In modern fleet services, you can and should be using the latest in fleet tracking technology. Using a combination of GPS and telematics, it becomes possible to gain valuable insights and real-time data on each of your vehicles and the drivers. However, not all fleet managers are using GPS to its full potential. GPS tracking has the potential to unveil a true wealth of data and operational improvements. So, where are the gaps in your management strategy that GPS could help you to full?
Let's explore six essential ways that GPS can be used to improve both your fleet operation and customer service quality.
6 Ways GPS Can Improve Your Fleet Operations and Customer Service
Assign the Closest Driver
If you have a real-time service that is active during the day, GPS makes it possible to assign the person who is geographically closest to the requesting client rather than assigning the first person to respond to the call. GPS can show you the distribution of your fleet in comparison to the client location and determine who can reach them the most quickly. This might not even be the closest - as the crow flies - but the one with the straightest path to the client from their current location.
Accurate Time Estimates and "In the Neighborhood" Tracking
Customers love to track their orders or see a service arrive at their house. On the HQ side, looking at the location and status of each vehicle on the road can help you determine the practical distance between an assigned driver and their client's destination.
Customers love accurate estimates for delivery because it shows they can trust your estimates when building their daily schedule. Customers also enjoy seeing their service truck approaching. You can keep driver location mostly private by only making a driver's location visible when they are in the customer's neighborhood and ready to deliver.
Contextualize Your Telematics
Telematics can tell you things known by the car's inner computer. This includes acceleration and braking rates, turning velocity, and warning light error codes. Collecting telematics can be extremely precise, but they can also be difficult to read and give context. GPS provides that essential context to telematics by showing when the drivers are in a specific location at a particular time.
Track and Improve Route Efficiency
Route efficiency is something that every fleet manager should be continually concerned about. Before you send out drivers, you take a moment to configure a route between power poles, manufacturing plants, or to residential clients. GPS tracking allows you to see how your drivers move through the currently assigned routes and then chart different roads or routes to ensure that your team is driving the most efficient, safe, and secure route.
Rapid Theft Retrieval
Lastly, placing GPS trackers on every vehicle and important piece of equipment. Theft is par for the course when it comes to service businesses, from theft of your catalytic converter to stealing the entire vehicle. GPS tracking, howver, can be made very small and nearly invisible, making it likely that thieves will not find the tracker. At this pont, you can give the exact location info to the police and possibly get your property back within the same day.
Collect Passive Performance Data Over Time
GPS is a valuable tool in fleet management, from customer service to back-end data and improvement. Using GPS, you can always know where your fleet is located and approximately what they are up to.
You can design a more responsive fleet, take good care of your drivers when they are on the road, and wow your customers with effective and accurately timed services. Contact us for more fleet management tips, tricks, and technology.
