Why GPS Tracking Is Not Just For Location Anymore.

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Everyone knows that GPS tracking is beneficial to locate vehicles but today’s tracking is much more.  A good tracking system should include additional items at no extra cost.

  1. Easy to Use Interface: How easy is it to use.  Cumbersome interfaces and difficulty finding the information you need can be frustrating drawbacks to inferior or cheaper systems.
  2. Reliability: Is the system reliable?  Using the best available components makes for a better system.
  3. Maintenance: Set up alerts for maintenance reminders such as oil changes, tire rotations etc..
  4. Location Alerts: The ability to alert the user when a vehicle leaves or enters a per-designated area.
  5. Speed Alerts: Alert user on speeding and other types irresponsible driving.
  6. Reports: Easy to configure reports and save as PDF or excel spreadsheets.  Reports should be able to be sent automatically on a pre-determined date; daily, weekly or monthly.
  7. Closest Vehicle: For multiple vehicles the ability to locate a vehicle closest to an address.  Great for businesses that do emergency calls.
  8. Smart Phone App: Most systems that work well on a laptop or computer do not translate well to smart phones or tablets. A system that has an app designed to work on a smartphone or tablet is a great advantage.
  9. Mileage Report: Reporting for IFTA or tax purposes.

Additional items that should be available at an extra cost could include:

  1. Garmin integration: the ability for managers to communicate and set routes to drivers navigation device.
  2. PTO: For those using PTO’s the ability to monitor use.
  3. Asset Tracking: tracking motorized as well as non-motorized assets.  These typically would be at a lower cost.

When reviewing options it is always important to review what you are getting and what you are paying.

“Price without quality is never a bargain”

For more information on GPS Tracking and the benefits available go to: www.bostonglobaltracking.com

Boston Global Tracking is a local American owned business with a national presence serving any business with vehicles on the road. Fleets From 1 to 1,000’s.

5 Reasons To Use A Mileage Tracking And Fleet Management App

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Found this article in Forbes online by Steve Olenski.  Covers some great points on the advantages of GPS tracking.

Tracking mileage for business used to involve notebooks, scraps of paper and even napkins from fast food restaurants – admit it, you’ve done this, I know I have. After recording the mileage, you might have had to do the math on your watch calculator to figure out the difference between your beginning and ending points.

Thankfully, technology has come to the rescue and given us apps that can streamline the process of tracking mileage, reporting expenses and fleet management.

Here are some reasons to use a mileage tracking and fleet management app for your business:

1. Mobile Device Capability

Instead of supplying your employees with bulky laptops, apps allow them to use a mobile phone or tablet to track mileage. Once connected with a Bluetooth device, apps will automatically begin recording the mileage and will automatically stop recording when the vehicle is stopped. Users will also have the ability to track locations with GPS. Another feature of having a tracking app on your mobile device is that you can sync data between a mobile device and web services. Apps also have the ability to record the route taken and show it on maps. Be sure to know what the laws are in your state for using a mobile device while operating a vehicle, and provide drivers with a dash mount or hands-free device.

2. Ability to Create IRS Compliant Reports

Apps like TripLog allow you to create reports that are compliant with IRS rules. You are allowed to deduct $ 0.575 per mile, but in order to claim this deduction, and save hundreds or thousands in taxes each year, you must keep detailed records. The IRS requires you to keep receipts for any business or vehicle expense over $75, and a tracking app can give you the ability to take a photo of the receipt and upload it to the cloud for safe keeping. Using an app that has the ability to create IRS compliant reports will help you claim the highest number of exemptions.

Other vehicle expenses include fuel, parking, tolls, maintenance, insurance, registration, etc. Other business expenses include meals, lodging, gifts, travel and many others. Local service companies like Home Inspection All Star rely on mileage tracking for their day to day operations.

3. Connecting with Accounting Software

Using a tracking app can spare you the effort of inputting data into spreadsheets by connecting with and uploading mileage and expense data directly to Intuit QuickBooks. This allows for easier and quicker mileage reimbursement to your employees. You will also have the ability to upload other expenses like parking receipts.

4. Knowing Where Your Fleet Is

If your business has a large fleet of vehicles, a tracking app can show you the location of every vehicle in your fleet, down to a specific parking spot. You can see real-time driving routes and locations for each driver in your fleet. Drivers can also share trips on Facebook, Twitter and GoogleMaps/Earth.

