Vehicle tracking systems provide a variety of advantages for fleet managers and individual vehicle owners.
These benefits range from enhanced security to improved productivity and cost efficiency, ultimately optimizing vehicle performance and streamlining operations.
What is a vehicle tracking system?
Vehicle tracking systems are technology-based solutions that use GPS (Global Positioning System) and other telecommunication technologies to monitor and track the movements and locations of vehicles in real-time.
These systems are commonly used by fleet managers, transportation companies, and individual vehicle owners to improve vehicle security, monitor driver behavior, optimize routes, and enhance operational efficiency.
How does it work?
Let’s see how a GPS vehicle tracking system works.
Vehicle tracking systems generally consist of three main components: a GPS receiver, a communication device (such as a cellular network or satellite), and software that processes and displays the data.
The GPS receiver collects location data from satellites and sends it to the communication device, which transmits the data to the software. The software then processes the data and displays it on a dashboard or map interface that allows the user to view the location and movement of the vehicle(s) being tracked.
Benefits of vehicle tracking system
Vehicle tracking systems offer a range of benefits. We will have a look at the major benefits of using a vehicle tracking system
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- Live location tracking:
One of the most important feature of a GPS tracking system; ‘Live location tracking’.
The location data from the truck GPS is refreshed every 10-20 seconds providing the vehicle’s exact position on Google map.
- Improved Vehicle Security:
Second major benefit of vehicle tracking systems is improved security for vehicles. The technology allows for real-time tracking of the vehicle’s location, which can help to recover stolen vehicles quickly.
- Route optimisation:
This is another advanced feature in a modern GPS tracking system.
Vehicle tracking systems can help to optimize routes for delivery trucks, buses, and other vehicles. By tracking the location of each vehicle in real-time, the system can recommend the most efficient route to the destination.
- Fuel Efficiency:
By optimizing routes and monitoring driver behavior, vehicle tracking systems can also help to improve fuel efficiency. This can result in significant cost savings for fleet managers and individual vehicle owners.
- Driver Behavior monitoring:
Vehicle tracking systems also allow for monitoring of driver behavior. This can include monitoring speeding, hard braking, and other unsafe driving practices. By tracking and monitoring these behaviors, fleet managers can provide coaching and training to improve driver safety.
- Maintenance Management:
Vehicle tracking systems can also be used to manage vehicle maintenance schedules. By tracking mileage and engine hours, the system can alert fleet managers and mechanics when it is time for routine maintenance or repairs.
- Increased Productivity:
Vehicle tracking systems can also improve overall productivity by reducing downtime and maximizing the number of trips a vehicle can make in a given time period.
- Improved Customer Service:
Vehicle tracking systems can also improve customer service by providing accurate information about delivery times and vehicle location.
- Compliance:
Vehicle tracking systems can also help to ensure compliance with regulations and policies related to driving hours, rest periods, and other safety-related issues.
- Cost Savings:
Overall, vehicle tracking systems can result in significant cost savings for fleet managers and individual vehicle owners. This can include savings on fuel costs, maintenance, insurance, and other expenses.
- Data Security:
Finally, it is important to consider data security and access control measures when implementing a vehicle tracking system. This includes ensuring that the data collected is secure and only accessible by authorized users.
Most popular vehicle tracking systems
There are a number of vehicle tracking systems currently available in the market and choosing the right one can help you regain control over your fleets and help in reduced business expenses.
Factors to consider before buying a vehicle tracking system
When choosing a vehicle tracking system, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you select the best one for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:
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- Features:
Look for a tracking system that offers the features you need. Some common features include real-time location tracking, route mapping, speed monitoring, and alerts for various events like unauthorized vehicle use or maintenance reminders.
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- Compatibility:
Make sure the tracking system is compatible with your vehicle and any other equipment you need to track.
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- Ease of use:
The tracking system should be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface and easy-to-understand reports.
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- Reliability:
The system should be reliable, with accurate and up-to-date information.
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- Customer support:
Look for a company that provides excellent customer support, with knowledgeable and helpful representatives who can assist you with any issues that arise.
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- Cost:
Consider the cost of the tracking system, including any ongoing fees for monitoring and support. Make sure it fits within your budget.
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- Integration:
Consider if the vehicle tracking system can integrate with any other software or systems you are using, like fleet management software or other tracking devices.
By taking all of these factors into account, you can select the best vehicle tracking system for your needs.
List of the most popular vehicle tracking system
Here is a list of 5 most popular vehicle tracking systems;
AVLView
AVLView GPS tracking system, one of the most feature rich fleet management systems currently available in the market.
AVLView is a cloud-based fleet management software that provides real-time tracking and monitoring of vehicles and assets.
AVLView has enormous features and the platform is designed to help fleet managers optimize their operations, reduce costs, and improve productivity.
