You might have concerns over privacy or past experiences with business fleet tracking software that made you believe these myths about the technology.
Many successful multifigure businesses use GPS tracking software to increase visibility, save time on the road, and make deliveries faster.
Managers and delivery drivers believe these myths because they do not know enough about what technology can do to enhance their daily speed.
There are five common myths that we’ll debunk in this article.
What is fleet GPS tracking software?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) tracks and monitors the locations of fleet vehicles, assets, devices, people, and more.
It can provide crucial information to managers and customers to improve delivery satisfaction. The platforms have evolved over time, and they have basic to advanced features, including security and data capturing.
Myth 1: Business fleet tracking is expensive
Initially, there is an investment that needs to be made by buying the software. Most companies show a return on investment (ROI) for fleet tracking systems within a year.
According to the 2024 Fleet Technology Trends Report, 41% of fleets using GPS tracking solutions reported achieving a positive ROI in less than one year.
False claim: GPS tracking costs too much
According to the Fleet Tech Report, GPS tracking can save on false claims, accident costs, and fuel.
- Improved protection from false claims: 77%
- Improved driver safety: 73%
- Reduced accident costs: 48%
- Reduced insurance costs: 44%
Untruth: My business is too small for fleet tracking
Some small business owners believe GPS tracking is only useful for large fleets.
GPS tracking is more widespread in larger fleets, with 93% of fleets with 50 or more vehicles using it, but several small businesses also find it extremely beneficial.
An Expert Market’s survey found that 52% of fleets with three vehicles (or fewer) use GPS fleet tracking.
Myth 2: Tracking systems are complicated to set up and use
Are all GPS solutions the same?
Not all GPS systems are created equal. There are those that are more modern vehicle tracking systems.
There are basic features like tracking the location, but also advanced features where you can track data insights on driver behavior and vehicle health.
Locate2u’s GPS vehicle tracking software lets you track the live location of your fleet vehicles and assets. You can monitor delivery progress, respond quickly to any problems, and improve customer service.
Routific helps businesses to reduce cost per delivery by 25%. While optimizing the routes, it also considers historic traffic patterns and avoids what it calls messy “spaghetti routes.”
Timeero is more focused on the delivery driver’s whereabouts on the day. For certain businesses, like carpet cleaners, this is a priority, focusing on employee hours, mileage, and location at any given time.
Are installation and setup difficult?
Contrary to popular belief, setting up a fleet tracking system is straightforward.
Most reputable GPS vehicle tracking software businesses set up a booking with you, the customer and the implementation expert runs you through the setup. You can have the system configured to suit your business.
Setting up a single account can be done in minutes, but larger fleets will take a few days. This allows time for data integration, team training, and test runs.
Will I be able to interpret the data from fleet tracking?
Fleet tracking software is user-friendly and is designed to make it easier for fleet managers and staff to use.
Will tracking work in rural or remote areas?
Advanced GPS vehicle tracking solutions now have strong connectivity, even in remote regions.
Satellite and cellular networks are making this possible. It’s much more precise and regular intervals than before.
Many systems are specifically designed to maintain signal strength across diverse geographies, ensuring continuous coverage for rural fleets.
ALSO READ: This is how last-mile delivery looks like in crime-riddled Africa
Is tacking technology vulnerable to cyber threats?
Modern vehicle tracking providers prioritize security. They are using encryption and other safeguards to protect data.
Therefore, it’s important to choose a GPS tracking company with good reviews and a strong cybersecurity record.
Myth 3: My drivers and fleet managers won’t use it
There are plenty of benefits to it for employees. Fleet managers know exactly where drivers are and can improve safety for workers.
Video technology is also helping businesses reduce false claims, protect employees in case of a crash, and keep staff feeling safer when driving alone at night.
Untrue: My staff will think I don’t trust them if I track fleet vehicles
Managers play a crucial role in optimizing vehicle performance and improving operational efficiencies through GPS vehicle tracking solutions.
These tools help real-time monitoring, maintenance scheduling, and cost reduction, ultimately enhancing the overall management of fleet operations.
When the fleet performs better, drivers can deliver parcels or goods faster, leading to better personal performance of staff overall.
False: Fleet tracking infringes on privacy
The tracking systems are not attached to the staff member but rather to the company assets, which need to be with the employee at all costs.
To respect privacy, a vehicle tracking system should focus on business-related data, such as vehicle performance, driving behavior, and route optimization.
The business can set up clear policies to ensure staff are at ease with the clear guidelines of what can be tracked and what cannot. This helps to foster transparency and builds trust.
Myth 4: Fleet tracking is only for delivery businesses
From food trucks, plumbers, and medicine deliveries to laundry companies. These are all industries that benefit from vehicle tracking software.
It’s not only for delivery businesses but even retail stores, those rendering service to even bakers.
Electricians often use valuable and expensive tools on the job. These tools can easily get lost or damaged, which impacts revenue. Tracking them with GPS technology helps managers find them faster.
Food trucks can send out alerts to customers where it is, alerting neighbors to visit the moving food stall close to their location.
Plumbers use GPS vehicle tracking systems to let their managers know exactly where they are. As soon as a new booking comes in, managers can easily determine which plumber is closest to the next appointment.
You also have access to start and finish times so you can accurately calculate labor costs.
Cleaning and laundry customers require fast deliveries. With GPS fleet tracking, managers can easily locate pick-up vehicles to ensure faster service.
Myth 5: Vehicle tracking isn’t useful for maintenance or safety
Instead of adding work, tracking systems automate repetitive tasks. Vehicle tracking makes a manager’s task easier.
A vehicle tracking system automatically deals with things like logging mileage, scheduling maintenance, and generating reports.
Fleet tracking is easier when this automation reduces the administrative load. Managers can now focus on strategic planning and other important tasks.
Final journey: Business vehicle tracking myths busted
Business fleet tracking is not expensive, and it is not difficult to set up. With the right vehicle tracking software, fuel costs can go down; you can cut down on vehicle maintenance, and you can even improve driver behaviour.
Installing a vehicle tracking system is not as difficult as you think. Once you take advantage of the free staff training, it’s easy to get all the employees on board, too.
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About the author
Mia is a multi-award-winning journalist. She has more than 14 years of experience in mainstream media. She's covered many historic moments that happened in Africa and internationally. She has a strong focus on human interest stories, to bring her readers and viewers closer to the topics at hand.
