Fleet tracking uses vehicle tracking devices and software to manage a fleet of trucks, cars, workers and land-based equipment. Using GPS and innovative telematics software, fleet managers can track the location of vehicles, maintenance requirements, the habits of drivers, the safety of the fleet, overall production and whether a company is meeting environmental goals.

Telematics drives this new approach to fleet tracking and supply chain management (SCM). That includes intelligent vehicle technology and software that supports better fleet productivity.

Using these tools, managers at companies both big and small can do a much better job of increasing productivity. This is central to fleet management solutions that keep a company both competitive and in compliance with regulations.

Remaining Competitive

Supply chain is one of the most competitive areas of business. Every organization is looking for an edge on how they manage their fleets to cut inefficiencies while maintaining a high level of quality in their service.

Telematics makes this possible. Software such as Geotab allows fleet managers to make use of a wide variety of innovative technologies. These include items such as in-vehicle cameras, sensors that monitor engine temperate and tire pressure.

The system also can coach drivers. By collecting data on how a driver operates a vehicle, the software can make recommendations on ways to improve driving habits. This includes issues such as lowering the amount of speeding or idling, as well as finding the best routes and practicing safe driving.

These systems are not just for large companies. Fleet tracking software benefits companies of all sizes that transport goods or provide transportation as a service.

Government Compliance

Another area where a fleet tracking system offers support is in keeping up with the records that are needed for government compliance, especially with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

SMC software systems can track potential DOT compliance issues such as pre-trip and post-trip inspections, log maintenance and repair work, track hours driven and calculate fuel tax costs for international transportation. It also provides proof of chain of custody of records.

Reducing Environmental Impact

Another component of having software that provides fleet management solutions is creating a green fleet strategy. That’s a term that includes using telematics to reduce a company’s environmental impact.

It starts with the vast amounts of data that telematics software collects which can be used to determine where a company is and where it needs to go in terms of efficiency that can cut environmental impacts. This includes lessening fuel consumption with better driving habits and routine maintenance that reduces fuel use and emissions.

Software systems also help fleet managers look at a supply chain system as a whole, finding ways to make improvements that promote sustainability in all areas of the operation. Fleet tracking is a must in today’s transportation industry. By picking the right telematics systems, companies can become more efficient, more sustainable and more profitable.