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Gps tracking software: fleet, vehicle, and asset management

Explore the best GPS tracking software for fleets, vehicles, trucks, and assets. Learn how GPS tracking systems improve fleet management, time tracking, and operational efficiency

Both individuals and businesses require GPS tracking software. These applications are used by companies with fleets of vehicles as well as businesses with a large workforce in the field. They are also used by private owners who have high-value luxury vehicles. GPS asset tracking software can help increase security, optimize logistics, and ensure accountability.

What is GPS tracking software?

So basically, a GPS tracking software program is an application or virtual platform that allows you to monitor and manage the movements of vehicles, machinery, or other assets. Learn more about these applications, the most commonly used software types, their main features, a few good options, and tips for implementation into your fleet management.

GPS tracking systems overview

GPS tracking system software works by processing the location data it receives from GPS devices and displaying it on maps. Some of the common features of these systems include:

  • Live tracking
  • Geofencing
  • Historical playback
  • Alerts or notifications
  • Reporting

How GPS tracking software works

Before you learn more about the types and features of the best GPS tracking software, it can help you understand the principles of the Global Positioning System (GPS).

The GPS technology works around the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). This system comprises a network of satellites that communicate with the GPS devices. The data received from these satellites determines the geographical coordinates of the tracking device.

The GPS tracking devices are installed on the assets that you want to track. They convert the locational data to be sent to a server. The data is typically relayed in the form of data packets with the help of cellular connectivity. The function of the GPS asset tracking software is to fetch this data from the server and process it into formats that can be easily understood by humans. The software presents this data through a dashboard.

Types of GPS tracking software

So, some of the most commonly used GPS tracking software programs include:

GPS fleet tracking software

GPS fleet tracking software programs are advanced systems designed to monitor and manage a fleet of any number of vehicles. If you have a fleet of delivery trucks or vans, service cars serving your business operations, or if you manage a taxi service, you will require GPS truck tracking software or fleet tracking software. 

You should expect an ideal GPS tracking fleet management software to have the following features:

  • Real-time monitoring: Monitor your entire fleet from a single dashboard or platform.
  • Route optimization: Helps locate the most efficient routes for fuel and cost savings.
  • Maintenance alerts: Certain GPS fleet tracking software, when supported by the ideal sensors and hardware, can track motor hours and other factors, to help determine the right time for vehicle maintenance.
  • Driving behavior monitoring: Detecting harsh acceleration and braking, speeding, and other driving metrics with support from the right hardware components.

GPS vehicle tracking software

GPS vehicle tracking software applications are real-time tracking systems designed to monitor the location of trucks, cars, and other vehicles. These applications are used in privately owned vehicles of individuals and families as well as business fleets. They are valued for their vehicle tracking and theft recovery capabilities.

Some of the main features of GPS vehicle tracking software programs include:

  • Real-time vehicle tracking: Get access to the real-time location of your vehicle or vehicles.
  • Engine performance: Certain tracking software can provide info on the vehicle’s performance and condition.
  • Trip history: Displays historical trips along with mileage data.
  • Geofencing: Raises alerts whenever the vehicle leaves or enters a designated area.

GPS asset tracking software

GPS asset tracking software programs are suited for keeping track of equipment, tools, and other assets used at a job site. They are available in a wide range of types and have different levels of capabilities. Certain applications allow you to keep track of assets within a specific geolocation. Whenever the asset leaves or returns to the geolocation, the application will send out an alert to you.

What makes GPS asset tracking software systems unique is that they can be used for almost any machinery, piece of equipment, or tool. All you will have to ensure is selecting the right tracking device for the asset.

Key features of GPS tracking software

Here is a more detailed look at the key features you can expect in GPS tracking system software:

Real-time tracking and monitoring

This is one of the most important and commonly found features in GPS tracking software programs. They make it easy to track vehicles and assets in real-time. When it comes to GPS fleet tracking software or asset tracking software applications, you can know exactly where your assets are at any given moment. This can be beneficial not just from the perspective of security and safety, but also for efficient and effective routing, dispatching, and tracking of deliveries.

Some real-time tracking systems also allow you to monitor vehicle speeds. This can help you implement safer driving practices across your fleet.

