In today's fast-paced and competitive world, efficiency is crucial for effective operations. For any vehicle-based business, such as a small landscaping business, a regional delivery service, or a national fleet company, monitoring employee vehicles is more important than ever. Keeping track of employee vehicles increases accountability, improves safety, reduces costs, and enhances customer service. 

The most effective way to track your company's vehicles is to equip them with GPS tracking devices for company vehicles, which, when properly implemented, provide real-time visibility, enhance decision-making, and yield a quantifiable impact on daily operations.

Let’s discuss best practices for tracking vehicles, the benefits for all organizations, especially small businesses, of employing a GPS vehicle tracking solution, and the ways that technology solutions like ShadowGPS make tracking so simple.

Why Track Vehicles?

Tracking employee vehicles isn't just about where employees and vehicles go; it's about how the company operates. These are some of the top reasons organizations use GPS vehicle tracking solutions:

• Improved Accountability: Employees are aware that their driving activity is monitored, which encourages responsible behavior.

• Cost Efficiency: Reduce fuel waste, unauthorized vehicle use, and overtime misuse.

• Enhanced Safety: Real-time alerts can identify unsafe driving habits and prevent accidents.

• Customer Service: Provide accurate delivery times and respond promptly to service requests.

• Theft Recovery: Instantly locate stolen vehicles or assets.

GPS fleet tracking for small business solutions can have a particularly significant impact on small businesses, as it helps them become more efficient and emulate the professionalism of larger businesses. 

Best practices for employee vehicle tracking

We discuss how to implement a vehicle tracking system and outline the best practices to follow for maximizing the benefits of your vehicle tracking system. As it relates to your vehicle tracking system, here is a list of best practices to believe in: 

1. Be transparent with employees regarding vehicle tracking systems

Vehicle tracking systems developed a reputation for being used to "spy" on employees. A monitoring system is just a tool for your business. Make sure you communicate to your employees the reasons why GPS tracking is being implemented in the vehicles, such as safety, efficiency, and fairness. 

Transparency will lessen the hesitance or resistance to the system. Being up front will also allow your employees to view the tracking as a "benefit" instead of a punishment.

2. Choosing the Right GPS Tracking Device for Company Vehicles

There are numerous choices when it comes to GPS trackers, as not every tracker works the same way. The best GPS tracking device for company vehicles largely depends on the type of business, the size of the fleet, and the level of mobility required by the company and its employees. 

For example, if you need to install GPS tracker devices, plug-in GPS tracker devices are a great, quick, and flexible option. ShadowGPS offers plug-in fleet tracking device options that are ready to install, taking only seconds to complete. 

Plug-in fleet tracking devices are a great solution for businesses that require one device to be taken in and out of multiple vehicles. Hardwired fleet tracking devices can be a great solution for long-term, seamless, and continuous use, without requiring the GPS device to be removed when the employee stops. If you want to keep the tracking device discreet, portable trackers can be a good option for fleet tracking, or if you need a temporary alternative to hardwired or plug-in tracking devices. 

When investing in the best fleet GPS tracking device for company vehicles or a solution for your needs, you will optimize ROI and avoid excess wasted costs.

3. Set Clear Policies and Guidelines

After setting up the GPS, you should be clear about your expectations. Designate the time period during which the vehicles will be tracked (working hours vs. 24 hours a day/seven days a week), the intended use of the data (tracking safety reports, mileage, etc.), and the expectations for vehicle usage (e.g., do not run errands during work hours). This will provide a level of fairness and consistency all around. 

4. Use Data to Improve Efficiencies, Not Just Tracking 

The best GPS tracking fleet solutions will not only track the vehicles' locations but also provide valuable data on route efficiencies, driver behaviors, and time reports, including those impacted by unnecessary idling. Suppose you recognize instances, such as noticing that a delivery route takes longer than the estimated time every time. 

In that case, you can adjust the next trips based on the data to maximize time and fuel efficiency. Another instance of re-engineering for GPS fleet tracking for small business operation, involves extending the efficiencies of each route to maximize every dollar.

5. It is about Safety and Training 

Tracking where employees are is only one consideration; it's also how employees are driving. Use the GPS to identify unsafe driving habits, such as speeding, frequent hard braking, and/or excessive idling time. Rather than continually punishing employees, teach them. Help them understand how their driving habits can be improved to make them safer and reduce operational costs for the company. They will become a more cognizant and inspired group! 

