Using a Fleet GPS tracking system can do wonders for your business. You’ll know where your vehicles are at any instance in time, allowing you to eliminate wasted time. The best routes to desired destinations can be determined instantly, saving you the fuel costs involved with drivers going out of their way or getting lost. Vehicle expenses will go down as well, as you’ll know what your vehicles are being used for and exactly when they’re being used. All of these things are of great benefit, but finding the right company to provide you with the GPS solution right for you can be a challenge. This article will examine some simple steps that will help you to find the provider who is right for your company.
Take a Look at Your Needs
Start your search by looking at your own business. Identify your own needs, and organize them so that vendors can provide as accurate a quote as possible for you. As you analyze your company, focus on questions like these:
- How many vehicles are in your fleet?
- How often do you need to track your vehicles?
- What type of business are you running?
- Are your vehicles all the same, or do you have a mixture?
- Do you need to keep the GPS hidden from your drivers?
- Can you get a discount from your insurance company for using a GPS system? If you can, what are the requirements the insurance company has for the system?
Begin Your Search for GPS Tracking Companies
You can go with a national or international name for your GPS system, but if you’re a small to medium sized business then your best bet is to go with a local company that specializes in GPS tracking. The reasoning is simple: there will be maintenance involved with these systems from time to time, and the faster that maintenance is completed the better it is for your as it means less time for your vehicles being off the road. A local company can offer you better service for these types of things than a larger retailer focused mostly on sales and using 3rd party installers. Once you choose a GPS system, you’re going to be dealing with the provider for a long time. Make the right choice up front so that you can avoid any hassles down the road.
If you don’t have the financial resources to install a GPS system, a larger company can offer financing for you. Smaller companies can offer this as well, but it will most likely be through a 3rd party leasing company or financial institution.
Talk to Your Choices
Once you have the names of a few providers, take the time to talk to them. Provide them with the information you gathered in the first step. Ask questions to get an idea as to the kind of service you can expect. Some helpful questions might be some like these:
- Do you use local installers, or do you subcontract?
- Can your system monitor various parts of the vehicle? If your company specializes in delivering liquids, it may be helpful for you to know if a pump is running.
- Is special software needed for your system, or can it be run from a web interface?
- What is the turnaround time for maintenance, repairs, and transfers?
- How often does your system update?
- What kind of information does the system provide, and how much of a history will it keep?
- What type of antenna is used?
You’re Ready to Talk Price
After you’ve asked the questions above and some of your own, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what company you want to go with. At this point, you’re ready to talk price. You’ll want to make sure the vendor lets you know the charge for installation, as well any monthly per vehicle charges. Find out of the costs include maintenance, or if this is extra. You don’t want to run into any surprises when you contact them for a service call.
Some Other Things to Keep in Mind
If your business is located in an industrial park, take the time to talk to the businesses around you to see if they use a fleet GPS system. You’ll get some good feedback from them if they do. Make sure you ask for references from the GPS company you’re considering as well. The best way to determine if you want to use a vendor is to talk to people who are using that particular vendor.
Make sure you see the system or are given a demo. Don’t just go by the salesman’s word that “it’s a great system.” Many companies offer a trial period. Ask the vendor if they do, and take advantage of it. You’ll know whether you like the system or the vendor as soon as you start to use them.
Good Luck!
The advice offered here should simplify your search for the Fleet GPS system that is best for your office. Stick to them, and you’ll be on your way to a rewarding relationship with a company providing the product that is just right for you.
