Category: Blog

3g, fleet, networki, 5g, lte

The sun is setting on 3G. Is your fleet prepared?

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on The sun is setting on 3G. Is your fleet prepared?

Major wireless network carriers are in the process of phasing out their 3G networks – commonly referred to as the 3G sunset. This is the period when wireless carriers will shut off their 3G services to make room for upgraded connectivity. When this occurs, all devices that are not 4G (LTE) compatible or higher will no longer receive cellular service, The period when wireless carriers make room for upgraded connectivity by shutting down existing 3G services is most commonly referred to as the “3G sunset”. All devices that are not 4G and LTE compatible (or higher) cease to receive cellular service after the transition is complete. 

 

While the 3G network shutdown is not expected to be completed until the end of 2022, wireless network carriers are already starting to phase out their 3G networks. With 4G and LTE services now on the horizon, the time to plan ahead is now.

 

What does the 3G sunset mean for my existing telematics solutions?

 

The 3G sunset means different things to different fleets; for fleets that haven’t yet upgraded their devices, it could mean loss of connection to vehicle and driving data. To prevent loss of data transferring (and signal), fleets with 3G vehicle tracking devices will need to upgrade to 4G devices. 

 

Conversely, the upgrade to 4G and LTE will provide users with a wider range of capabilities, including enhanced connectivity and speed, faster download speed and wider support for streaming and video interactions. Unfortunately, this means that 3G devices will no longer work or be supported.

 

What can I do to prepare?

 

Fleet managers will want to check all of their installed devices to determine how many still operate on a 3G network. You will definitely want to consider reaching out to your GoFleet Account Manager to determine whether your devices are 3G or 4G, as well as what plans are available to you in order to avoid disruption of service. 

 

Fortunately our team prides itself on expandable, scalable business solutions for fleets of all sizes. Your account manager will be more than happy to work with you to create an installation plan for your new 4G devices to ensure a seamless transition.

 

Fleets can start protecting their technology investment by selecting devices and telematics solutions that are scalable and adaptive. Don’t be caught in the middle of a massive service disruption by assuming the 3G sunset doesn’t apply to your fleet. The move towards 4G — and increasingly 5G — is inevitable. Knowing what lies ahead and adopting flexible technology will help your fleet stay agile.

cityworks, mapping, zenduit, zendumaps, gofleet, government, fleet

A Beginners Guide To Cityworks And Its Benefits

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on A Beginners Guide To Cityworks And Its Benefits

In the latest integration of systems that improve workflow and increase transparency among its stakeholders, ZenduIT has merged processes with Cityworks technology to create a veritable mapping superpower, aimed at engaging not only city workers, but regular citizens as well. By leveraging geographical information systems (GIS), Cityworks uses data to connect previously siloed city systems and ultimately build safer, smarter and more resilient communities.

 

What is Cityworks?

 

A geographic information system creates, analyzes, maps and manages all kinds of data; it connects data to a map, integrating “where things are” with descriptive information, such as “what things are like there”. It helps us understand patterns, relationships and the context within a geographical location. GIS creates fertile ground for mapping and analysis that can be used in virtually every industry, improving communication, efficiency, management and optimal decision making. 

 

Cityworks helps you fully use your GIS data and improve operational efficiency. This leading web-based GIS asset management system tracks, manages, scores and analyzes the assets that comprise your infrastructure. Designed to help city-run agencies streamline their workflows, track data and improve communication, Cityworks helps local governments and utility agencies get work done.

 

Scheduling work activities

 

Cityworks provides a detailed foundation of asset management. Cityworks allows you to combine assets based on key factors such as age, type and location. These groups can be used to create and schedule various maintenance activities.

 

Mapping Tools

 

Because Cityworks is built exclusively on GIS, you can easily map open service requests, or work orders of varying types. These tools empower and encourage you and your staff to use asset data and create an integral part of the work management process.

