When vehicle tracking devices are mentioned, most people immediately think of GPS tracking (Global Positioning System). Though it only has been in public use for the two decade or so, GPS tracking technology has made big changes in the way commercial businesses are run.
The reason GPS fleet tracking is so popular is that the technology is powerful, accurate, and reliable. GPS devices can find the exact location of a person, vehicle, or any object on Earth based on the readings from satellite signals. Originally, the technology was developed for U.S. military defense training and maneuvers, but today it has far-reaching benefits in the everyday world. Real time GPS trackers have an equal impact in the consumer market and in a commercial setting for fleet management. Now, let’s learn how GPS asset trackers are helping optimize productivity in the business world!
Commercial Use of GPS Vehicle Tracking Devices
Most small contractors and fleet managers would find it nearly impossible to live without GPS vehicle management technologies. It is no longer a luxury, but a necessity when the goal is to cut operating costs and dispatch goods and services more quickly to customers. The “cherry on the cake” with a GPS tracker, is it is an efficient system if a vehicle or valuable piece of equipment is lost or stolen.
For the sake of this analysis, consider some of the most popular live GPS trackers such as the SpaceHawk, Vyncs GPS Tracker, SpyTec GL300 and Tracki. These GPS car trackers provide position updates every 10 seconds, allowing fleet managers the ability to track trucks, equipment, and other valuable assets.
When fleet cars, vans, and related equipment are considered important assets of an organization, vehicle tracking devices will increase business profits and help monitor employee performance.
- Theft recovery: If your vehicle is stolen or somebody is using it without authorization, GPS tracking could have the vehicle quickly and easily traced. The precise location, time, speed, and direction are reported “live” through frequent GPS tracking position updates. Most vehicle tracking systems also have built-in geo-fencing abilities. A virtual “fence” is programmed around certain areas on a map. If a GPS tracking vehicle travels beyond that perimeter, an alert is sent to a manager in a central dispatch area. This might prevent theft in progress.
- Increase profits and cut costs: In a depressed economy, business owners need to sharpen their pencils and watch their bottom line in order to survive. For many companies, transporting material or equipment from one location to another is considered an important part of the business. GPS tracking helps drivers get from Point A to Point B more efficiently. Tighter delivery times and improved supply chain management result in higher profits. Better scheduled vehicle maintenance leads to longer life in vehicles and lowers replacement and repair costs. Increased customer satisfaction results in repeat business and referrals.
- Increased worker productivity: Commercial business owners should not overlook the human element. Employee habits can be changed. When GPS vehicle trackers are installed in automobiles, employee behavior can be monitored. Is the driver late, not taking the most efficient route, speeding, idling excessively, doing personal errands on work time, or exaggerating time spent on the job site? Don’t check just one driver, but every driver in the field. The call center can see on a computer where they are, all in one view, or isolate them separately.
GPS tracking devices prove worthwhile for companies of all sizes, whether it is a Mom-and-Pop flower shop or a moving company with thousands of mobile units. Vehicle tracking helps monitor and increase office worker productivity, boost profits to the next level and reduce incidents of theft in the field.
Does GPS Tracking Violate Privacy Rights?
Can monitoring employee performance with a tracking device be considered an invasion of privacy? Opinions vary from organization to organization and person to person. When challenged, the courts usually have decided on employee issues with GPS tracking on a case-by-case basis.
Some employees think that it is unethical to use GPS asset trackers for monitoring their performance without their knowledge. Employers may believe that they are doing nothing wrong by keeping an eye on their own property. The employees are being paid by the company to operate the vehicles.
It is advised that GPS tracking users consult with an attorney and check the laws in the area they operate the business. An issue could be avoided if management takes a careful, balanced approach to vehicle tracking: Keep limited surveillance on employees while still keeping the program effective and respect an individual’s private and personal moments. It is counterproductive to alienate employees in the pursuit of profits