5. Saves Money and Time

Keeping records of repairs and maintenance to your fleet can save you lots of money by eliminating redundancy and oversight of needed repairs. You’ll avoid costly repairs that could have been prevented by performing scheduled maintenance, and also track the costs so that you can compare and save. Many apps allow you to record and compare fuel costs and gas mileage for all of the vehicles in your fleet.

There are also apps that allow your employees to drive safer by alerting to road hazards, accidents and bad weather. You can also track the speed at which the vehicles in your fleet are traveling, alerting you to drivers who are breaking the law and being reckless. Safer driving prevents accidents, which keeps insurance costs down and keeps your vehicles on the road, saving you the time and money involved in repairing or replacing a vehicle.

 

 

 

 

Return on Investment: Price Without Quality is Never a Bargain.

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Decisions Decisions. Spending money is never easy. Especially when it comes to small business spending. Making investments in things like equipment, new hires, and real estate are always tough choices. Am I spending too much? Is it the right equipment? Will the price be better next week? Small business owners are always up against these tough decisions.

Some advice. Have a simple plan on making the decision before starting. Just like a business plan, have a plan on making a purchase. Things to consider:

  1. Have a budget.  If you cannot afford the product or service it will do you no good in the long run.  Be wary of up-sells and other things that will increase the advertised or quoted price.
  2. Return on Investment.  What will this product or service do for my business.  Will it help create more profit?
  3. Cheap is Cheap.  Don’t always go for the lowest price.  Remember, price without quality is never a bargain.
  4. Service.  Am I on my own or will I get service with my purchase?  Who and where is my customer service?  Calling India and  long waits on the phone or being charged for service is never a good thing.  Paying a little extra for good local service is always worth a little extra in the price.
  5. Quality of Product.  Many products and services claim to be the best, get a good referral from an actual user.
  6. Have a Time Frame.  Many business owners know they need a product but are wary of pulling the trigger for fear of making a mistake.  Once a decision has been made to purchase give yourself a specific date on making the purchase.  Most business owners who have a plan and fail to act always regret acting sooner once the purchase is made.

It is never easy making large business purchases.  Mistakes will be made, but with proper planing mistakes are less likely to happen.

 

 

10 Ways to Improve Your Business with GPS Tracking

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GPS tracking can do more than improve your fleet operations, it can help improve your entire business. The benefits of implementing a GPS tracking system extend beyond the day-to-day operations that fleet managers and drivers use the technology for, allowing you to get more from your business than you ever thought possible.

1. Maximize Labor – For many businesses, payroll is one of the biggest overhead expenses. Using a fleet tracking system to improve driver accountability translates to higher profits because you can ensure that your employees are actually working while they’re on the clock. This is not just limited to driving. Monitoring PTO events can help in industries that use heavy equipment.

2. Minimize Fuel – In the long run, fuel prices are only going to increase. This means that fleet managers and business owners must change habits and increase efficiency to help control fuel budgets.

3. Speed Up Billing – Good managers know that the faster you can send bills, the faster you get paid, which means better cash flow and more control overall. With GPS tracking, administrative staff members have the power to bill faster with less errors.
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4. Reduce Insurance Costs – Insurance companies love GPS tracking systems because they help reduce accidents, improve driver accountability, and allow companies to enforce safety policies. You get all of these benefits plus lower insurance rates.

5. Improve Customer Service – The more quickly and efficiently you can provide service to your customers, they happier they will be. This translates to more loyal customers, more referrals, and ultimately more revenue for you.

6. Operate More Efficiently – Maximizing efficiency is one of the best ways to boost the bottom line. Faster dispatching, optimized routes, and easier time tracking all help your business become more efficient.

7. Protect Your Assets – Vehicles are valuable assets that are not always easy to replace, especially for small businesses. Fleet management software helps you prevent theft and abuse, and keeps equipment in top shape with maintenance reminders.

8. Be More Flexible – Business owners can track fleets on the go.This is especially useful for owner-operators who need to monitor activity while in the field themselves.

9. Be Green – Reducing your environmental footprint is becoming more important than ever, especially for businesses that want a competitive edge.