 

Mobile Data

 

We live and work in a mobile-centric environment. Your data should be portable as well. Cityworks has a number of tools to help your crew access and update valuable content on site and on the go.

 

Work Orders

 

You can track work that has been performed on an asset at any time throughout its entire lifecycle with Cityworks. Users can search for work orders and view them on the GIS map. Track active or overdue work orders and monitor work, regardless of whether it’s associated with a specific project, contractor or task.

 

Improve Communication

 

Once you can track asset data and work history, you can better share this information with staff, cross-functional departments, and public citizens. Cityworks users have created solutions to improve communications across a number of tasks, including repairs, inspections, emergencies, permits and resident requests or inquiries. 

 

How Cityworks can benefit your city

 

Fostering goodwill

 

Often, information silos and archaic systems prevent a city’s infrastructure from working efficiently. ZenduIT works synergistically with Cityworks to improve communication between a city and its constituents. Imagine having a work management tool that creates digital public maps where citizens can report issues in real-time. 

 

ZenduIT’s mapping interface, ZenduMaps, allows the public to do exactly that. No more long, laborious 3-1-1 calls. Whether there’s a spotted pothole or burst pipe, users can simply click on the digital map and feed that data to the proper department. When they’re shared, intelligent monitoring tools foster goodwill between a city’s inhabitants and the infrastructure that’s there to support them.

 

Automated processes and applications

 

Connecting technology offers better tools to communicate with the residents within a city. For example, Cityworks can streamline the process of tracking property stabilization by making data and inspection status easily accessible and transparent across departments. This system of record keeps both residents and city employees in the loop and fosters efficient workflows.

 

Similarly, ZenduMaps can create a public map, whereby residents can report issues or render complaints in real-time, either on the site or using their mobile devices. Issues are submitted to the proper city department, and the tool can now allocate work to the proper crew, or feed into a third party work order management system such as Cityworks. Consider the applications for not only road work, but waste management and winter maintenance. Most cities currently operate under a “search and fix” process, but with strong citizen engagement and specific GIS data, the continuous course of mapping and fixing can create proactive, predictive patterns for future work, patrolling and route optimization.

 

Cityworks and ZenduMaps work together to drive public engagement; that component of citizen involvement helps create a dynamic and transparent workflow, where everything from reporting issues to taxes can be managed interchangeably, with input from the people who are most impacted.

 

Work management tools save time and generate efficiencies. When they’re connected, these same tools can also create goodwill within a community and improve some of the city processes currently in place. Together with ZenduMaps, Cityworks will help you build safe, resilient and smarter communities.

zenduone, gofleet, mobile, app, zenduit, zenducam

ZenduONE Can Grow Your Business — Here’s How.

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on ZenduONE Can Grow Your Business — Here’s How.

In a recent webinar we launched and shared information about the ZenduONE Mobile App and how it can be leveraged by fleets to streamline performance. To briefly recap, ZenduONE is the latest evolution of our streamlined performance and end-to-end business solutions. Users who download the mobile app from iOS or PlayStore can access all of the digital business solutions while on the move — in just a few clicks.  This comprehensive dispatch, operations and accounting system enables fleet managers to leverage their existing dash cams to review video footage on the go. 

ZenduONE is, above all, part of a group of scalable service offerings that can grow and adapt to your ever-changing business needs. Now, more than ever, you can get the content you need, without scouring hours of footage or reviewing irrelevant alerts.

 

Scale up or scale down

 

With ZenduONE, you can access all of your solutions from a single app. The goal of the app is twofold: providing visibility to drivers into their performance on the road in real-time, and becoming a convenient tool for fleet managers to expand their fleet business while gaining valuable insight into fleet productivity, operations and safety.

 

All of your favourite ZenduIT apps can now be accessed on the ZenduONE platform: Asset, Video review, TimeCard, ZenduMaintenance, ZenduReports, and so much more. A range of 15 fleet applications are currently available to install with a single click — and more on the horizon. You can rest easy knowing that all of your users will be fully supported.

