Hopefully you had a chance to read our post last week titled, “5 Big Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Vehicle Tracking System.” Unfortunately, those weren’t the only mistakes you should avoid when choosing a GPS vehicle tracking provider. The good news is that we are going to share five more mistakes you should avoid! The first two deal with the actual GPSvehicle tracking software, while the last three discuss what to look for (and what to avoid) when looking for a GPS tracking provider.
1. Complex User Interface
The amount of data generated by GPS vehicle tracking can become daunting. The information should be presented to you in an easy-to-use and easy-to-understand format. The interface should highlight specific information for your unique business needs. Make sure any GPS vehicle tracking solution you look at is easy to navigate. If you are not presented with a live demonstration of the vehicle tracking system in order to see how user-friendly the interface is, steer clear of that provider. Also, avoid any GPS solutions that do not have a “dashboard” view that presents the information most important to you on one quick screen. In addition, the vehicle tracking system should have some level of customization.
2. Limited Accessibility
The reality of today’s business is that you may often times be on the road and away from your computer. Reliable vehicle tracking systems will offer mobile phone compatibility so you can still track your fleet while you are on the road. While the information available on your phone may not match the in-depth tracking available with the full software, you should still be able to know the location of your vehicles, view the system’s “dashboard” and access basic reports at the very least. With the popularity of Androids and iPhones these days, we will go as far to say do not invest in a vehicle tracking system if it does not have a mobile app for both Android and iPhone.
3. Provider Experience (or lack thereof)
Avoid any GPS vehicle tracking providers who have not been in the industry for at least five years. The provider you choose should have a long list of satisfied clients and focus solely on GPS vehicle tracking. Be wary of companies that have only been around a short amount of time as they are just looking to cash in on the latest technology craze and cannot provide you with the support and infrastructure needed to upkeep a quality vehicle tracking system.
4. System Performance, Development, and Training
Technology can be tricky, but the best GPS vehicle tracking providers can offer nearly 100 percent up-times for their systems. Every minute that a GPS provider cannot provide you service is a minute that you have lost control of your fleet resources. Check the up-time record of the provider you are looking at. If they claim anything less than 99 percent up-time, then look elsewhere.
As with any technology, change happens quickly. If a GPS tracking provider does not include these changes and updates at no additional cost to you, cross that provider off your list. Any system upgrades should be done automatically without any extra financial costs to you. Look for a GPS provider that has an in-house development team that looks to frequently incorporate new and innovative features.
Like the free upgrades, on-going, unlimited training should also be included at no additional cost. Double check with the provider before signing on to make sure they provide complimentary training on all current and future features. If you don’t understand how something works, or want something to work better, a system expert should be available to give you the direction you need.
5. Hardware Warranty and Financial Stability
This one may be obvious, but hey, we need to cover all the bases, right? If a GPS vehicle tracking provider you’re considering does not offer a warranty on their hardware, run in the other direction. Cheap equipment can mean frequent repairs and considerable out-of-pocket repair costs for you. Your GPS provider should provide solid tracking hardware backed by a guarantee against installation or manufacturing defects. Any repairs or replacements should come at no charge to you.
In today’s economic climate, you need to ensure that your GPS vehicle tracking provider is financially strong with high growth, profitability and no debt. While this information may not seem a relevant concern, the worst case scenario is that your GPS provider will cease its services, thereby leaving you with sunk costs and no tracking. Scrutinize the financials of any GPS provider you consider doing business with so you can enjoy the long-term benefits of GPS vehicle tracking.
We hope you found these ten tips helpful. If you have questions or want to supply your feedback, feel free to do so in the comment box!