10. Understand Your Business Better – Robust reporting tools and driver analytics allow you to truly understand how your fleet operates, which means you have all the information you need to make important business decisions.

Robert is owner of Boston Global Tracking. Helping many businesses by providing GPS tracking.

GPS Fleet Tracking Can Lower Your Insurance Costs

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There are many cost saving benefits to having investing in a GPS tracking system. While you can save substantially by cutting down on wasted fuel and labor, you can also reduce the amount of money your company is spending on insurance premiums.

Many insurance companies recognize that when a company installs a GPS fleet tracking system it means that they are serious about reducing risk. By implementing GPS fleet tracking software you are able to keep a close eye on driver behavior, locate stolen vehicles, and ensure that your trucks are safe by staying on top of regular maintenance.

Insurance companies are committed to good driving behavior and ensuring safety on the road. Implementing GPS fleet tracking will show them that you are committed as well. Most insurance carriers will recognize companies who apply a GPS fleet tracking solution to their fleet and will give them up to a 15% insurance discount!

Simply install a GPS fleet tracking device with a sufficient number of your vehicles, and start saving on your premiums. You can find a range of potential discounts from insurance providers such as Liberty Mutual, Travelers, Zurich North America and The Hartford.

The application of a GPS fleet tracking system will result in a significant decrease of hazardous driving behaviors. GPS fleet tracking provides you with instantaneous alerts to your cell phone and email that will notify you when one of your drivers is speeding or driving erratically. This will help you to stay on top of unsafe driving habits and to cut down the number of accidents and citations your fleet encounters.

With real-time tracking, you no longer have to wonder where your vehicles are. If one of your vehicles is stolen, GPS fleet tracking gives you immediate insight into your vehicles location. Retrieving your stolen vehicles quickly gives you a better probability to also recover expensive assets that you may have on-board the vehicle.

GPS fleet tracking will also help you to keep an eye on when your vehicles having upcoming or overdue maintenance requirements. These friendly reminders will tell you or your drivers when a vehicle is ready for an oil change or tire rotation, to help prevent any dangerous situations on the roadway.

An Interesting Conversation

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A local delivery company just tested one of our tracking systems and was surprised by the results.  Here is how the conversation went.

 

Owner:  What time did you get back last night from your delivery?
Driver:  9:30, PM
Owner: Wow, that late.
Driver:  Lots of traffic and I couldn’t find one location.
Owner: Are you sure you got back at 9:30?
Driver:  Absolutely
Owner:  Are you sure?
Driver:  YES, 9:30
Owner: Well, according to this GPS device in your van it says you got in at 6:30.
Driver:  Silence.

Based on 10 drivers, adding only 3 extra hours a week per driver:

Total Payroll Savings: $36,000 a year!

Combine this savings with reduced fuel costs from reduced speeds and less idling plus less accidents due to better driving behavior.

15% Fuel Savings: $13,125

(based on 25,000 gal at $3.50 per gal)

10% Insurance Savings $1,500

Total Annual Savings: $50,000 +

 

Although we always want to believe our employees are truthful and honest (we would not have hired them if we thought otherwise) most employees do not look at your business the same way you do and may try to take advantage of a situation.
This is why GPS tracking is so important; not to catch employees doing something wrong but to keep them honest.  That is why we always recommend involving drivers when it comes to installing a GPS tracking system.  Location in an emergency, theft prevention and driver safety are all benefits of GPS tracking.  Many actually reward safe drivers using information from GPS tracking reports.

Contact us on how for as little as $1.25 a day per vehicle you can reduce your fleet costs and make your business more efficient.

Overcoming Resistance to New Policies and Technology.

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Anytime managers or owners implement new policies there is bound to be resistance from some employees.  This is no more evident when a company implements GPS tracking and telematics to their fleet.  Learning how to implement vehicle monitoring systems in a positive way can help managers avoid pushback from drivers.

Known Benefits of Telematics Push Fleet Managers to Implement Systems

It’s the benefits of telematics and GPS technology that often pushes fleet managers to add systems in spite of resistance. Outside of the obvious benefit of GPS technology, one of the most important benefits is monitoring driver behavior. Not only does this improve fuel efficiency, but it also provides proof against false claims made against drivers involved in crashes.

