The world of fleet management in recent years has been revolutionised by the introduction of various tracking technologies. One of these technologies is GPS or global positioning system that utilises satellites to track vehicles pretty much anywhere in the world. These systems also make navigation easier and give the manager vital information on any driver in the fleet at any point during the day. While the initial outlay can be expensive for fleet management tools, the monthly charges are usually affordable and in most cases the money saved will outweigh the costs of implementation after around six months to a year.

GPS fleet management tools give the manger essential information on vehicles and the behaviour of drivers while they are on jobs throughout the day. In some cases, these systems can be helpful in identifying drivers who are taking liberties, such as driving the vehicle in an abusive way or using the vehicle for purposes not related to the business. With the option to monitor vehicle speed and direction, managers are given the opportunity to pick up on driver behaviour; seemingly drivers who practice clutches gear changes in company motors will be a nonentity in the future.

The benefits of GPS fleet management tools are not just concerned with driver behaviour and vehicle use; they can also be used to improve administrative functions. In some systems the option to include a maintenance tool is a possibility. This type of inclusion can help managers identify which vehicles in the fleet need to undergo oil changes or servicing. This type of system will in fact work towards reducing maintenance and running costs in the long run. Understandably a better maintained fleet will be more fuel efficient and cheaper to run. Maintenance tools allow fleets to reduce maintenance costs, allowing vehicles to run for longer and save money of fuel.

Additionally GPS fleet management solutions allow managers to undertake a detailed examination of any accidents that may occur. Unfortunately accidents are an inevitable part of owning a fleet, GPS tools however act in many ways like a mini black box recorder, like those on aircraft. Giving information on speed and direction, insurance claims are made far more straightforward, giving an accurate indication of liability in any accident.

While employees may be initially be wary of GPS fleet management systems as an invasion of privacy, the benefits soon become evident. The result will be that employees take better care of their vehicles, meaning that as a manager life will be made far simpler. Employees will not only drive safer, unscheduled stops and detours will become less prevalent, meaning that the management role is made that much easier. Drivers will also feel the benefits however, GPS tracking systems work towards reducing the amount of paperwork that must be filled out by employees whilst also reducing the amount of time they must spend on the road.

Another way in which vehicle tracking systems reduce costs is through insurance premiums. Many of the major insurance providers will give discounts for fleets that have tracking systems, this is because of the benefits in safer driving and also because GPS tracking will allow any vehicle that has been stolen to be recovered more quickly.

Hopefully this information will help fleet managers to recognise the benefits that GPS tracking systems can bring. In a world of rising fuel costs and maintenance bills, having a method to reduce this expenditure should be investigated thoroughly. The big question is whether your fleet can really live without the implementation of GPS technology.