Let’s have a look at the major features of AVLView:
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- Real-time tracking:
The software provides real-time tracking of vehicles and assets, allowing fleet managers to monitor their location and movements at all times.
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- Fuel monitoring:
The Fuel monitoring feature in AVLView GPS tracking system allows fleet managers to remotely monitor fuel consumption and detect any anomalies or potential fuel theft.
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- Route optimisation:
The Route optimization feature in AVLView GPS tracking system helps fleet managers to optimize their vehicle routes, reduce travel time and costs, and improve overall operational efficiency.
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- Trip history:
AVLView lets you view past/ historical tracks with detailed information on location, number of trips made, distance covered etc.
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- Customizable alerts:
The software provides customizable alerts for various events, including speeding, harsh braking, and vehicle maintenance schedules.
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- Geofencing:
The software allows fleet managers to set up geofences around specific areas, such as job sites or customer locations, to track when vehicles enter or exit those areas.
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- Driver behavior monitoring
The software monitors driver behavior, such as harsh braking and speeding, and provides feedback to drivers to improve their driving habits.
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- Vehicle maintenance tracking
The software tracks vehicle maintenance schedules and provides reminders for upcoming maintenance tasks, helping fleet managers ensure their vehicles are in good condition.
Autosist
AUTOsist, the second most popular fleet management system offers an affordable fleet maintenance management software and mobile app that allows you to efficiently manage your entire fleet without sacrificing usability, features, or cost.
With this system, you can easily track maintenance tasks, inspections, and repairs for your vehicles, ensuring that they are always in good condition and minimizing downtime.
Some of the features that Autosist GPS tracking system may include are:
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- Preventive maintenance schedules:
Track completed maintenance with receipt and document upload.
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- Reminders:
Get push notifications and email reminders by date and/or odometer.
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- Parts inventory management
Track parts and keep inventory counts. Get alerts when things are running low in stock.
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- Work orders
Keeptrack of fleet maintenance work orders for every business to run efficiently.
Fleetio
Fleetio is another fleet management software designed to streamline fleet operations and keep vehicles and equipment functioning smoothly. Fleetio is a straightforward and effective solution that replaces the need for spreadsheets and outdated software
List below are the major features available in Fleetio:
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- Fleet management
Monitor and document every aspect of your vehicles and equipment throughout their lifecycle.
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- Fleet maintenance:
Organize and automate maintenance and processes for both internal and external entities.
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- Fuel management:
Simplify the procedure of collecting data related to fuel and gain a comprehensive insight into the costs and effectiveness of fuel consumption.
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- Fuel card:
Integrate your fuel cards with Fleetio to automatically monitor your fleet’s fuel expenditures and access comprehensive reports that provide insights into fuel efficiency.
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- Fleet reporting:
Closely monitor operational expenditures and other management metrics through fleet performance tracking.
Azuga
With Azuga’s field fleet management tool, you can streamline your business operations and seamlessly process work orders between your office and teams.
This powerful tool combines the benefits of telematics, dash cams, and work order management to ensure efficient and effective communication between your team and clients.
Salient features of Azuga fleet management software are listed below:
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- Fleet tracking:
Azuga provides real-time monitoring of the location and movements of vehicles
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- Electronic logs:
FleetMobile app from Azuga captures data from vehicles everytime a driver operates, resulting in a detailed record of their trips.
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- Maintenance management:
Azuga helps to reduce downtime and repair costs, improve vehicle reliability and safety, and extend the lifespan of vehicles using its maintenance management feature.
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- Asset tracking:
Monitor and track the location and movement of physical assets, equipments, and other valuable items using Azuga.
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- Roadside assistance:
Azuga Roadside Assistance offers services to assist you when your vehicle experiences a mechanical failure that leaves you stranded on the road.
TrackoBit
Based in India, TrackoBit is a rapidly expanding Telematics software company that specializes in creating real-time platforms supported by sturdy cloud infrastructure. TrackoBit can handle millions of real-time connections and can provide valuable insights by processing data to over 250 clients.
Let’s have a look at some of the important features of Trackobit;
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- Driver Behaviour Monitoring:
Help safe driving practices by providing precise driving performance evaluations, and guarantee the safety of drivers, shipments, and vehicles with exceptional driver behavior analysis.
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- Route Planning Solutions:
Tailor vehicle routes for each trip, prioritizing waypoints, receiving immediate alerts for any violations, and improving customer satisfaction.
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- Advanced Driver Assistance System:
Advanced driver assistance system enables the observation of external activities, including on-road behaviors, signal violations, and more.
To conclude, GPS vehicle tracking systems offer numerous benefits for businesses, parents, and law enforcement agencies alike.
With its ease of use and practical applications, it’s no wonder that GPS vehicle tracking systems have become increasingly popular in recent years.