Strategies to Reduce Resistance

Fleet managers are quick to see the benefits of telematics, but drivers don’t always respond positively to these systems. In one study published  , nearly 43 percent of fleet managers surveyed stated they had a “significant amount” of resistance when implementing telematics systems into their fleets, with another 35.7 percent reporting at least a “little” resistance. In other words, the majority of fleets surveyed had resistance of some sort.

So what can a fleet manager do to implement this valuable system without this resistance? While avoiding all resistance may not be possible, it can be limited with the right approach when implementing telematics, electronic tracking technology, or other vehicle monitoring systems.

Having a policy that clearly states the purpose and use of the system or technology as well as driver responsibility can help communicate the company’s expectations better. The company/agency should have each potential driver acknowledge that they have no expectation of privacy regarding the information gathered through the use of this technology.  The City of Napa circulates a policy to all their potential drivers to inform them of the purpose and use of the technology. The policy also addresses tampering with the hardware.

Using the system as a positive as well as a negative can also help. Using the system to reward drivers who had the least number of offenses, and posting the weekly driver report in a common area, helps create a positive peer pressure about driver safety and fuel efficiency. This created changes without much intervention from management.

Today’s drivers have a lot to keep track of, and any tool that helps them do so more safely is welcome once it is understood.  Once drivers realize that the systems are going to improve overall safety, while also potentially earning them rewards for positive behaviors, they are often more willing to embrace telematics.

In the end, the approach needs to be one of coaching, not reprimanding. While there is often some driver turnover when implementing a system, the end result, which is more efficient and attentive drivers, creates a positive environment for all members of the fleet.

 

Robert Drucker, Owner of Boston Global Tracking, often writes about issues facing owners and managers with fleets of vehicles.  His expertise is highly regarded in the industry and provides his insight and knowledge to help business owners better manage their fleet.

 

Purchasing New Technology: When to pull the trigger

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Technology moves so fast today that making a technology purchase for your business or for personal use can be horribly mind boggling.

“When I purchase will I find what I just bought obsolete?” “Will the price drop?” It seems today either the next greatest is thing is coming out next week or the price is dropping by 20%.

Gone are the days of technology changing every few years. Today it is down to months or even weeks.

“The next iPhone is due out in 3 months do I wait?” “Next week a new Android phone is coming out, is that a better choice?” “What do I do?”

Here are some tips on how to evaluate when to purchase the next new technology.

1. First determine if the technology is actually right for you. Is this something that is going to be just a toy or will it be something that will enhance your life or business?
2. Is there a return on investment? Does it do everything that I want it to do now or are there predicted improvements down the road that you really want.
3. Next step is to do your research: Consumer Reports, friends, co-workers and reviews on the internet are all good sources.
4. Once you have evaluated your needs set yourself a price limit. If it is within your budget go for it. If not wait, as the newer technology comes out the price of what you really want will drop.
5. If the need and the price are right for you, pull the trigger and buy. Don’t look back or re-evaluate your purchase. Enjoy it because it is right for you. Do not get caught up in the have to have the latest and greatest just because everyone else has it.

As a personal example my iPhone 3 works fine for me, it gives me what I want and I have no interest in moving to the 5. When I purchased the 3 I made the decision because I wanted internet access to my phone for business purposes. It was the best purchase I ever made and I got it cheap because the 4 had just been released.
I find so many people wait on making decisions because they are not sure. Do your due diligence and if it is right for you now, don’t wait. Just make the decision and go on with your life. You will be glad you did.

New Study Verifies Value of GPS Fleet Tracking

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Research Verifies GPS Fleet Tracking Services Value

The Aberdeen Group, one of America’s most trusted names in business intelligence, has been researching the mobile service business market as to what are the external market conditions that are driving organizations with mobile workforces to adopt GPS Fleet Tracking technology as a means to increase profitability.

The information compiled here provides a synopsis of four recent Aberdeen Group studies. These findings present a compelling argument for the value of real-time, GPS fleet tracking in terms of being able to reduce key operating costs, improve on vehicle and operator performance and increase customer satisfaction.

Key facts from the Aberdeen Group studies:

A majority of leading service companies are using fleet management solutions to realize benefits such as a 12.2% increase in service profitability, 14.8% reduction in average travel time per job, 9.9% decrease in overtime pay and 27.9% increase in operator compliance.

