A Comprehensive Guide to Fleet Tracking Systems
Chapter 15
Most fleet tracking systems make use of GPS satellites to determine your location. And this is the reason why people think that that is all they need. What most people do not realize is that GPS technology is part of telematics, which is any device or sensor that is able to combine both telecommunications and informatics. Telematics is anything that is able to receive, send and store data and has something to do with remote objects. Your GPS tracker, therefore, is a piece of telematics.
Or strictly, your GPS device coupled with mobile devices and computers is an example of telematics. Fleet telematics makes use of the GPS receiver to pinpoint your vehicle’s exact location, and then uses the electronic GSM device to send it to your mobile phone or computer dashboard.
Telematics on your fleet do not only capture and transmit location data, but it can also log other forms of data, making your fleet tracking systems work harder and with additional functionalities. For instance, you would know whether your vehicles are in operation, idling or stopped. You will also know the vehicle’s speed. You’ll recognize the components of your engine and other information.
As such, a fleet telematics systems can help you increase your fleet’s productivity, reduce labor costs, minimize fuel wastage, improve customer service, develop fleet safety, get better security, lessen your operating expenses, and even clamp down on bad driving behavior and unauthorized use of vehicles.
Fleet telematics = lower fleet insurance
Fleet telematics could also help you lower the costs of your fleet insurance. The thing with insurance premiums is that it is usually computed based on averages. This is because there used to be no way for an insurance company to know how you drive, especially for large fleets with many vehicles. Having a fleet telematics systems that gathers and sends information about your vehicle’s speed and location, and how your drivers are driving the vehicle, is like having an insurance agent ride with you no matter where you are. Take note that for your fleet tracking systems to be useful in fleet insurance, you need to have a full telematics systems rather than just a GPS device.
Fleet telematics would give your insurance company the information they need to assess how much of a risk they are taking on by insuring you. If the telematics data show that your drivers are careful drivers and that your routes are generally considered safe, coupled with a program to monitor drivers and coach them on how to drive better will help you negotiate for a discounted rate on your premiums. Take note, however, that insurance premiums are computed while taking into consideration a variety of factors, and these factors can increase or decrease your premiums. Keeping all things equal, however, fleet telematics data that show safe driving behavior could keep insurance costs down because it proves that your fleet has a low risk.
As such, if you are still planning on investing on fleet tracking systems, consider making that additional investment and get a full fleet telematics systems. Not only will it bring you more data, it will also help you get more savings and more functionality for your fleet tracking systems.