Common FAQs

Chapter 17

1. I only have less than 5 vehicles in my fleet, do I really need a fleet tracking system?

Yes! The benefits of fleet telematics and fleet management systems are too many and these carry a lot of impact for your company. Imagine being able to know where you vehicles are, what your drivers are doing, be able to save a lot from fuel consumption and other areas, or locate a missing truck or lorry.

Plus, with the lower costs of telematics and tracking hardware, coupled with lower monthly service fees offered by most companies, there is really no reason not to get into fleet tracking, even if you have a fleet of less than five vehicles.

2. Can I afford it? Is it really an investment?

Doing things right always carry a substantial cost. But the good news is that you do not have to bleed money in order to take advantage of fleet tracking systems. Compared to five years ago, hardware and software costs are falling and we are seeing a lot of inexpensive telematics devices that features a lot of functionality.

Fleet telematics and fleet management service providers are also making their services even more affordable by offering tiered plans, which would give you the functionality you need without needing to pay for features you do not use.

3. How do I choose the right solution for my enterprise?

Choosing the right fleet telematics systems is one of the most important decisions a business should make for their operations. First, you should know your goal in getting into fleet telematics. Is it to correct driver behavior, get a clearer view of routes, or be able to save on fuel? After you know what you need and what you want, it would be easier for you to narrow down the solutions that are available in the market.

Then you need to evaluate the different solutions and service providers out there. You need to take a look at what the different solutions are offering, how reliable the service provider is, how good their customer service and after sales service are, and see if all of these fit your needs.

4. Do I really need the add-ons (additional hardware installations, customized tracking data, etc.)?

Depending on your requirements, you might need to install add-ons and customize your systems to make it easier for you and the rest of your users to do their work using the fleet tracking and fleet management systems that you employ.

Remember that most service providers would include the features and functionalities that most of their customers are looking for. For the most part, you will also need the same features and functionalities, and it is great if all your needs are provided for by most service providers. However, since every business is unique, you might have some features and functionality that you need to incorporate to your systems by way of add-ons in order to get the most out of your investment.

5. Do I really need to research before I choose a provider?

Yes. Like every other strategy and undertaking you have for your business, fleet tracking and fleet management require thorough planning and research. This is the only way that you could narrow down and ultimately select the best service provider that would more or less fit your requirements. This is also what separates successful fleet tracking and fleet management systems and those that just bleed you money.

The good news is that there are many online resources that can help you research fleet management service providers, and all major providers have their own Web sites for you to go over. Just remember to have a checklist of your requirements and needs, and see whether the service provider gives that, as well as their plans and subscription structure, and of course customer service. All of these are easily discoverable with a little research. Good luck!