Choosing the Right GPS Fleet Tracker Provider for Enterprise-level Operations – Part Two

In our last piece, we identified the significance of a GPS fleet tracker solution for enterprise-level operations, including how to assess enterprise needs and some of the core functionalities of this next-level technology.

In this second article in the series, we’ll delve into integration capabilities, as well as the importance of support and training to get the best outcomes from GPS fleet trackers.

Integration Capabilities

Integration capabilities play a pivotal role in streamlining operations, enhancing data analysis, and supporting data-driven decision-making. 

Streamlining Operations

Integration with other enterprise software facilitates seamless data flow and coordination between different aspects of your organization. This streamlining of operations has several advantages:

• Efficient Communication: Data integration ensures that relevant information is shared across various departments and systems in real time. For instance, dispatchers can communicate directly with drivers, assigning tasks based on real-time vehicle locations.
• Optimized Resource Allocation: Integration enables better resource allocation by providing a comprehensive view of your fleet and other operational data. This, in turn, allows for more efficient scheduling and route planning.
• Reduced Data Entry: Integration reduces manual data entry and the risk of errors. Information flows automatically between systems, saving time and minimizing mistakes.

Enhancing Data Analysis

The synergy created by integrating GPS fleet tracker systems with other enterprise software greatly enhances your data analysis capabilities:

• Comprehensive Insights: Integrated data from fleet tracking, financial systems, and inventory management can provide comprehensive insights into operational efficiency and costs.
• Performance Metrics: By combining data from various sources, you can establish performance metrics that provide a holistic view of your fleet’s performance, helping you identify areas for improvement.
• Predictive Analytics: Integration enables the use of predictive analytics, allowing you to forecast maintenance needs, fuel consumption, and delivery times more accurately.

Supporting Data-Driven Decision-Making

Access to integrated data supports data-driven decision-making at all levels of your organization:

• Strategic Planning: Executives can use integrated data to make strategic decisions about fleet expansion, route optimization, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Operational Efficiency: Fleet managers can use real-time data from the GPS tracker system in conjunction with data from other integrated systems to optimize operations, reduce idle times, and improve fuel efficiency.
• Customer Service: Integration enables better customer service by providing accurate and up-to-date information about deliveries and ETAs.

Examples of Popular Enterprise Software for Integration

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics integrate various business processes, including finance, HR, and inventory management. Integrating a GPS fleet tracker with an ERP system ensures seamless data exchange and centralized information.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: CRM systems like Salesforce and HubSpot help manage customer interactions and sales processes. Integration with a fleet tracker can provide real-time delivery updates to enhance customer service.
• Transportation Management Systems (TMS): TMS software, such as Manhattan Associates and MercuryGate, specializes in optimizing transportation logistics. Integration with a GPS fleet tracker enhances route planning, load optimization, and visibility.
• Supply Chain Management (SCM) Systems: SCM software like JDA Software and Kinaxis helps manage the end-to-end supply chain. Integration with GPS tracking systems allows for real-time visibility into shipments and inventory levels.
• Maintenance Management Systems: Maintenance management software like Fiix and eMaint helps track equipment and vehicle maintenance schedules. Integrating this with your GPS fleet tracker enables proactive maintenance based on real-time vehicle data.
• Telematics and IoT Platforms: Platforms like ThingWorx and Azure IoT facilitate the integration of various sensors and devices with fleet tracking systems, allowing for a more comprehensive view of vehicle data.

Compliance and Reporting

Compliance with regulatory requirements is not just a best practice; it’s a fundamental necessity. GPS fleet trackers play a crucial role in aiding enterprises to achieve and maintain compliance, offering comprehensive reporting capabilities that help organizations stay on top of their obligations. 

The Significance of Compliance in Enterprise Operations

Compliance with regulatory requirements is essential for several reasons:

• Legal Obligations: Regulatory agencies impose rules and standards that organizations must adhere to, often backed by legal mandates. Non-compliance can result in fines, legal liabilities, and reputational damage.
• Safety: Compliance often includes safety regulations to protect employees, customers, and the public. Ensuring compliance reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Environmental Responsibility: Many industries are subject to environmental regulations. Compliance in this area not only minimizes environmental impact but also avoids penalties.
• Data Security: Data privacy regulations require organizations to protect sensitive information. Failure to comply can lead to data breaches and significant financial penalties.

