Many companies want to rely on mobile phone tracking to manage their fleets. However, cell phone tracking is not the best GPS tracking option. Using cell phones for tracking makes sense logistically: your drivers already have company or personal cell phones and installation is as easy as tapping the ‘download’ button. Many business owners fail to realize that cell phone tracking simply does not include the functionality, reliability, and client support needed to provide significant cost savings for their company. The Fleetmatics system does not rely on cell towers to gather information, but rather on satellite-gathered data. The lower up-front costs of cell phone tracking are completely diminished in the long-term, since cell tracking is unreliable and inaccurate for the most part.
Software and Mapping
What is your cell phone made for? Making calls and SMS text messaging. Mobile phone companies do not generally pay close attention to the software and mapping capabilities that clients need. The core competencies of cell phones are NOT fleet tracking and mapping software. Leave the tracking and mapping to us- it’s what we do.
Costs
As mentioned before, cell tracking might seem cheaper if your drivers already have phones. However, the deficiencies in cell phone tracking cost more in the long run. Since the software and mapping won’t be able to yield helpful information to cut back on costs, anything you end up paying for cell tracking will be money wasted. Fleetmatics tracking has the capabilities to gather the information needed, analyze it, and highlight where your fleet is currently inefficient. The best GPS tracking for your company is the system that’s going to not only track your vehicles, but also show you tremendous savings.
Control
Mobile phones can be turned off. The batteries can die, the signal can get purposefully blocked, and they can get ‘misplaced.’ When your drivers are wasting company hours trying to get around being tracked, they may break expensive mobile phones. Fleetmatics’ units are virtually tamper-proof and while rarely necessary, Fleetmatics does replace any defective hardware free of charge. The signals cannot be blocked and they cannot be turned off. These devices are constantly collecting data that can help your company save money. Satellite-based systems like Fleetmatics help you gain the most control of your fleet.
Accuracy and Reliability
Mobile phone carriers use cell towers to track signals and can be largely inaccurate when locating the actual device. Satellite tracking provides GPS pinpoint location and specific time information. Satellite mapping also gives you the option to view street views of the routes your vehicles took. In addition to being inaccurate, cell phone tracking does not have the most reliable signal. How many times have you entered a ‘dead zone’ and dropped a call? This spotty service is the same when it comes to cell GPS tracking. The best GPS tracking system for your company needs to be accurate and reliable- otherwise, why have a system in place at all?