Let's Separate GPS Tracking Fact from Myth
GPS Fleet Tracking technology is an ever-changing field and is dramatically different now than it was when we started out in 2004.
When we talk to business owners and fleet operations managers about implementing a GPS tracking solution as part of their overall fleet management strategy, we usually run across the same set of objections and concerns.
Here are five of the most common myths that we come across:
Myth #1. GPS fleet tracking systems are expensive.
Fleet monitoring costs have dropped steadily over the years while the quality of service has continued to climb. Our full-service fleet monitoring solution costs less than half what it did when we opened our doors, and the system is much more capable now than before. And while price is always a factor, it is equally important to be sure that the service is capable of doing what it needs to do to get you a solid return on your investment. Full-service systems can help business owners by adding an automated layer of supervision to their field staff, resulting in safer driver habits and a reduction in unauthorized vehicle use.
Myth #2. I can just track everyone’s smartphone.
Tracking smartphones is an option, as long as you are careful and really think things through. Privacy considerations will come into play if you are tracking someone when they are off duty, so be sure that you are not tracking someone’s activity when you are not supposed to. It’s also important to remember that phones can be turned off and tracking apps can be disabled, which can lead to not having tracking information available when you need it. We normally recommend to our clients that they focus on tracking the vehicles rather than phones since vehicle operations are usually where the largest cost savings opportunities lie.
Myth #3. The employees will mutiny if I track them!
Change can be uncomfortable for any organization, especially when it involves adding an extra layer of supervision. While there is a good chance that a few employees will be unhappy having their workday monitored more closely, the good ones aren’t likely to mind much. The truth is that the employees who have the biggest issue with the implementation of a fleet GPS tracking system are usually the ones who have been goofing off in the middle of the workday, and getting their behavior under control is better for the entire organization in the long run.
Myth #4. GPS fleet tracking systems are complicated.
Well, maybe this one is not exactly a myth. Professional-grade GPS fleet tracking solutions are sophisticated, powerful, complex systems that can seem overwhelmingly difficult to learn if you pick the wrong GPS company to partner with. The good news is that we will help you set the system up to monitor for the issues you are concerned about and we are always just a phone call away when you need help. In other words, we’ll take care of the complicated part.
Myth #5. Fuel costs are the main savings I can expect to see.
It is true that fuel is one of the top costs in a fleet operations budget, but there are many other significant cost savings opportunities that can be addressed by a quality fleet monitoring program. Making sure that staff is starting on time and not leaving early, taking the appropriate amount of time for lunch or breaks, and making sure important vehicle maintenance cycles are not overlooked are just a few of the areas of opportunities that can more than pay for the cost of a monitoring system.
When it comes down to it, the primary benefit we see when an organization implements a GPS tracking solution is a behavioral one. Once the word gets out to your fleet staff that problems are being identified and addressed by the new fleet GPS tracking system, everyone will begin to think twice about any inappropriate behavior that the tracking system could monitor. And while its true that you may even see a few people exit out of the organization because they don’t like having to follow the rules, you will also see efficiency and productivity increases that will pay huge benefits down the road.
If you’d like to have a conversation about what GPS Tracking could do for you, feel free to schedule a free consultation with me and I’ll be happy to talk it over with you.