How Telematics And Tracking Is More Than Just A Dot On A Map

As a fleet manager, telematics is now as valuable a resource to you as the vehicles they monitor. They are tools that get you an in-depth look into your business. But if you’re only using your GPS fleet management system to track vehicle movements then you’re just scratching the surface of what it can do.

When your fleet is armed with technology, it gives you insights that previously were difficult, or near impossible, to attain. For example, keeping an eye on your driver’s performance means you can enhance your customer service and ultimately, improve your profit margin all by ensuring vehicles are optimally driven. This can impact in the right areas of your business.

Here are five more ways you can use telematics in your business that you might not know about.

Reporting Tools

Seeing the what and where of drivers is handy when considering reporting tools it provides a 3^rd dimension to the information. Seeing the physicality of events, such as start and end locations and on-site times into reports means you get a vivid window into the data that you would never have seen before. If a job takes two hours one week but then thirty minutes the next, you are able to investigate into the reasons – the driver may have been delayed at the site. Comparing round-trip times means issues can be spotted and addressed as they happen, not when it’s too late. You can tighten up the loose ends of your business and turn your attention to things that can have a significant impact on your fleet’s efficiency.

Off-Hours Alerts For Vehicle Use

Automatic schedules and updates via real-time alerts means you can identify vehicle use outside of business hours. Those drivers overusing work vehicles can increase fuel expenditure and often leads to wear and tear, increasing your maintenance costs. You can set up alerts for vehicle use that come into effect outside of business operating hours or when the driver is overexerting the vehicle. You can then help ensure your fleet is always in peak condition at the start of each shift. It prolongs the life of the vehicle, helps drivers improve their on-road habits, and ensures for a greener and efficient future.

Create Site and Geofence Alerts

Geofencing is a great way to ensure vehicles adhere to permitted work roads and sites. Often drivers may need to operate in areas that have specific requirements, such as weight restrictions or when carting dangerous goods. By setting up a virtual perimeter, drivers are alerted instantly if they stray off-route. Geofences can also notify your customers of an impending arrival to their site to ensure a smooth loading or unloading process. When the driver is en-route, alerts are triggered. If drivers make multiple deliveries throughout the day, adhering to strict schedules is made easy and can reduce downtime.

Vehicle Search Options

GPS tracking allows you to search for drivers while they’re on the road, or search a specific radius. If a customer calls up and needs an urgent delivery or pick-up, waiting for a driver to return wastes time and resources. With vehicle tracking, you can pinpoint which driver is closest to the customer and directly message them through the in-cabin device. Not only does this boost productivity, but also reduces fuel costs from drivers needlessly travelling back and forth to the office or out of their way.

Measure Idling

Idle is the silent killer of fuel efficiency. Minimising unnecessary spending where possible is important for any business. If a vehicle’s engine is left running while not in use, it increases fuel costs and can help to decrease the lifespan of the motor. GPS fleet data can detect idling and send drivers an alert. Cutting down on fuel usage not only saves money but lowers your fleet’s CO2 outputs.

With telematics possibilities are endless.  Not only does it give you extra eyes across your fleet but it helps your business be more efficient and profitable. Your vehicles are collecting a plethora of data while on the road, it’s just up to you to use it effectively. While your drivers are getting from point A to point B, telematics takes your business to the next level.