6. Integrate with Other Systems

Today's operators thrive when their systems communicate with one another. Integrating or connecting your GPS tracking platform to payroll, dispatching, or maintenance systems puts you in a position for maximum productivity. 

By integrating ShadowGPS solutions with reporting tools, tracking can be simplified, supporting informed business decisions. 

Benefits of GPS Fleet Tracking for Small Businesses

For small to mid-size businesses, the use of GPS tracking can seem like a daunting expense. However, on the contrary, the return can be worthwhile:

• Fuel Savings: Avoid unnecessary detours and excessive idle time.

• Vehicle Maintenance Savings: Smarter driving lowers the cost of maintaining a fleet.

• Productivity Gains: Staff are on the road on schedule, and no wasted 'downtime'.

• Competitive Advantage: More accurate ETAs and faster service.

Ultimately, using a GPS tracking device for company vehicles changes the way smaller businesses track their assets, providing a cleaner and more effective approach to asset management.

ShadowGPS: The Right Choice for Business Tracking

Locating the best fleet GPS tracking solutions is straightforward for companies of any size with ShadowGPS. Whether managing a handful of company vehicles or an entire fleet, our plug-and-play products take the hassle out of having a reliable, real-time tracking solution with minimal setup required. 

Business-friendly options with real-time monitoring devices that incorporate safety features are perfect for small businesses needing a quick and easy setup device. Meanwhile, portable, low-profile GPS trackers with longer-lasting batteries can provide more flexibility in use.

Both options are economical and business-friendly, offering easy-to-implement upgrades to affordable fleet management. 

Steps for Getting Started 

If you are excited to start tracking employee-owned vehicles, here are a few easy steps to begin your efforts:

• Evaluate Needs: Choose between hardwired, plug-in, or portable solution 

• Select Devices: ShadowGPS offers plug-in device options and portable tracking device for company vehicles; suitable for either circumstance.

• Disclose Need: Understand the points of displaying the need for tracking (safety, efficiency, accountability)

• Document Policies and Procedures: Ensure you are fair and transparent in the guidelines 

• Review Data: Regularly review data for savings and report any services that require attention.

Final Thoughts

Implementing GPS tracking for business vehicles is no longer an option; it is now a requirement for businesses in today's digital world. The opportunity to increase efficiencies and safety, monitor routing, and reduce costs is far too significant to pass up. In fact, for small businesses, implementing a vehicle tracking solution, such as ShadowGPS, can help redefine daily operations and provide differentiation and a competitive advantage. 

If you, your organization, or your business is prepared to implement the best fleet GPS tracking for your vehicles, ShadowGPS can help. With very simple-to-install devices, real-time monitoring, and the best affordable pricing, ShadowGPS offers a smarter way.

FAQs

1. Is GPS tracking legal for employee vehicles? 

Yes, it is legal in most locations to use GPS tracking on company-owned vehicles. However, the employer should inform the employee that they are being monitored. It is essential to be transparent and inform employees that GPS tracking is used for company efficiency and safety, not for monitoring personal activities. Always check the local labor laws to avoid violating them.

2. How much does GPS fleet tracking cost for small businesses? 

The costs for GPS fleet tracking for small businesses can vary significantly, depending on the type of device and the subscription plans offered. Entry-level systems for vehicle tracking, such as ShadowGPS, start at approximately $79.99 per device. Employees typically pay monthly fees for the convenience. Small businesses typically see a return on investment within months when tracking their vehicles, resulting in fuel savings, decreased maintenance expenses, and improved productivity. GPS Tracking is a manageable expense.

3. What's the difference between plug-in and hardwired GPS trackers? 

Plug-in GPS trackers typically plug directly into the vehicle's OBD-II port and are also easy to remove for transferring to another vehicle. Hardwired trackers are installed permanently in the vehicle and cannot be easily removed, providing an added layer of tamper protection and extended tracking time. Plug-in devices are best suited for small companies that need an easy solution for occasional GPS tracking. In contrast, hardwired devices offer a longer duration and are ideal for fleets that require a permanent tracking solution.