• Firms have reduced overall operating expenses an average of $1,100 per vehicle per year.
• Since leveraging location intelligence, firms have seen a 13.2% reduction in fuel costs and a 13.4% reduction in overtime costs, on average.
• Customer demand for faster service call resolution along with increasing service-related costs are the leading factors driving field service
firms to implement GPS fleet tracking services.
• Firms using GPS fleet tracking services are outperforming their peers by 43% in terms of current workforce utilization.
• Firms using GPS fleet tracking services are two times as successful as all others in meeting service response windows.

Savings from reduction in operating costs alone justify ROI

57% of best-in-class companies reduced their operating costs per vehicle by an average of 10.4%. The survey revealed that the average operating costs per mile was 33 cents and the average miles driven per year were 33,243. Based on this information, the annual savings from reduction in operating costs alone can amount to $1,100 per vehicle.

The bottom line

Investing in GPS tracking is no longer a matter of “if ” for businesses with mobile workforces, but “when.” Aberdeen Group’s research confirms that in the face of economic and market-driven pressures to cut costs, service organizations are increasingly turning to GPS fleet tracking technologies to improve their vehicle tracking, routing, and  maintenance management. These firms are recognizing the potential of these services not only to cut costs, but also to increase vehicle utilization rates, service delivery performance and customer satisfaction.

Boston Global Tracking is the premier GPS tracking provider in Eastern Massachusetts with over 15 years of GPS tracking experience. Our mission is to provide the best service with the best most accurate tracking system on the market today.  Take advantage of the 2 week  free trial offer to see for yourself what GPS fleet tracking can do for your business.

4 Ways to Create a More Efficient Fleet

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Are you looking to run a more efficient fleet and reduce operating costs?  Who wouldn’t.  We all try and save money by doing all sorts of things to help reduce costs at home as well as our business.  Here are some pointers on how to run a more efficient fleet.

Create a Baseline

Before you can start to reduce fleet costs you need to determine what your baseline is. A baseline is where all comparisons are made.  How much are you spending on gas each day across all vehicles? How much are you spending on maintenance monthly? Some fleet managers keep detailed records, some just guess or don’t care. You can’t start improving until you start measuring. If you have a GPS tracking system, this kind of data is probably readily available, you just need to start using it.

Communication

Once you have your numbers, make sure every driver in your fleet knows what their numbers are. Make sure they know what’s being spent on fuel, maintenance, insurance, etc. Give them their numbers and work with them to identify areas to start reducing costs. Ask if they idle frequently and if they know how much fuel it wastes. Ask if they realize the impact of hard breaking, rapid acceleration, hard cornering, etc. on their vehicle’s maintenance. Are they reporting issues to your fleet mechanic or just living with them?  Create a safe driver program or rewards for keeping up with maintenance.

Personal Use

Your  drivers spend a lot of time in their vehicles. Over time they may begin to feel as if the vehicle is theirs. This can sometimes lead to misuse as employees begin using their vehicles inappropriately on weekends or after hours. Do you let these incidents go or do you restrict this kind of use? You may find that eliminating personal use not only reduces fuel use and wear and tear, but it also may save your reputation. A van with your name on it parked after hours at an inappropriate location could be damaging your reputation and losing you business.

Initiate Fuel Usage Policies – Introduce a Fuel Card and Usage Policy

Fleet fuel cards can provide discounts and rewards, reduce paperwork, save you from fraudulent spending, provide purchase controls, improve driver security and much more. If you’re already using fuel cards, make sure you’re getting the most out of them. That starts with developing and communicating a usage policy including:

  • Acceptable card uses
    Fuel
    Washer fluid
    Motor oil
    Wiper blades
    Towing
    Etc.
  • Unacceptable card use
    Food
    Car washes
    Bulk fuel
    Non-company vehicles
    etc.
  • Consequences for improper use
  • Card spending limits
  • Retention of receipts

It is important to have this communication between  drivers and owners/management to make sure everyone understands the rules and the consequences of not adhering to these rules.  Policies in place can also help to reduce insurance costs as well.  Many carriers have programs that can help you with the implementation of a safe driver program.

Robert Drucker is owner of Boston Global Tracking, providing GPS tracking solutions for fleets of all sizes.  He helps business owners keep track of what they value most.