image of a fleet of semi trucks

Suggestions for The Right GPS System

When it comes to GPS tracking solutions, we wonder how we ever lived without it. It’s truly one of those technologies that profoundly transformed the world and how we relate to it. Just think to how it was done back in the old days. Fleet managers gave their drivers a paper map and a handful of coins in order to call the office from a payphone. Making a change in the schedule, in real time, was incredibly difficult, and work orders were physical hard copies that needed to be looked after.

Now, things are different. If you’re reading this blog, you’re likely well aware of how this tech has altered the world and how it can push your business to the next level. But here’s the catch. There isn’t just one kind of GPS, a one-size-fits all version that does everything the same way for everyone. Read on for a few things to think about regarding the selection of GPS trackers, so that you pick the model that’s best for you.

  • The sad truth is that the vast majority of us base a big part of a purchasing decision on cost. Meaning that cheaper is better. We get it, everyone wants to save money. But the bargain basement companies will offer unreliable products and limited, if any, support. Even worse, they may not offer a pre-purchase demo. That’s a problem, since a demo can give you an idea of how the GPS will look and respond for you.
  • Along similar lines, remember that the tracking platform itself should be responsive, intuitive, and easy to use. The right companies understand that programming uses aspects from not just computer science, but also psychology and the arts. The platform should be simple enough that any layperson can get the hang of it within seconds, and it should also have a look that’s dynamic and appealing.
  • One of the most useful aspects of a solid GPS system is the ability to increase detail. The system you choose obviously needs a map view and satellite imagery. But what if you have a driver in a densely populated area that’s having difficulty finding a specific address? That’s when you need a GPS tracker that gives you the ability to zoom in for a more detailed look at the area in question.
  • If you’re a fleet manager, you need as much real time information as quickly as possible in order to make split second decisions. The right GPS systems will have plenty of features that feed you multiple streams of information. With speed alerts, you’ll know if any of your drivers are being more lead footed than they should. Route playback can be truly useful, since it can perform a recreation of where a vehicle was at any moment in time. Maintenance modules can keep track of the mileage of each vehicle, and let you know when you need to schedule oil changes and other important services. These examples just scratch the surface of what sophisticated GPS units are capable of.
  • Lastly, what happens if something goes wrong? If there’s a problem with the hardware, the network, or you just need the answer to a question, capable companies offer support that can answer questions fast and solve problems even faster.