GPS Fleet Tracking Expands to New Horizons
By Steve Blackburn, Special to Fleet News Daily: Over the past few years, GPS fleet tracking has become a standard tool of the commercial fleet trade.
Operators have embraced the technology to gain benefits ranging from real-time visibility into vehicle location to reductions in fuel, labor and operating costs. Now a steady stream of enhancements is extending the benefits into new arenas.
Recently, for example, some systems have added support for electronic driver log and driver vehicle inspection reporting (DVIR) in order to simplify compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMSCA) regulations. This is typically accomplished through integration with third-party software packages as well as use of system-connected in-cab message/navigation terminals that allow drivers to enter data from the road.
Steve Blackburn
Newer integrations are also adding value. Fusing fleet tracking with routing and scheduling solutions is helping managers determine delivery or job priorities, calculate and transmit optimal routing to in-cab terminals, and instantly identify vehicles that are out of sync with the plan. Linking to accounting and/or service packages can streamline timesheet preparation, cost-plus contract reporting, data collection on services rendered and parts used, and more.
Other enhancements focus on driver control. Biometric scanning and other strategies are being used to be sure the right driver is behind the wheel. Camera technology is entering the space to help reduce fatigue-related incidents. Metrics from fleet tracking systems are being used to identify behaviors such as speeding, idling, harsh braking and high RPMs that compromise safety and fuel efficiency, as well as to populate driver league tables that compare individual and/or group driving performance.
Bottom line: fleet tracking systems are continually evolving to help managers streamline business processes, optimize operations and boost the bottom line.
Trucks, vans and other fleet vehicles are already computers on wheels – and they’re rolling into new territory every day.
About the Author:
Steve Blackburn is Vice President of Navman Wireless (www.navmanwireless.com), a leading provider of GPS-based fleet optimization systems and services that enable companies to monitor, measure and improve fleet-related costs and efficiencies.
Category: Featured, Fleet Diagnostics & Software, General Update, Management
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