Transport and logistics is a key element of all businesses. Indeed, it keeps the world going around! Businesses tend to have a fleet of different vehicles, ranging from just a few to hundreds, and they have to know where those vehicles are at all times. This is why it is common for each vehicle to be fitted with a GPS tracking device. GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a system that connects to orbiting satellites, communicating with each other to pinpoint a location on the planet. They have fantastic advantages, but some disadvantages as well.
The Advantages of the GPS Tracking Device
- GPS devices are now highly affordable. Technology has advanced to make them more available, and this has led to a price drop as well.
- These devices are very user friendly.
- Logistics managers can use them to plan a route so that delivery drivers become more efficient in terms of their drop-offs.
- It is possible to track the devices, thereby knowing exactly where each vehicle is and when. This can be used to tell customers when to expect their delivery, it means employees cannot use the cars for personal use, and if the vehicle is stolen, it can be found back.
- GPS trackers help to improve driving skills, as they tend to also monitor things such as fuel consumption, speed, and mileage. This means employees are more likely to drive properly and save the company money.
- They are great safety devices because, if someone were to go missing, have an accident, or break down, the operative who monitors the devices can instantly locate them and find them back.
The Disadvantages of the GPS Tracking Device
- Although prices are coming down, equipping an entire fleet with GPS devices can still be quite expensive. Of course, it is a legitimate business expense so you can deduct it from your taxes, but you do have to have the funds available up front.
- Employees do not like to be tracked. They feel that it is intrusive and that it shows their employer does not trust them. Unfortunately, while these devices do lower costs because of lower fuel consumption and make employees more productive because they will be constantly on the clock, it does significantly lower employee engagement as well, which means staff is no longer as committed to the organization. It is important to explain, therefore, that the devices are primarily used for cost saving, customer service, and safety.
It is very important that you consider the advantages and disadvantages of installing these tracking devices on your fleet. Perhaps the greatest downside is the fact that employees do not like them, and you should consider a way to get them more involved in the process. At the end of the day, these devices will cost you quite a bit of money, and if they result in higher staff turnover rates or even staff tampering with the devices, it would be wasted money. Hence, consider carefully what the best option is.