AutoAlert

Following conversations with our customers, we found the following ten reasons are those most likely sited for using GPS vehicle tracking technology.

Customer Service – this was cited as a key requirement.  By knowing where all your vehicles are, if a customer rings you can immediately tell them what is happening and when to expect a delivery with out having to ring the driver, find out where they are and then ring the customer back.

Reduce costs – By monitoring mileage, routes taken, idling times, or just through better scheduling of drivers, it is possible to make big savings in fuel costs – one of the largest costs for transport companies.

Environmental awareness - As above, reducing mileage also directly reduces harmful exhaust emissions.  Furthermore, by having access to real time data it is possible to monitor trends and have key information at hand.

Reduced administration - Using the working time reports means less reliance on job sheets or overtime sheets.  I’ts also a lot easier to see when a vehicle is used, for what purpose and why.

Improved working conditions - Putting the information in the fleet managers hands reduces the need to constantly ring the driver to see where they are.  This is safer for the driver and also reduces stressful situations often caused by poor communication.

Challenge parking tickets/speeding tickets or supplier fines – Time stamped satellite imagery and historical reports make it easy to prove where a vehicle was at a specific time or what speed it was doing.  This could reduce parking or speeding tickets or even fines from suppliers such as ports who often charge if a delivery is not made within a particular time frame.

Enhanced fleet performance – With less paperwork and key information readily available, it is easier to manage your fleet and spend time on the jobs that matter.

Security – You can see where your vehicles are at all times, set up alerts if they enter or leave particular areas and get text message alerts to potential problems.

Peace of mind - this is particular relevant to our motorhome or classic car customers.  With AutoAlert you check the position of your vehicles whenever you want and wherever you are through your mobile telephone rather than relying on a distant call centre which only tracks your vehicle after it has gone.

Job security - Improved performance, efficient operations and reduced costs allow for investment in new revenue generating areas.

Our AutoAlert Tracker Application V2 is now live in the iTunes store.

Upgrade the application for free and get a host of new features including:

• Send your location to the AutoAlert system so that you can monitor and track your locations.
• View your current location from within the application as well as see the latitude and longitude sent to the AutoAlert System.
• View the latest location of all registered devices on your account using our unique Radar feature.
• View alerts when you, or any of your registered devices have entered or left preconfigured areas.
• View maps, directions, reports, send messages and much more through the AutoAlert website,

The application is also quicker and with improved look and feel to aide your tracking experience

Download now!

The most common methods of vehicle tracking vary somewhat depending on the size of the vehicle fleet. Large fleets tend to use equipment that is more elaborate because they can afford the greater cost, while small and medium sized fleets generally use less expensive systems that provide less functionality. New technology, however, is rapidly changing the cost effectiveness and quality of tracking systems available to these small and medium sized fleets.

LARGE FLEETS

Large fleets that can take advantage of economies of scale typically use some form of GPS tracking and a central base station or dispatch point. The vehicle units can be quite expensive, as can the base station infrastructure and staffing requirements. Only the largest fleets can usually afford the capital investment that is required and the long timeframe that is needed to gain a return on that investment. Additionally, these types of systems require a monthly fee that can quickly become quite expensive.

SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED FLEETS

Most small and medium fleets will use some variation of vehicle tracking that is less costly to implement and maintain. For some this means using radios and a dispatch center, mobile telephones and a central office, or something similar. They may have a computer-based tracking process in the central location or, for very small fleets, they may opt instead for a simple map and manual tracking.

Quite a number of small fleets, in the range of one to ten vehicles, do not use active vehicle tracking at all. This may be due to the costs involved, lack of experience with tracking processes, or lack of awareness of the significant benefits that can be realized by an effective vehicle tracking system.

NEW TECHNOLOGY

The newest technology available has the potential to radically alter the affordability and efficiency of vehicle tracking systems. Pioneered by AutoAlert, this system uses a small unit installed in the vehicle and a web based interface that is accessed by a standard mobile telephone, laptop computer, or PC.

The advantages are many. First, the start up cost of the system is extremely reasonable due to the relatively low cost of the vehicle unit itself. Second, there are no ongoing subscription or maintenance fees, thereby minimizing operating costs. And third, fleet managers can access tracking information from wherever they may be with just their mobile telephone. This allows them more freedom to get out of the office and into the field where their time is best utilized.

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN

For the first time, small and medium sized fleets can gain access to an economical and easy to use vehicle tracking system. This means they can start reaping the benefits of reduced driver downtime, more efficient dispatching, field replenishment of supplies, etc. In a competitive business model, the extra edge gained from efficient vehicle tracking can mean the difference between a fleet owner prospering or just getting by.