 

ZenduIT has modularized the ZenduCAM platform into separate entities in order to host them all on one app and more importantly, keep your productivity organized based on the functionalities that matter to you.

 

What does this mean for your business? ZenduONE accommodates your shifting priorities and organizational needs. If you’re a fleet manager, you can review video footage based on the alerts you’ve predetermined, process a work order for vehicle parts, dispatch a driver, review time cards, or find asset locations on a map; and you don’t ever have to be at your desk. Whether you have a large fleet or are just starting out, ZenduONE allows you to pick and choose the workflows you need, when you need them.

 

Interested in learning more about how ZenduONE can provide a fully-integrated, scalable workflow experience? Schedule a demonstration with one of our consultants and try us for three months — absolutely free!

GoFleet Offers Vehicle Dash Cam Solutions Across A Number Of Industries

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on GoFleet Offers Vehicle Dash Cam Solutions Across A Number Of Industries

Generally speaking, commercial dash cams are well-suited to answering “when” and “where” questions around accidents or other incidents involving your vehicles. When paired with a top-tier telematics platform, your dash cam system can provide a deeper dive, answering the “why’s” and “how’s” of driving behaviour on the road. Dash cams ensure and improve safety for drivers and vehicles, while providing peace of mind to the people who employ them. 

 

By now, you’re likely familiar with GoFleet’s dash cam offerings. What might be less familiar is which scalable, comprehensive solution will work best for your fleet. Depending on your requirements and the industry in which you operate, the answer can get complicated.

 

Whether you have a handful of vehicles, or an entire cavalcade, both our dual-facing and multi-camera options help correct similar issues across nearly every fleet industry. “From my experience, it’s not about fleet size. For example, a client might want a four-channel setup, because they want a camera solution that has a nearly 360 degree view to get a better understanding of who’s at fault,” says Ron Sabbun, who works with Strategic Partnerships at GoFleet’s Partner ZenduIT. “Our product sales depend on two main criteria; customer requirements, and the industry they’re in.”

 

With a number of device solutions, paired with a robust Trax platform that can monitor vehicles, report on and interpret driving data in real time, the applications for commercial dash cams seem nearly limitless. In this post, we’ll look at some of the more universal use cases for commercial dash cams that GoFleet can solve for. 

 

Driver Exoneration

 

Whether you work in transportation, waste management, hospitals, government, field services or passenger transport, a time may come when your driver is involved in a traffic accident.

 

“One of the major reasons customers elect to get dash cams is to get video evidence of any incidents that occur while their driver is on the road,” says Sabbun. “In an accident, they want to get a better idea of what led up to the event, the driver’s reaction during the event, and who was at fault.”

 

Not coincidentally, Sabbun points to passenger transport as a growing industry that requires the use of dash cams. Unlike public transportation, passenger transport describes the privatized movement of passengers on a given network, such as transporting people with special needs, or ferrying executives around. “These companies really understand the liability process if their drivers get into an accident. Not only does the driver have to prove that they were not at fault, but they require evidence that their passengers weren’t injured.”

 

Preventing Distracted Driving

 

While issues of fatigue or driver drowsiness tend to be risks associated with trucking, distracted driving can affect any driver in any industry where vehicles are employed. Dual camera systems with both driver and road-facing camera views would be a popular choice where it’s a requirement to monitor and gauge a driver’s behaviour inside the cab, especially as that behaviour relates to an accident. GoFleet’s cameras offer advanced alerts for fatigue and driver distraction, which focus on a driver’s physical indicators, such as his facial features and the direction of his gaze. For added safety, the camera will produce an audible alert in the event of distraction; a great tool to keep your driver’s eyes on the road where they belong.

