology.
GPS software offers live tracking, travel history, analytics, vehicle compatibility, and notifications. These functions are critical for any business that is looking to streamline their logistics.
According to Verizon Connect’s Fleet Tracking Trends report of 2019, 64% of fleets use GPS tracking software. About 72% of trucking companies report improved Hours of Service, while 53% of all fleets report improved productivity.
Here are a few ways in which a GPS tracking system will save you money in the long run.
Fleet Tracking
A transportation business can benefit greatly from GPS technology to track their fleet. Not only will you know exactly where all your transport vehicles are at all times, but you can also use the data from the tracking system to identify any areas that are causing delays.
Fleet tracking also helps in improving driver and vehicle efficiency. Drivers no longer have to field calls from the logistics team since they will have the vehicle’s location at all times. With GPS, you can also zero-in on the best routes, which will save you money on overtime and fuel costs.
Anti-Theft
A GPS locator lets you know the location of your vehicles at all times and works well to prevent truck theft. This is an efficient way to track any vehicle in case of theft. With advanced GPS software, you can even decelerate your vehicle, rendering it a liability to the thief.
A simple sticker or banner on your vehicles will act as a deterrent to any potential criminals looking to target your fleet. The minute a vehicle leaves the yard or depot, you will receive an alert of the same. This allows you to save considerable time in case of reporting a theft.
Decreased Insurance Costs
Many insurance companies offer a lower premium for those who have GPS systems installed in their fleet. Since these vehicles can be tracked in case of theft, insurance companies like to incentivize the usage of GPS software. Most insurance companies offer a reduction of 10-30% on their premiums for GPS vehicles.
Employees who know that the vehicles they drive have GPS software also behave more responsibly with the vehicle. This will help you reduce long term costs since the vehicle is driven well. You can identify repeat offenders and put better security systems in place.
Happier Customers
Having the exact location of the vehicle allows you to give customers real-time updates on timelines. You can let a customer know if there is any delay in the arrival of the vehicle or even share the exact location of the vehicle.
Customers are also aware that you respect their time with exact timelines. In the case of hourly billing, GPS information can provide customers with all the relevant billing details. Having satisfied customers is a sustainable method to ensure your bottom line remains healthy.
Better Safety
In case of an accident or if your driver requires roadside assistance, the GPS software can send out a distress signal asking for help. If your fleet moves trans-nationally, then the chances are that they will have stretches that do not have mobile connectivity. GPS systems can really shine during these patches of low or no connection.
Public transport systems can greatly benefit from GPS systems. For example, school buses fit with a GPS system can send alerts to parents when their child has been dropped home. Many parents also opt to use GPS software to track the location of their children.
Navigation
Most laypersons use GPS software for navigational purposes. Even businesses require accurate and reliable navigational systems, which ensures that the vehicle or package reaches in the most efficient manner.
A GPS tracking unit will help your drivers find the most effective route and reduce the time to deliver per consignment. This means that you will be able to deliver more during the same amount of time. Needless to say, the more efficient your deliverables, the more invoices you will be able to complete.
Data-Driven Decisions
One of the most useful features of a GPS system is data you can collect from your fleet. This data can be used to further streamline your operations and cut out any flab that is slowing down or reducing the efficiency of the fleet.
The sales data can help determine a path that increases future sales and form an efficient distribution model. With better analytics, you can direct your fleet towards aspects of your business that are the most rewarding.
Reduce Paperwork
A GPS tracking software automates many of the more time-consuming aspects like filling out fuel consumption and timesheets. Your drivers will no longer have to take time out to input these numbers, and you will have access to accurate reporting.
Mobile workers can instead focus entirely on their job, and you can save money on time spent filling out paperwork. You also will have easy to create reports that will help you make decisions for your business.
Conclusion
As you have read above, GPS technology has multi-dimensional applications and can relieve your costs on several fronts. As customers get more used to quick delivery times and real-time notifications, it is only a matter of time before GPS technology becomes the norm.
You can take things further by investing in the Internet of Things (IoT) to align your hardware, software, cloud, and labor to create a system that is efficient. Samsara brings these aspects along with analytics, AI-driven reports, and operations.