Basic Small Fleet Vehicle Tracking
Small business owners have different needs than large, enterprise fleet operators. Small fleet vehicle tracking is generally focused on the basic capabilities a GPS tracker provides. The most requested feature is simply where is my vehicle now, followed by a few basic reports and alerts. The last small fleet vehicle tracking customer requirement is simplicity. In a small business people wear many hats. Adding a complicated, time consuming GPS tracking platform to the list of things to manage is not a welcome added responsibility.
Easy and Intuitive Interface
An interface that requires little training due to the intuitive nature is important to small business fleet managers. Time is money and time is limited. Finding a GPS system that requires under one hour of training to get started makes implementation quick and easy.
Basic Small Fleet Vehicle Tracking Data
95% of the time small fleet operators utilize the map. The more robust the map, the quick and easier employees can find most of what they need on a daily or hourly basis. Experience shows the map is the first feature utilize to find and issue. Fleet managers then go to the reports and alerts to dig deeper into the data presented on the map. Some maps provide more data directly on the map, thus reducing the need to navigate to other areas for trip details.
Popular Tracking Reports
Only a few reports are needed to understand a fleets daily activity. Maps and reports can indicate the route a vehicle took, where it stopped and how long it was there. Some more advanced telematics systems provide insight into the driving habits exhibited along the way. Understanding your growth plans for the next 5 years can help you invest a system that can expand with growth but it can also prevent you from buying to much technology.
Popular Reports Include:
- Start-Stop or Trips List
- Customer Visits
- Exceptions
Exceptions Help Manage Data
Alerts are an important tool to reduce time going through data which is considered “normal”. To save time, exceptions can be configured to highlight data which is outside the norm or limits a fleet manager can establish. Exceptions are then connected to alerts which typically come via email. Fleetistics believes exceptions are helpful but alerts need to be reserved for information you need to act on immediately. Being bombarded by emails you do not respond to until the end of the day or the next day makes a user numb to the alerts and things go unnoticed.
Common Exceptions
- Excessive idle time
- Extended stops
- Movement after work hours
- Speeding
- Leaving and entering zones
Common Alerts
- Possible accident
- Movement after hours
- Excessive speeding
- Driving off route
Simplified User Interface
Many people are overwhelmed with lots of options or what appears to be a complicated user interface (UI). Many GPS tracker platforms allow GPS system administrator to simplify the UI by hiding features and menus for certain user groups. This helps focus the user on what is important to their area of responsibility. As their responsibility changes, the UI can be customized to reflect the needed GPS data for the new role.
Expand As You Grow
As your company grows, the devices you deploy for small fleet vehicle tracking can be moved to a more robust platform that is ideal for medium size fleets. The investment you make now is not cast aside, but rather redirected to a platform that does more to meet your growing needs. That’s a win-win for any small business with a growing fleet! Fleetistics consultants get you started now with a no frills system to meets your current needs, then help you to assess when additional features will increase your return on investment.