The main reason for implementing a GPS tracking system is the reduction of fleet costs. Often times the choice and implementation process is underestimated, due to which some users wind up spending a lot of money without seeing the benefit from their purchase.
In order to successfully purchase and implement a GPS system, it’s important that you go through the following steps:
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What do you hope to achieve by implementing a GPS system?
Before taking any action whatsoever, answer the question above. To paraphrase, what problem/problems are you trying to solve by implementing a GPS tracking system? The answers will give you the criteria you need in order to select the right GPS system and vendor for you.
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Choice of a Corporate telematics/ GPS tracking and control system.
After defining what you want to achieve by using a GPS tracking system and what problems need to be adressed, you now face the heavy task of selecting both a GPS system which meets your criteria and a reliable vendor, who will help you achieve your goals.
On the Bulgarian market, there are tens of firms which offer GPS tracking systems. From parking firms to telecommunication giants, everyone has their own solution, which all sound very similar on paper with small price variations. Here we’ve focused on the quality of service and return on investment instead of price, because judging solely by price is a mistake in this market segment.
The direct comparison of prices for such services is only advisable in cases where an equal quality of service is provided. It’s important to know hat you’re getting for every cent invested.
Because in their essence GPS tracking systems are a service, it is important that you have access to a quality service, i.e. working and dependable GPS devices, fast and adequate support, a good vendor team which will cooperate with you in both implementation and achievement of your goals.
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An operator or employee responsible for working with the GPS system.
A GPS system is a technical solution which can’t function on its own. You need to have an employee of your company who attends to the GPS system. Without such a person, it’s like you bought a car and don’t have a drivers license or personal driver. Depending on the size of your fleet and the activity, there can be several people who work with the GPS system. These are people who need to have competence when it comes to cars as well as computers. The training for correct use of the system provided to them by the GPS vendor is essential.
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Analysis of fleet costs before implementation
Perform assessments of the corporate fleet costs on a regular basis before implementing your GPS system. This will allow you to have an accurate representation to which you can compare later. You can include criteria such as: mileage per vehicle, used fuel per vehicle, number of sites visited by vehicle, speeding tickets, number of accidents, hours of acticity per vehicle and other parameters which the GPS vendor can advise you for.
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Analysis of corporate fleet costs after implementing a GPS system
After 3 to 6 months you can perform an analysis of your costs after having successfully implemented a GPS tracking system. This will show you the amount of costs you’ve cut, whether you’ve solved the problems you set out to solve by purchasing a GPS system and whether you’ve achieved your goals.