GPS Fleet Tracking Device Buyer's Guide

Fleet tracking uses global positioning systems or cellular towers to monitor the current status and activity of all tracked assets, including vehicles, equipment and workers. This data is transmitted back to a cloud-based software application where it is analyzed and presented on an easily-digestible dashboard in real time.

Because GPS fleet tracking uses satellite technology, it is very accurate and offers real-time insight into your fleet. For location information, these devices are accurate to within three meters. When operating in areas with no service, the system can store data on the device and upload when service resumes to ensure data integrity.

Because GPS fleet tracking uses satellite technology, it is very accurate and offers real-time insight into your fleet. For location information, these devices are accurate to within three meters. When operating in areas with no service, the system can store data on the device and upload when service resumes to ensure data integrity.

Just a few examples of the types of land-based vehicles you can track with GPS fleet tracking include cars, vans, trucks, trailers, construction equipment and unpowered assets. We have written an article outlining in more detail the types of vehicles that you can track.

Modern fleet tracking systems are entirely cloud-based and can be accessed via a web browser like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari. These cloud-based platforms also mean your important data can be accessed from virtually anywhere with an internet connection.

The ability to track and trace vehicle and equipment movement via a satellite or cellular network is perhaps the most known use case of fleet tracking software. There are, however, many other features that businesses are using and when evaluating providers you should also consider their capability in these areas:

• Compliance
• Safety
• Fuel
• Maintenance
• Productivity
• Integrations
• Dashboard Cameras

Businesses use fleet tracking software for various reasons, the most common of which is to monitor vehicle location and driving behaviors. Other business requirements include safety and compliance, productivity, and fuel and maintenance monitoring. With the right technology in place, businesses can increase efficiencies, enhance productivity, improve safety and extend the lifecycle of vehicles and other equipment.

GPS fleet tracking devices are installed under the dashboard and are hardwired into the vehicle’s onboard computer, usually connecting via the vehicle’s OBDII port. This is typically done by a professional installer and once complete the device is virtually invisible. A mobile tablet or other display unit can also be mounted in the cab which interacts with the GPS device enabling information to be shared between drivers and the back office.

When you’ve selected the right fleet tracking software for your business, look for a company that can implement a solution with as little downtime as possible. Some providers offer white glove services to ensure your system is up and running and your staff is fully trained as quickly as possible.

Fleet tracking systems offer a wide variety of different features. With real-time monitoring, you can get instant access to vehicle location and status, which provides fleet managers with ultimate control over fleet operations. With Geofencing, management can establish virtual barriers, which offer a notification when a vehicle enters or exits a selected geographical location. Safety analytics deliver the ability to understand the behavior of drivers, thereby reducing on-road risk. However, it's up to you to determine which data and features are most relevant to your business.