How GPS Fleet Trackers Aid in Regulatory Compliance and Reporting

GPS fleet trackers contribute significantly to achieving and maintaining compliance in enterprise operations:

• Driver Hours and Rest Regulations: GPS trackers record driver hours and rest periods, helping organizations comply with regulations such as the Hours of Service (HOS) rules in the transportation industry.
• Environmental Regulations: GPS fleet trackers monitor fuel consumption and emissions, aiding compliance with environmental standards and helping organizations reduce their carbon footprint.
• Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance: Trackers can schedule and record vehicle inspections and maintenance, ensuring that vehicles are in compliance with safety regulations.
• Route Compliance: GPS trackers can help ensure that drivers adhere to approved routes, avoiding non-compliance with local ordinances or road restrictions.
• Cargo and Temperature Monitoring: For industries like pharmaceuticals or food distribution, trackers can monitor cargo conditions, including temperature, to ensure compliance with storage and transportation requirements.

Examples of How Comprehensive Reporting Benefits Enterprises

Comprehensive reporting features provided by GPS fleet trackers offer tangible benefits for enterprises in staying compliant:

• Evidence for Audits: In case of regulatory audits, detailed reports provide irrefutable evidence of compliance. For instance, electronic logs of driver hours are invaluable during HOS audits.
• Proactive Maintenance: Reports on vehicle maintenance can help enterprises proactively address issues before they lead to non-compliance with safety standards.
• Data Privacy Compliance: Detailed tracking data can aid in demonstrating compliance with data privacy regulations by providing records of when and where personal data was collected.
• Improved Safety Records: By monitoring driver behavior and safety metrics, enterprises can take corrective actions and improve safety records, reducing accidents and regulatory scrutiny.
• Environmental Reporting: Tracking fuel consumption and emissions data can facilitate accurate reporting on environmental impact, supporting compliance with sustainability regulations.
• Efficient Record-Keeping: GPS fleet trackers automatically store and organize compliance-related data, reducing the administrative burden of manual record-keeping.

Support and Training

Responsive customer support and thorough training are more than just additional services; they are vital components that can make or break the success of your fleet tracking system.

The Importance of Responsive Customer Support

• Timely Issue Resolution: In the fast-paced world of fleet management, any downtime or technical issues can result in significant disruptions. Responsive customer support ensures that when problems arise, they are addressed promptly, minimizing operational disruptions.
• Technical Expertise: Fleet tracking technology can be complex. Responsive customer support provides access to technical experts who can quickly diagnose and resolve issues, helping you make the most of your tracking system.
• Customization and Optimization: Fleet tracking systems often offer customization options. Responsive support can guide you in tailoring the system to meet your unique needs and objectives.
• Software Updates and Upgrades: Technology evolves rapidly. Responsive support keeps you informed about software updates and upgrades that can enhance system performance and security.

How Proper Training Maximizes Benefits

• Effective System Utilization: Training ensures that your team can effectively utilize all the features and functionalities of the GPS fleet tracker, optimizing its use to achieve operational goals.
• Minimized Errors: Properly trained staff are less likely to make mistakes when using the system, reducing the risk of data entry errors, inaccurate reporting, and compliance violations.
• Realizing Full Potential: GPS fleet trackers offer a wide range of capabilities. Training ensures that your team can harness the full potential of the system, extracting valuable insights and improving decision-making.
• Adaptability: Training equips your team with the skills needed to adapt to system updates, new features, and changing operational requirements.

Customer Service Success Stories and Testimonials

Labatt Breweries of Canada

Company Overview

Labatt Brewing Company Limited (LBC) is Canada’s largest brewer, with a history dating back to 1847. Over the years, they have supported numerous breweries across the country, distributed their products through various stores, and delivered to customers nationwide, all from their headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario.

The Enterprise Challenge

As Labatt Brewing Company continued to expand its operations, managing a growing fleet of vehicles became increasingly complex. Timely deliveries were crucial, but the company faced several challenges, including shipment delays, concerns about vehicle fuel consumption, and worries about driver safety. These challenges hindered their ability to meet evolving business goals effectively.

Choosing the Right Fleet Tracking Solution

Labatt Brewing Company recognized the need for a robust GPS fleet tracking solution to address these issues. They turned to GoFleet, a trusted provider of fleet management solutions, to find the right technology to support their enterprise-level operations.

The Solution

GoFleet implemented a comprehensive solution for Labatt Brewing Company:

• Geotab Devices: Geotab devices were installed in all of Labatt’s vehicles, providing real-time tracking and location data. This increased visibility allowed Labatt to monitor vehicle locations during routes, enabling them to address delivery time concerns and reduce delays almost instantly.
• ZenduIT’s ZenduCAM: Labatt also integrated ZenduIT’s ZenduCAM solutions, which included dash cameras. These cameras provided critical insights into driver behavior, aiding in training efforts and risk assessment for poor performance. Managers could easily check on specific vehicles through live streaming and review previous footage in the event of driving incidents.

