Fleet management technologies are flooding the market. With revenues projected at over 20 billion dollars, the industry is growing rapidly. With choice at your fingertips, we want to make sure you select the best product for your business.

Let’s review different fleet management technologies and their associated advantages and disadvantages.

What are fleet management technologies?

Fleet management technologies are designed to track fleets, improve efficiencies and reduce costs. Data collected is used to optimize the performance of the machine and operator.

Types of fleet management technologies

In this section, we will discuss types of fleet management, as well as some advantages and things to consider.

GPS tracking

GPS tracking works by monitoring the precise location of the vehicle using satellites.

• Advantage: The advantage of this technology is that it stores all the information centrally for ease of access. Features like geo-tracking allow fleet managers to keep tabs on their equipment, even across multiple job site locations.

GPS, when used in isolation, can be limited in terms of its features. Its main purpose is to track location, so it’s recommended to find software capable of suggesting safety measures, analyzing driver behavior, and reviewing maintenance schedules.

Fuel management

Fuel management software helps to track and control fuel consumption.

• Advantage: Monitoring fuel consumption can decrease emissions and reduce operating costs.

Fuel management alone is limited to one form of analysis and does not account for the performance of engines or drivers. It is typically a feature of other management systems and can be limited on its own without the assistance of comprehensive telematics.

Telematics

Telematics is the unique combination of telecommunications and informatics. More encompassing than fuel management software, it shares real-time information on fleet and operator performance, fuel management, location, and maintenance schedules to a centralized system using cellular data or Wi-fi.

• Advantage: Telematics, like Trackunit, offers a one-stop shop for communication between businesses and operators, and access to information necessary to do the job.

Telematics is an initial investment and training for the team. However, with the right training and knowledge, telematics software is a worthy investment for the health of a fleet-based company.

Geofencing

Geofencing creates a virtual perimeter using GPS technology to either restrict fleet vehicles from moving outside of a specified area or notify the fleet manager when boundaries are crossed.

• Advantage: This feature helps to control the location of a company’s fleet, preventing personal use and theft.

This is a rare feature on its own and is typically included as part of an all-inclusive telematics software technology. It is often recommended that fleet businesses invest in software with this as a feature for added asset security.

Asset tracking

Asset tracking tracks fleet vehicles, equipment, and machinery. It is a very specific feature that helps fleet managers to understand where exactly the fleet is.

• Advantage: This technology helps to monitor job performance and prevent theft. Some asset tracking technology is limited to location. While there may be some elements of analysis, fleet managers won’t have access to other metrics, like performance or safety.

As such, it is recommended to invest in technology that includes diagnostics for increased efficiency in all aspects of fleet management.

Noting some of the many features of fleet management, it is important to be aware that many features work best when they operate together in a comprehensive fleet management solution.

Construction businesses and rental companies can benefit from software that assists in all aspects of fleet management for enhanced security, increased efficiency, better productivity, and less downtime.

Why is telematics the best technology for fleet management?

When choosing fleet management software, fleet managers and business owners should choose one that incorporates telematics technology. Here’s why.

Platform

Based on a centralized platform, telematics is designed to connect businesses to people and machines with ease. Telematics can accommodate fleets of all different sizes and types, offering data insights, communication tools, and diagnostics.

The centralized platform is built to grow with your business and to accommodate company changes in real-time. The platform is secure, stable, and reliable. Data protection is a key component of telematics software.

Construction companies that use telematics can also enjoy features, including business relations tools, and managing of revenue streams. Platforms are a one-stop shop for the connectivity and information that drives business success.

Real-time data

To avoid duplication or inaccuracy, data is collected from the fleet vehicles and analyzed through a centralized system. Data helps improve daily operations and can help inform future decision-making.

Construction companies specifically can benefit from this intel because they can address equipment failures, missing assets, and forgotten service checks to streamline asset management processes and eliminate downtime.

Take a peek into the day-to-day operations which support a company’s ability to perform and satisfy customers. Data can support decisions on increasing productivity, reducing costs, and growing revenue. Telematics provides the following day-to-day information:

• Monitors fleet vehicles, equipment, and machinery in real-time
• Sends notifications about the location of the fleet, maintenance updates, and problems
• Diagnoses machines, and shares diagnoses virtually
• Provides information on fleet and operator performance
• Tracks location to enhance performance and reduce theft

Besides providing updates on basic performance and maintenance, telematics is used to monitor speed, hours worked, and acceleration. It can determine whether a fleet vehicle is idle and thus needs to be moved to a different job site or replaced.

With telematics your company can avoid wasting time diagnosing a vehicle. A telematics solution will analyze the situation in real-time‌. When an in-person visit is required, telematics can provide the best course of action.

Solutions for people

Telematics isn’t just a tool for vehicles and equipment. It is a platform that connects people to the information they need. It facilitates communication among fleet managers and operators seamlessly to help prevent breakdowns, track maintenance, focus on operator safety, and offer solutions.

With telematics software construction businesses and rental companies can prioritize transparency and accuracy. Leave the guesswork behind because the technology will support day-to-day operations with speed and accuracy every time.

Upgrade your fleet with fleet management software.

With so many options for construction companies to choose from, a telematics-based system is the best system to choose from. It is driven by the power of data and transparent communication streams. Businesses can focus on completing the job with excellence and accuracy for their customers.

By implementing telematics, construction businesses will receive information on vehicle performance, fuel management, machine location, and maintenance schedules — all of which will be useful for increasing productivity and reducing costs.

Invest in a system you can trust. Book a demo with Trackunit today.