 

Content Review

 

Commercial dash cams display video relating to an event of interest for the purpose of review. Events of interest can either be an on-demand request that has been flagged by a fleet manager, or automatically triggered by a preset list of notifications. Either way, a fleet manager’s time, the number of events or notifications, and the number of vehicles sending data back to the business are all factors that can contribute to a bottleneck in the review process. Having the right tools to sort through the most critical events for review is essential. The content review process can even be simplified by GoFleet’s Managed Services, which allows fleets to work with industry consultants who provide recommendations on how to increase safety and sort through dash camera footage for you.

 

Generating Reports

 

Dash cams can generate a lot of data within a very short time frame. Distilling that information into key metrics that measure how drivers and fleets are performing over time is essential to fleets big and small. GoFleet’s telematics system will provide reports such as driver scorecards, which help measure how a driver is performing over time, as well as how he compares against his fellow drivers. Scorecards can provide the foundation for both reward incentives and coaching programs. 

 

Providing Feedback

 

Coaching and feedback between drivers and fleet managers create value and can provide a significant ROI. Depending on the size of your business, you can initiate a review and/or coaching session based on metric-driven reports, either in-person or by supplying drivers with a formal review checklist. This list compiles shortlisted events and videos, as well as notes and comments; completion of a pending review can be part of a driver’s to-do list before starting the next trip. 

 

Opportunity for feedback ensures that our solutions make your job easier, while improving workflow and increasing overall fleet safety. Reporting and feedback are scalable solutions that can work in virtually any industry that employs a commercial fleet.

 

Reducing Operational Expenses

 

Your fleet can realize major savings by implementing commercial fleet dash cams. Outside of exonerating drivers, there are significant savings around fewer traffic violations, reduced insurance premiums and lower maintenance costs for your vehicles. There are also a number of studies that illustrate a correlation between safe driving and better fuel efficiency (examples here, here and here).

 

Driver Retention

 

There has long been an impression of dash cams as a means to surveil drivers. While the primary purpose may be recording and monitoring driving behaviour, the process of reviewing content doesn’t have to be punitive. Rather, dash cam telematics can create recognition programs within your fleet, in addition to capturing accidents. In fact, driver scoring encourages your fleet to maintain positive behaviour and create a work culture based on compliance and safety, a key factor to driving engagement within your team.

 

Conclusion

 

From a growing awareness of the value of commercial dash cams to the availability of cutting-edge hardware with a host of functionalities aimed at keeping drivers and vehicles safe, dash cams are now the norm for commercial vehicles and fleets of all sizes. As the choices keep expanding, so does the analysis process. Selecting the right dash cam solution requires you to look at the combination of hardware and software holistically, within the framework of your fleet’s requirements. Thankfully, GoFleet is here to assist you with navigating your decision-making journey.

 

Schedule a demonstration and get a FREE trial when you contact your GoFleet consultant. There’s never been a better time, call now!

salespeople brainstorming

15 Characteristics of Successful Salespeople

Posted on | by Devin Johnson

Successful Salespeople: 15 Common Characteristics

A successful salesperson has a special set of characteristics that are used to make sales. Some people have natural talent; however, these characteristics can be learned for anyone to be successful.  According to The 15 Characteristics of People Who Succeed at Sales, a successful salesperson has the following traits:

1. Conscientiousness

The majority of successful salespeople are conscientious. They take a lot of pride in their job, they are organized and they are efficient. They will continue to do their best at their job no matter what happens.

2. Initiative

Successful salespeople do not wait to be told what to do, they are go-getters. They will constantly strive to keep doing what is necessary to sell a product.

3. Respect

Top salespeople respect the customers. It is extremely important that the customers are treated with respect at all times, regardless of the situation. Even if the sale is unsuccessful at the time, treating the customer with respect may turn them into a future prospect.

4. Good Listening Skills

The best salespeople have great listening skills. They listen to what the customers’ needs are to help them figure navigate their options and provide the most effective solution.

