Vehicle tracking system: make better decisions faster with GPS

Vehicle tracking operates through global positioning systems, or GPS. To start, vehicles are outfitted with hardware devices that serve as receivers for important satellite signals. Layperson vehicle tracking may not require anything more than a smartphone, while other vehicle tracking systems could involve an installation of some kind.

The GPS-enabled device remains in constant communication with the satellite while the vehicle is in motion. In addition to including information about the specific location of a vehicle, many tracking systems can relay other key data points, such as direction and speed.

Our GPS vehicle tracking system links your fleet to the back office, enabling you to analyse tracking data. From your Webfleet dashboard, it’s easy to locate your vehicles, manage job dispatching and understand how driving styles influence your fuel efficiency.

A GNSS vehicle tracking system relies on a receiver inside a vehicle's tracking device, which processes signals transmitted by satellites in space. Using these signals, the system can accurately determine the vehicle's location, including its latitude, longitude, direction and speed. A passive GNSS vehicle tracking system records this data and stores it locally, allowing it to be downloaded later for analysis. In contrast, an active GNSS vehicle tracking system transmits the information in real time to a centralised database for live monitoring and tracking.

Vehicle tracking by GPS works just as the name suggests. Using a global positioning system, users are able to monitor fleet vehicle locations as it relates to their geographical location.

Depending on the nature of the device, the registered information may be stored internally or broadcast in real time to a cooperating fleet tracking programme. Some GPS trackers use cellular data (such as those found in most contemporary smartphones), while others use satellite signals to store and project the information.

Satel­lite-­managed GPS vehicle tracking systems require no phone service to provide real-time updates. Consequently, they are well-equipped to handle more challenging routes in which acquiring a signal is a rare and unlikely occurrence. In either case, however, GPS systems are dependably accurate.

When it comes to fleet management, the benefits of a vehicle tracking system are many. Vehicle tracking allows fleet managers and supervisors to know where their drivers and cargo are at all times—a very helpful feature for handling unexpected situations and a powerful tool for ensuring some of a business’ most valuable resources are kept secure, safe and in good condition.

Vehicle tracking systems can also help you set more accurate estimated times of arrival, particularly if the solution you are using offers accurate traffic information. With that functionality, you can adapt to unexpected jams and alert your driver to alter their route.

A reliable vehicle tracking system can also provide proof of delivery, if required, while also giving you insights into how much time is being spent with customers.

Driver communication and performance evaluation are both also improved by vehicle tracking. For example, a fleet tracking solution could provide insight into how drivers are behaving behind the wheel that can be a good basis for focused coaching and improvements.

Vehicle tracking can also help with route planning. It could provide insights on how to select faster, more efficient routes in future, or guarantee that drivers are remaining within compliance as it relates to laws dictating how many hours they are permitted to work consecutively in a single shift.

In short, the service allows a level of fleet tracking oversight never before realised by legacy technologies.

A GPS vehicle tracking system offers several benefits for fleets:

• Optimised route planning for increased efficiency and productivity
• Greater accuracy of service times, leading to more satisfied customers
• Real-time visibility of vehicle locations, which can help prevent theft or unauthorised use
• Performance insights that support operational efficiency and profitability
• Reduced admin­is­tration time thanks to less paperwork and fewer phone calls to drivers

Tracing previous trips your vehicles have made is a great way to identify where savings can be made and greater levels of efficiency can be created in your workflow. A reliable vehicle tracking system will accurately record hours worked and hours driven. Users can also see the historical position of their vehicles, in some cases going back as far as 90 days in the past.

With this information, you can better assess how your fleet is performing and how your resources are being utilised. Patterns and anomalies can be identified in how your vehicles move day to day, so you can make intelligent choices as to how to improve.

Every in-vehicle tracking system is equipped with an integrated GNSS receiver that seamlessly transmits location data to your fleet management system. A solution like Webfleet makes it possible to monitor all your vehicles in real time. Location updates are refreshed every minute, providing the relevant insights you need to make informed operational decisions.

How much vehicle tracking costs strongly depends on the type of plan that you select. Things like the number of vehicles you wish to track will impact the overall cost of your vehicle tracking solution.

However, while there are certainly costs built into adopting a vehicle tracking system, there are also savings associated with the service as well. For example, performance improvements linked to increased oversight may save fleets money on mileage, time and other expenses that are associated with underwhelming efficiency.

Vehicle tracking software helps fleet operators track their whole fleet of vehicles, down to an individual truck or van. Such software can be used as a comprehensive fleet management solution, since it provides all the data needed to run a business efficiently. Fleet managers can, for example, stay on top of maintenance schedules as much easily as monitoring vehicle locations.

Vehicle tracking software enables businesses to analyse their fleet data effectively. It processes your vehicle location data and driver behaviour information, making it available to your fleet management applications. Vehicle tracking software works in real time, so you can draw accurate insights about your operations 24/7.