Global Positioning System or GPS tracking has grown manifold over the last two decades, becoming more accessible to the masses. Today, it is seen as an indispensable part of most people’s personal as well as professional lives. This system uses a network of 24 satellites in orbit and devices on the ground to establish one’s current location. It’s extensively utilized by the military in search and rescue projects, for commercial vehicle tracking, and recreational purposes.

Benefits of GPS tracking systems for businesses

1. Minimized fuel costs
Many companies struggle with managing high fuel expenses. Implementing GPS tracking systems offers a comprehensive solution to this issue by providing real-time insights into vehicle operation. This includes monitoring factors such as speeding, harsh acceleration, and other driving behaviors that can increase fuel consumption. In addition, GPS technology can enable one to find the most direct route to a destination, ultimately minimizing fuel usage and travel time. By utilizing these capabilities, businesses can significantly reduce fuel costs in the long run.

2. Enhanced safety and security
GPS tracking offered by fleet management companies comes with a host of features that help improve safety and security. One of the biggest advantages is that fleet managers get access to the vehicle’s complete route and stop history, helping reduce the risk of side trips. Additionally, many of them offer digital maintenance programs that allow one to create maintenance schedules with automatic alerts to keep their vehicles functioning safely and efficiently. This feature can also be used to create digital processes for further inspections.

Investing in AI-enabled dashcams can take this a step further to keep an eye out for distracted driving, tailgating, and red-light violations. This information can be used to create a reward system for fleet drivers and encourage them to drive safely.

3. Vehicle monitoring and theft recovery
Vehicles are an important (and rather expensive) investment for a business. A GPS tracking system can help one monitor the location, set calendar templates for expected use, and identify any unauthorized or unusual use. If a vehicle is stolen, the tracking system can be utilized to find its location, aiding in faster recovery and reducing replacement or insurance costs.

4. Lower operational costs
With GPS tracking systems, one gets access to a lot of real-time data, helping the management to resolve issues quickly and make better-informed decisions for the business. This feature helps reduce overhead costs that may arise with chronic or unidentified problems. Additionally, since most GPS tracking systems today also support digitization, they can be used to simplify data collection and storage and make pre-trip inspections, job dispatches, and other tasks much easier and less labor intensive, providing a further reduction in operational costs.

5. Better productivity
GPS fleet tracking systems can also record the amount of time drivers spend at job sites, loading bays, and other areas. This information can be used to chalk out a more productive timeline or make processes more efficient, reducing downtime along the way. Digitized proof of delivery, custom forms, and digital signature features that are a part of the modern fleet management systems can further improve this by streamlining billing, payments, inventory management, and other administrative tasks. Moreover, these systems help automate accountability, reducing overtime expenses.