5. Persistency

Salespeople must be persistent and confident, yet not overly pushy. If a customer says no, a persistent salesperson has more chance of making them change their mind down-the-line.

6. Trainable

Previous sales experience is not as important for a successful salesperson as their ability to be trained to do well in your company. They must be able to adapt to your company culture, processes, customers and sales goals.

7. Positive Attitude

A customer would rather make a purchase with a salesperson who has a positive attitude then someone who is negative or down. Positivity is contagious – it is easier to approach a customer when their positive attitude exudes from them.

8. Passion

Successful salespeople need to be passionate about their job. When they enjoy their job, they can easily share the company vision with your customers and potential customers, and this will be conveyed in a genuine manner.

9. Resourcefulness

It is important for a salesperson to be able to shift gears when a potential sale is not going the way they want. They need to be resourceful and change the approach quickly and creatively.

10. Independent

In general, most salespeople work on a commission basis, so they must be independent in order for them to meet their sales goals. They must be self-motivators and do whatever it takes to achieve their own success.

11. They Ask Lots Of Questions

High performing salespeople ask a lot of questions when they talk to potential customers. They not only what to find out what the customer needs, they want to make the customer comfortable, feel valued and build a long-term relationship.

12. Time Management Skills

Top salespeople are able to effectively manage their time, so they have the most opportunities to secure sales. They don’t rush opportunities and they do not miss deadlines.

13. Personable

Great salespeople get along with everyone and enjoy dealing with people. That is why many salespeople are involved with many organizations and local events.

14. Overachievers

Most salespeople are natural overachievers. They go above and beyond what is expected from them, and they are generally pushing for more of everything – more clients, more people, more money, more work, etc.

15. Always Prepared

A salesperson must always be prepared for any situation that could occur when they meet a customer or potential customer. Every customer, every situation is different and salespeople will need to creatively navigate every unique situation that arises.

Advanced Driver Assistance System, fleet, gofleet, dash camera, dashcam, ADAS

Does Your Fleet Need An Advanced Driver Assistance System?

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on Does Your Fleet Need An Advanced Driver Assistance System?

 

The automotive industry continues to respond to consumer demand for enhanced safety features in an ongoing quest to develop more secure, automated vehicles and a safer driving experience for the people who operate them. The race to develop smarter, safer personal transportation has taken us from seatbelts to self-driving cars; it would seem the finish line is somewhere on the horizon.

 

In the latest iteration of safer driving, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have taken car manufacturing by storm, enabling vehicles to detect, correct and protect while in a driving environment. Mirrors and windows have been augmented — and in some cases replaced — with camera-based technology that helps both vehicle and driver react and respond to stimulus on the road.

 

What Are ADA Systems And How Do They Work?

 

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems use cameras to quickly and accurately detect and recognize all attributes on the road, including vehicles, pedestrians, traffic signs, lane lines and obstacles. Cameras are positioned outside the vehicle on the front, back and sides to capture images of the road, street signs, pedestrians, vehicles, etc. The images captured by the cameras are analyzed by supporting software and triggers a vehicle response to improve safety, such as emergency braking, blind spot alerts, helping park the vehicle, or driver alertness.

 

A Worthwhile Expense

 

Although ADA innovation has exploded in popularity, rolling out the technology on a large scale can be cost-prohibitive, particularly with smaller fleets. Getting these systems into more factory-built vehicles is not only expensive, but requires different levels of compliance and safety standards. 

 

Nonetheless, studies point to a reduction of traffic accidents as the result of ADA Systems. According to recent research from LexisNexis Risk Solutions, “ADAS vehicles showed a 27% reduction in bodily injury claim frequency and a 19% reduction in property damage frequency.” 

 

They also limit the number of insurance claims due to accidents in which there is property damage but no sustained injuries. Clearly, an ADA System is a cost-saving – and life-saving – asset that can’t be ignored.

