The technology of commercial GPS fleet tracking

By Ryan Driscoll

Commercial GPS fleet tracking has been around for over 20 years, but the technology has advanced a great deal over the last few years. It no longer consists of simply watching dots on a map. In-vehicle hardware costs have declined to $300 or less and the software is web-based so fleet managers can access detailed information about their fleet’s status and activity from any PC or smartphone. The leading solution providers offer customized dashboards that enable fleet managers to view a summary of the information they need on a single screen. Information about driver behavior is readily available as well, since even a great plumber could be a liability on the road.

The Plumbing and HVAC industry is beginning to understand the importance of this technology. According to CJ Driscoll & Associates, a leading GPS-based research and consulting firm, U.S. Plumbing and HVAC fleets have more than 400,000 vehicles and 25-30% currently use a GPS tracking solution.

Benefits to plumbing & HVAC companies

A GPS fleet tracking solution will provide important benefits for Plumbing and HVAC fleets of any size. Some of the primary benefits are:

Put an end to side jobs: One of the main concerns that plumbing and HVAC companies have is whether or not their technicians are working side jobs with the company vehicle and equipment while off the clock. With a GPS tracking solution, managers can monitor the locations of fleet vehicles at all times and can create alerts that trigger if vehicles are in motion during off-hours. A vehicle’s real- time and historic location information is always available to be reported and displayed on a map.

Improved dispatching: GPS tracking solutions make it possible to improve response times by identifying the closest vehicle available for a job. A number of leading GPS tracking companies support integration with Garmin navigation devices. Dispatchers can see the closest technician to a job site, and with 1-click send that job’s description and location to the technician’s Garmin portable navigation device. The Garmin unit then provides the technician with turn-by-turn directions to the assigned location. The majority of Garmin devices provide audible directions to minimize driver distraction. GPS based routing coupled with Garmin integration can improve fleet efficiency, increase customer satisfaction, and reduce accidents due to distracted driving.

Identify Stop Time: Most GPS tracking solutions will record how long a vehicle is stopped at a given location. Reports can then be run to confirm that the time spent at a job site was appropriate for the job done. Alerts can be created to identify short or long stops and immediately notify management. Stop time validation can also be very useful when customers question billing. GPS tracking gives managers the ability to monitor and manage the amount of time it takes a technician to arrive at a job site and the amount of time spent at the job site. This can increase efficiency and productivity, opening up the opportunity for more time for extra jobs per day, which can directly increase a company’s bottom line.

Cut Fuel Costs: The cost of fuel has been on the rise over the past year and the prices paid at the pump are out of our control, so it’s more important than ever to control company-wide fuel expenses. The leading GPS fleet tracking solutions can report fuel consumption for each vehicle and compare miles per gallon. Managers can monitor average fuel consumption for each employee and see if any employees are exceeding the norm. Fuel card reporting is available on fuel card transactions, which identify activity where a specified vehicle was not present for the associated purchase transaction. Other alerts and reports can help to identify wasteful idling and variances from authorized routes, which will impact the bottom line.

Reduce Risk/Liability: GPS tracking systems can help reduce risk and liability for Plumbing and HVAC contractors by monitoring driving behavior and keeping track of the locations of fleet vehicles. Leading solution providers make it possible for Plumbing/HVAC companies to receive alerts if technicians exceed specified speed thresholds or are prone to harsh braking or fast acceleration. Driver scorecards can be accessed which rate drivers based on established safety criteria. Insurance companies are becoming more aware of the potential benefits of GPS tracking solutions in reducing accident risk, which can decrease insurance rates. Tracking systems also reduce the risk of losses due to vehicle theft. If a vehicle is reported stolen, its location can be quickly determined and reported to law enforcement authorities.

The bottom line

In today’s challenging business environment, Plumbing and HVAC companies need to invest in those technologies that have a positive impact on their bottom line. Research from C.J. Driscoll & Associates and others indicate that many service companies, including Plumbing and HVAC contractors, recoup their investment in GPS fleet tracking solutions within a few months, especially when the cost of in-vehicle hardware is limited or bundled with the monthly service fee. For many companies, all that is required is that everyone be onboard with the initiative and to effectively integrate the invaluable information provided into daily operations.

Selecting a supplier

There are many suppliers of GPS tracking solutions. To obtain the maximum benefits, it is important to select the supplier with the best features and value. Important selection criteria should include ease of use, ability to customize the desired reports and alerts, flexible hardware options, and an understanding of the requirements of Plumbing and HVAC contractors. Look for a supplier that has the features needed for your business and that you feel confident will be there to support you in the future.

Ryan Driscoll is the marketing manager for GPS Insight