Fleetistics Fleet Management Blog
Indoor Tracking
Indoor Tracking Solutions
Here at Fleetistics we specialize in vehicle GPS/Telematics solutions, but did you know there are solutions out there that focus on real-time indoor tracking solutions? There are a variety of uses for this technology. In this blog, we will identify some key features, uses and solutions.
Why Indoor Tracking?
These devices when applied provide a variety of benefits. Take Industry for example, implementing these tags within companies can improve worker safety, process optimization and inventory management to name a few. In Healthcare, companies can track medical equipment, optimize hospital workflows and improve staff and patient safety.
Think about the safety and security industry. By using this technology organizations can increase staff and inmate safety, improve compliance regulations and so much more. These are just a few examples of the industries that can take advantage of this technology.
How it Works
Essentially the way it works is very similar to how our GPS/Telematics tracking solutions for vehicles and assets work. The tags, devices and sensors (in this case using Bluetooth) send the information to the locators which in turn go through the positioning engine. The end result is sent to the application whether it be through an API into a client’s application or the one provided.
Disney has a unique application for similar services. Instead of using Bluetooth technology they have been using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for several years. These MagicBands allow guests to enter theme parks, unlock their Disney Resort hotel room and buy foods and merchandise. It also allows the Disney theme parks to track the flow of guests from park to park.
Which is Better, Bluetooth or RFID?
So which is better: Bluetooth or RFID? The simple answer is neither. They are different solutions serving their individual purpose. Simply defined Bluetooth is a standard technology for short-range wireless connection of mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices. RFID uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags that are attached to objects. Bluetooth is used to communicate between two Bluetooth compatible devices and has the ability to handle data and voice transmissions at the same time. This allows it to be used in a wide variety of applications. RFID is used to transfer a limited amount of information that is stored in the RFID tags such as product information and location information.
In short if the use case is in a centralized location with a limited amount of data needing to be transferred RFID would be suitable whereas if you are looking at tracking in a decentralized or larger area and have more information to transmit, using Bluetooth connected devices in a network is the way to go.
Is Indoor Tracking Right For Me?
The first thing a company needs to determine before deciding what indoor tracking solution is best for them are the business cases. In this blog we talked about some use cases in Industry, Healthcare and Safety & Security. If you have value in the tools onsite, the people in your organization, the items you sell you might consider an indoor RTLS solution. In the meantime, if you have vehicles or assets we can tell you all the benefits and features our out GPS/Telematics solutions. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Fuel Savings – Something we can all agree on!
Fuel Savings are Critical to Small Business Survival
According to the U.S Energy Information Administration (eia), the United States average fuel cost in 2021 was $3.01 per gallon. Today the national average has risen to $4.88 per gallon. That is a 61% increase in just 1-year. Fuel costs are a large portion of a fleet’s spend, therefore Fleet Managers across the nation are having to find innovative ways to save fuel. There are a lot of tips, tricks and technology that can assist fleet managers with fuel efficiency.
Sometimes when looking at the big picture we forget about the basics. Here are some simple steps to help beat high gasoline prices:
- Reduce Speed – Each 5 mph over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.15 per gallon of gas. By reducing excessive speed, aggressive driving behavior such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, less fuel will be wasted.
- Vehicle Maintenance – Keeping your fleet vehicles well maintained will not only save fuel but also keep your fleet running smoothly. Newer vehicles tend to be more efficient than their previous model years, however having a diligent maintenance program can keep your vehicles on the road longer.
- Reducing Idling – By avoiding excessive driving fleets can harness the savings of this low hanging fruit. For every hour a vehicle idles it burns approximately 1 gallon of fuel.
- Identifying and Reducing Fuel Fraud – Unfortunately fuel fraud is a fact of life for most fleets and can be very costly. Having tools in place to help prevent and stop fuel fraud with significantly reduce fleet fuel spend.
Tools to Increase Fuel Savings
Armed with the basic steps above in mind, fleet managers can implement tools to provide them the data they need to monitor fuel spend to increase fuel savings. Telematics solutions have been widely adopted across fleets for this purpose. These tools give fleet managers the power to monitor speeding, idling, harsh driving behavior, vehicle maintenance etc. using dashboards and reporting.
Fuel trend reports allow fleet managers to identify areas for improvement and coach drivers as needed. Performing vehicle inspections is also key to maintaining fleet vehicles. Regularly checking tire inflation, maintaining oil and using the right air filters also impact the vehicle’s overall fuel economy.
Fuel Cards for More Control Over Fuel Spend
Another substantial fuel savings technology is introducing a Fuel Card program. Fuel cards are flexible and some even offer rebates on fuel purchases. Some advantages to fuel cards include:
- Better Protection for Fleet Fuel Spend/Fraud – Set custom limits on total spending, approved locations and time-of-day use.
- Automated Fuel Expense Reporting – No more manual receipt collection and data entry.
- Real-Time Fuel Tracking Tool – Allows problems to be identified and solved before adding to month over month fuel costs
- Performance Monitoring – Poor mileage may indicate inefficient driving habits or maintenance needs.
Many of the major fleet fuel card providers integrate with Telematics solutions. This allows fleet managers to compare mileage entered at the pump to actual odometer reading from the vehicle. Telematics monitors mpg and fuel tank levels and rules can be implemented to highlight any areas where there might be a spike in fuel spending.