 

What To Look For In An ADA System

 

While fleet managers don’t have their sights set on autonomous driving just yet, there is inherent value in a truck’s ability to “see” and analyze its environment. An ADA System equips your drivers with enhanced visibility on the road while positively impacting road behaviour. Here are a few of the things to look for before making a purchase decision.

 

Exceptional cameras: The key to a reliable ADA System is using top-tier cameras. Simply put, better cameras can better recognize their environment and send data to the software, which can then initiate a faster response. What makes a better camera? 

 

High Image Quality: Cameras should have high resolution, which allow greater levels of detection in all kinds of lighting and weather conditions and across all automotive operating temperatures. This affords the software greater, faster accuracy when interpreting data.

 

Customization: There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to fleet safety. Modular camera solutions enable fleet companies to choose from a selection of sensors, cameras and image sensor processors (ISPs).

 

Automated features: ADA Systems help avoid collisions by using technology to alert drivers to potential hazards or take over control of the vehicle to avoid such danger. This safety enhancement improves driving within your fleet, and among the greater population. 

 

Adaptive features: Your ADAS should have adaptive features that incorporate navigational warnings to alert drivers to potential dangers, such as vehicles in blind spots, lane departures, automated lighting, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian crash avoidance mitigation (PCAM). 

 

Reputable affiliations: Your ADA System supplier should have unfettered access to strategic automotive-focused partners, enabling you to leverage cameras with next-generation human-technology-interfacing for the safest, most accurate driving experience possible.

 

Conclusion

 

With the number of options available on the market, it can be hard for fleet managers to know which ADA System will work best in their vehicles. Furthermore, it can be a challenge to train drivers to use them to their fullest advantage.

 

Modern ADA Systems contain some of the most sought-after safety features for drivers, fleet managers and organizations. Talk to your GoFleet representative about what’s coming up for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, and how we can help you promote safety and awareness on the road.

construction tracking, gps, gofleet, construction, equipment

Have A Construction Site? Here’s Why You Need Asset Tracking

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on Have A Construction Site? Here’s Why You Need Asset Tracking

Employing asset tracking solutions for your construction business allows you to access and assess critical performance data of your assets in real-time, whether you’re on-site or not. When you can collect and access data, you’re able to maximize the utilization of assets that are essential for the daily operations across your sites and operations

 

With so many asset tracking and management options available to the construction industry, it’s difficult to know which one is the best option for you. In this post, we’ll help guide you towards the best choice for your assets and your business. Below, we’ve listed some of the most important things that asset trackers can provide to your construction business.

 

Modular Construction Tracking

 

Building something offsite? Modular projects require many of the same protocols as on-site builds. “There’s definitely a benefit, especially depending on how they’re putting these modules together,” says William Hudson one of GoFleet’s Sales Consultant’s. “I’ve had a use case with a construction company that wanted different asset tracking for different pieces of pipe. So they had a lay down yard, then put an asset tracker on everything to differentiate which piece was which, as well as where they were located at any given point in time.” 

 

Asset trackers have a number of similar applications, allowing project managers to access critical data, such as equipment details and materials used. “So now, instead of walking through a massive field of all these different parts, you can actually know exactly where they’re located by the name of the device, instead of wasting time and productivity looking for each individual piece,” says Hudson.

 

Reduced Theft

 

One of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry is theft. People will often target small assets because they can be hidden and removed easily. But even larger assets are at risk for theft. Asset trackers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, helping improve the security of your construction assets and reduce the risk of theft and loss by tracking and tagging your tools, machinery, vehicles, equipment and building materials. 

 

As an example, GoFleet’s BeWired asset tracker is an end-to-end asset tracking solution for non-vehicle assets of all sizes, including trailers, dry containers and heavy equipment. BeWired can be integrated by third-party software to provide data such as movement alerts, detailed location and movement history, triggering updates and much more.

