subject: GPS Fleet Tracking Software Leads to Increased Efficiency [print this page] Author: Tom Gruich Author: Tom Gruich
With GPS, RFID and a little fleet tracking software, your business can operate at the utmost efficiency. Your deliveries can be made on time and there will never be any question of where your companys assets are at any given moment.
RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags can be ordered in sizes small enough to fit in inconspicuous places on all of your company vehicles. Most companies stick them on the windshield, because metal parts can reduce the distance from which the tags can be read.
If your trucks operate on toll roads, they may already have RFID tags in place for automatically paying tolls. You cant make use of those tags for keeping track of your vehicles, but it is just an example of where the technology has been used in the past.
Where the technology is going, no one knows. Big companies are working on a number of applications.
As far as GPS systems go, you and your drivers may already be using them. Navigation systems are hooked into the global navigation satellite system. The latest ones are easy to use and accurate. They can provide turn-by-turn directions and make immediate compensations when a vehicle veers off of the suggested route.
Most fleet tracking software is designed to be used with some kind of GPS or RFID system. The better ones are created to be used with both. You need to know where your vehicles are and what they are carrying.
Maintenance is another issue. With the appropriate system, your maintenance team can plug in to a vehicle and find out immediately the number of miles that have been traveled since the last oil change. Some systems can even monitor the vehicles tire pressures while the engine is running.
Depending on the manufacturer, you may be able to install sensors that tell the driver that its time to add a quart of oil. Basically, fleet tracking software can take the human or driver error at least partly out of the equation. No longer will you have to rely on your drivers to perform routine vehicle maintenance, such as checking the oil. As long as they keep gas in your vehicles, they can keep on trucking.
So, there is less down time for maintenance and fewer breakdowns. Your drivers are less likely to get lost, which means they should be on time, most, if not all of the time.
Whether you own 12 vehicles or 1012, fleet tracking software with GPS integration and RFID tagging is a worthwhile investment. You should notice the benefits right away.About the Author:
Tom Gruich is a professional database designer with 40 years experience in systems analysis and design of database software applications. For more database business mapping thoughts and design ideas please visit Software Database Validation or his Smart Database website at => http://www.adaptcode.com