The key to successfully reducing fleet fuel spend comes down to having the tools that work best to provide fleet managers with data, trends and reports that allow them to ability to really see how the fleet is operating on a daily basis.
For more information on Telematics solutions and Fleet Cards, contact us today!
What is GPS Fleet Tracking and How to Choose the Right System
First, What is GPS Fleet Tracking All About?
Many fleet owners understand there is value in GPS vehicle and asset tracking technology but they don’t know where to begin nor do they understand the overall technology. What is GPS technology in general and how can it be applied in your business is the root question you need to answer. By not knowing what to ask or look for, a fleet manager is subject to a sales person’s perspective, featured product, guidance or personal twist on a solution to stated fleet problems.
Next, How to Choose the Right System
We’ve all heard education is power but it is also money. If you are not educated and make a bad investment, it will cost you and your company money. As in most industries and situations, there may be 3 or 4 ways to resolve a fleet issue with a GPS technology solution. In every industry there are low end, low-cost solutions all the way to expensive and complete solutions. Understanding what you need, understanding the technology and being clear on a process will ensure you get the right solution for the lowest investment.
A Free Learning Opportunity!
Fleetistics provides a free introductory webinar to answer those questions. We give you the knowledge and framework to determine what kind of GPS technology and which provider is going to be the best fit for you. So learn the basics of fleet tracking in 30 minutes or less, any Wednesday at 1PM.
EV Charging Stations – Critical First Step!
EV Charging Stations Infrastructure
EV Charging Stations have been the infrastructure item on everyone’s mind lately. The current administration is pushing for adoption of electric vehicles, and without EV charging stations readily available, that can’t happen.
The city of Round Rock TX has announced their first purchase of Electric Vehicles, 9 Ford Lightning Electric Pick Ups on February 10,2022. These will replace conventional fueled vehicles ranging in age from 11 to 21 years of age. The city’s plan is to transition to an eventual all electric fleet to enhance operational efficiency, take advantage of long-term cost savings, and reduce environmental impacts.
With 6 months to a year to prepare…
What will it take for the city to prepare to implement these vehicles when they arrive in six months to a year? The news release indicates they are working to complete their first phase of EV charging stations at municipal facilities but says little else about preparing for their arrival.
The first purchase of electric vehicles is a big step for a municipality that cannot be undertaken without the appropriate due diligence. Much can be understood about how vehicles are used from tracking the vehicles to be replaced. An EV viability study using GPS tracking data to analyze activity suitable for electric vehicles. Things like if a single charge will provide enough power for the electric vehicle to accomplish a typical full day’s work are just the beginning.
It is also critical to understand how many situations and activities are routinely done that an EV is not practical or sufficient for and will still require a traditional gas combustion engine vehicle. To deal with those exceptions, you will still need to maintain some traditional fleet vehicles. Some of the softer costs may be harder to think through which is why GPS data is so important to empirical decision making.
Beyond all that…
Beyond all that, there are untold questions yet to be answered that could amount to substantial cost not being considered.
- How many electric vehicles are based at a single location, and will additional staff be required for afterhours rotation of vehicles to available EV charging stations or will one station per vehicle be required?
- Do vehicles go home with employees and how will that affect availability to charge, employee turnover or mileage payments?
- What if an electric vehicle gets stuck in gridlock traffic causing it to exhaust its charge prematurely. It won’t be possible to bring fuel to the vehicle, so we can expect this to result in towing expenses going up.
- Is there legal liability for driver safety if a vehicle cannot provide AC in the Arizona summer heat?
- How will a power outage (for instance after a hurricane) affect emergency management efforts? Will fossil fuel powered generators be required to power EV charging stations to maintain a fully charged electric fleet? Fuel rotation related expenses and generator service contracts all reduce the ROI for implementing an electric fleet.
- How will future battery disposal be addressed? We do not yet have sufficient infrastructure in place to safely dispose of or recycle high quantities of lithium batteries and…
Where does all that lithium come from?
A single EV uses roughly 22 pounds of lithium to construct the batteries essential to its operation. According to Energy Sage, currently only one lithium mine operates in the United States, the Silver Peak mine in Clayton Valley, Nevada; most of the global lithium supply is extracted in Chile and Australia. While some politicians are calling for increased domestic mining of the metal, at the end of May 2021, Reuters reported that the Biden Administration would supply the majority of lithium from ally countries, including Canada, Australia, and Brazil. What happens if the supply chain is disrupted? This would create shortages of new vehicles as well as replacement batteries.
Help With Planning for EV Charging Stations and More
The US Department of Transportation offers a handy checklist for planning infrastructure, but the final item on their list tells the full story consider additional needs. Reality is that there are always a few surprises, often very simple things that did not get considered. Until more municipalities take the risk to begin electrifying their fleets so we can all learn from their mistakes, there are many unknowns.
It will be interesting to follow the progress of the City of Round Rock after their electric vehicles are deployed. We applaud their forward thinking and green goals, but it remains to be seen if some of the financial savings and reduced carbon emissions will be offset by unforeseen costs and unplanned fossil fuel consumption in the long run.