The Impact

Labatt Brewing Company experienced significant improvements in fleet management and safety:

• Enhanced Visibility: Real-time tracking and location data enabled Labatt to improve delivery time and route management, enhancing their overall operational efficiency.
• Driver Behavior Insights: The dash cameras provided valuable insights into driver behavior, leading to more effective training programs and risk mitigation strategies.
• Swift Issue Resolution: Managers could promptly address concerns and incidents with the ability to check on specific vehicles in real time.

Testimonial

“We are very happy with the solutions and service that GoFleet offers. Their fast response time to support issues has really made the difference in helping our fleet remain productive and safe.” (Kevin Ward, Group Manager at Labatt Breweries of Canada)

In choosing the right GPS fleet tracking provider for their enterprise-level operations, Labatt Brewing Company not only resolved their immediate challenges but also set the foundation for continued growth and success in a competitive industry.

The Bradfords Group 

The Bradfords Group, one of the United Kingdom’s largest independent suppliers of building materials, faced a challenge familiar to many enterprises: the need for a more comprehensive telematics solution for their commercial delivery fleet. 

With a commitment to first-class customer service, the company sought to enhance vehicle monitoring, improve driver behavior, and ensure overall safety. However, their existing telematics system fell short in providing the required insights and user-friendliness.

Choosing the Right Solution

To address these challenges, Martin Caddick, Head of Transport at The Bradfords Group, drew upon his prior experience with telematics solutions. In search of the right fit for Bradfords, he recognized the importance of not just the technology itself but also the support and expertise of the provider. Geotab emerged as the preferred choice due to its capabilities and the exceptional support provided by their Reseller.

Implementing Geotab

Approximately 12 months ago, The Bradfords Group made the transition to Geotab, a decision that proved seamless and well-received by their drivers. In the U.K. fleet market, telematics had become an accepted and even expected part of operations, making the adoption smoother.

Benefits of the Geotab Solution

The Geotab solution delivered several key benefits:

• Customized Reports: The ability to create customized reports empowered the company to monitor and analyze specific metrics critical for their operations.
• Driver Safety Scorecard: A custom driver scorecard named “The Magnificent Seven” tracked seven key driver behaviors, including speeding, harsh cornering, harsh braking, idling, and over-revving. This scorecard not only promoted safe driving but also identified drivers in need of additional coaching.
• Strong Customer Service: The support from Geotab’s Reseller played a pivotal role in the successful implementation and ongoing support of the solution.
• Consistent Connectivity: The Geotab solution offered reliable and comprehensive connectivity for all of The Bradfords Group’s commercial vehicles, including vans, pickups, and LGVs.

Measuring Success: “The Magnificent Seven”

With the Geotab solution in place, Martin and his team developed “The Magnificent Seven,” a scorecard that monitored critical driver behaviors. 

This initiative led to notable improvements in driver behavior and safety, particularly in reducing instances of speeding. The focus on adhering to speed limits also resulted in fuel cost reductions.

Successful Outcomes

The Geotab solution delivered concrete results:

• Fuel Cost Reduction: The company achieved fuel cost reductions ranging from 2% to 4%, with plans to further improve this figure.
• Incident Dispute Resolution: Geotab data was instrumental in resolving a false incident claim against one of the company’s drivers, saving them from associated costs.

Looking Ahead

As The Bradfords Group continues to leverage the Geotab solution, they anticipate further benefits, including reduced brake wear due to improved driving behaviors. The company’s commitment to safety and efficiency aligns with their future goals of minimizing idling and realizing substantial savings in fuel costs.

With a dedicated Transport Team in partnership with Geotab, The Bradfords Group is poised for ongoing fleet improvements and sustained business success.

Testimonial:

“I have had some experience of other solutions in the market, but I think our Reseller went above and beyond in terms of support and demonstrating to the business what can be achieved if the Geotab solution gets used properly.”(Martin Caddick, Head of Transport, The Bradfords Group) 

Responsive customer support and proper training are indispensable components of a successful GPS fleet tracking implementation for large enterprises. They not only ensure the effective utilization of the system but also provide critical support when issues arise.

Want to know more? Stay tuned for the third and final installment in our series about choosing the right GPS fleet tracker provider for enterprise-level operations.