Fleet management tools

You should expect the following features when implementing a fleet management GPS tracking software program:

As a fleet manager, you can have access to the information required to achieve greater efficiency and greater customer satisfaction. Some key advanced GPS tracking features can include:

  • Location map charting
  • Real-time location tracking
  • Customized alerts
  • Route scheduling and re-routing
  • ETA notifications to customers

These features can help you actively manage your fleet. When you provide real-time ETA to customers, it can help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Proactive notifications

When it comes to managing a business that relies on a fleet of vehicles for its operations, staying ahead of potential problems can ensure smooth operations. This is where the ability to set up proactive notifications and alerts in a fleet GPS tracking software program can help. As a fleet manager, you will be able to proactively address issues before they escalate. Depending on the software, you can receive alerts for:

  • Real time updates for events such as deviations from planned routes, unauthorized use of vehicles, or maintenance needs.
  • Custom alerts related to driver behavior monitoring or vehicle performance.
  • Improved communication to ensure hassle-free communication between fleet managers and drivers. Drivers can be alerted to adjust routes, conduct vehicle checks, or take other actions.

Well-planned fuel management

A fleet GPS tracking software program can also provide advanced fuel management features involving real-time monitoring along with helpful analytics. A few important features that help you manage your fuel consumption better include:

  • Real-time monitoring for tracking fuel consumption and fuel levels in real-time to ensure instant decision making and optimal usage.
  • Theft or leak detection by instantly identifying abnormalities in fuel levels.
  • Fuel analytics to convert data into helpful insights for reducing fuel wastage.

Optimized driver behavior monitoring

When it comes to fleet management, drivers play one of the most important roles in operational success. The right GPS truck tracking software can help you monitor and improve driver behavior, performance, and retention with the help of the following driver management features:

  • Behavioral analytics that rely on advanced algorithms for analyzing driving habits and identifying key areas for improvement.
  • Performance metrics that generate reports on KPIs such as idling time, speed, and route discipline.
  • Retention tactics that involve recognizing and rewarding top performers and addressing concerns based on insights from performance data.

Fleet maintenance

Advanced fleet management GPS tracking software systems can provide maintenance features that can improve your fleet’s efficiency, ROI, and service life. These features can include:

  • Preventative maintenance scheduling
  • Maintenance history tracking
  • Real-time malfunction notifications

Some GPS fleet tracking software systems can also generate accurate driver vehicle inspection reports, helping you comply with the regulations.

Time tracking capabilities

The best GPS tracking software will have advanced time tracking capabilities. You can not only monitor the precise locations of your vehicles and assets but also their schedules and performance. The information can be beneficial for fleet managers and businesses to optimize their fleet performance and ensure timely deliveries.

Best GPS tracking software for different needs

Whether you need a GPS truck tracking software or an asset tracking system, you should explore the following options:

How to implement GPS tracking systems?

It is recommended to follow these tips to implement a GPS tracking system software program:

Integrating GPS tracking with fleet management

The following tips should help you successfully integrate GPS tracking into your operations and systems:

  • Define your goals & needs: Find out the areas of your business that can benefit from GPS tracking integration. This can be fleet, asset, as well as personnel tracking. You should also identify the metrics such as speed, location, and fuel consumption that need to be measured.
  • Find the right tracking software: Consider factors such as coverage, accuracy, ease of use, and reliability when choosing the right GPS tracking fleet management software. It is also important to ensure the system is compatible with your current infrastructure.
  • Create a plan: Next, create an implementation plan to ensure seamless deployment. This includes determining the stakeholders who will be involved in the integration. Once you have the plan, make sure to get them involved and educate them.
  • Integrate with current systems: Next, integrate the software with your current business platform, including operational software. This is important for smooth data sharing and task automation.

Next, you should customize and configure the program based on your business’ unique requirements.

Customization for business-specific needs

When customizing the GPS tracking software, you will have to set up your geofences. Next, you can set up the custom reports that you want to generate. Ideal applications also allow you to customize the dashboard to display the data and metrics based on your specific operations. Whatever the customization, your GPS tracking system software should be set to align with your goals. You should also review and optimize the settings periodically.

 

 

 

 


 

Conclusion

The best GPS tracking software for your individual or business needs should have all the features required to meet your goals. There are not only different types of applications but also multiple options available in the market. The ideal strategy to find the perfect program is to choose the right type and evaluate its features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can you use your phone as a GPS tracker?

Yes, you can use your smartphone as a GPS tracker.


Q. Is there free GPS tracking?

Yes, there are a few free GPS tracking applications but they come with many limitations and cannot be used in all scenarios, especially commercial operations.