 

More Safety For Your Construction Workers

 

Recent reports claim that accidents on a construction site are among the most frequent causes of injury or accidental death. Faulty equipment represents significant safety hazards to workers on your site; by effectively tracking, managing and maintaining construction machinery and other assets, you can help prevent accidents. 

 

Schedule Repairs And Maintenance

 

Your site’s assets are critical for your business operation. One of the most important factors in managing construction equipment and tools involves knowing exactly what you have and how much they cost to operate. It’s also important to know when your assets require maintenance, repair or replacement. 

 

Use asset tracking to record an asset’s lifecycle and determine its peak performance, as well as when it needs to be repaired. “When an asset is actually plugged into a vehicle, you’re getting a lot more data coming in, like engine health, how the vehicle is being treated, how is this vehicle being driven?” says Hudson. 

 

Construction vehicles are no exception. “If you think in terms of construction, for example an excavator, a spreader, backhoe, trackers can plug into those as well,” Hudson continues. “There’s a lot more data coming in once you plug a tracker into a vehicle, because that vehicle has its own computer.”

 

Collected data can generate an asset profile that enables you to plan a preventative maintenance schedule and avoid unplanned downtime. By assessing your asset’s overall “health”, you can determine which ones are profitable, and which ones have a greater cost of ownership than your budget allows.

 

What To Consider Before You Purchase An Asset Tracker For Your Construction Business

 

Asset trackers can be used in the construction industry in a number of different ways, and most solutions are scalable, meaning they can apply to small and medium construction businesses, as well as larger construction enterprises with multiple sites and plants. 

 

As part of a comprehensive, end-to-end solution service, GoFleet can help you choose the right asset tracker for your construction operation. Here are some of the key pieces we would help you determine before making a purchase decision:

 

What Data Can Your Asset Trackers Provide?

 

In construction, the asset lifecycle starts with the decision to acquire or rent an asset, which can then be identified and tracked from acquisition to removal. 

 

The right asset tracker can gauge the entire cycle process of your assets, allowing contractors and project managers to determine the operational lifespan of an asset. By tracking your equipment, tools, plants, and vehicles, construction companies can begin to understand the need for certain assets and help avoid costly outcomes such as unplanned downtime. It also enables you to figure out the remaining service life of all assets, so you can plan ahead and invest in new equipment when needed. From these data sets, you could ostensibly create reports such as maintenance schedules to help your assets operate at maximum efficiency. 

 

Is Data Tracked In Real-Time?

 

Real-time tracking produces specific data around asset usage and location. An effective asset tracker can help you register and account for all of your construction assets; knowing their exact location helps increase productivity and reduce job lead times. For example, GoFleet’s BeWired asset tracker comes network and application-ready, protecting and tracking your equipment and other assets with a detailed history of their movement and location, usage reports, maintenance monitoring to prevent breakdowns, misuse alerts and more.

 

Do Your Employees Need Training?

 

Depending on the teams that require access, you’ll need to know how much training your workers need to operate the trackers. You should also be aware of training costs and how long it takes to train key stakeholders. The BeWired trackers are easy to install, maintenance-free and there’s no reader required, providing full support for a large number of devices and workers.

 

Conclusion

 

Asset tracking allows your business to maximize the assets you have, as well as their utilization. By using them within the construction industry, asset tracking also allows project managers, contractors and managers to enhance the lifespan of their assets, and improve business operations. At GoFleet, our consultants will help you identify your company’s goals, as well as determine the trackers you need based on size and scope, to deliver optimal results. Moreover, our experts will help you build an asset tracking system that’s scalable and can evolve with you as your business continues to grow. Contact us today!

Types of GPS tracking

Types of GPS Tracking and How They Work

Posted on | by Jimmy Song

Here is a quick trivia question to test your knowledge: How many types of GPS tracking are there?

 

  1. A) One
  2. B) Two
  3. C) Three
  4. D) Four or more

 

The correct answer is D! There are more than four types of GPS tracking. For instance, some trackers are used to monitor vehicles while other trackers are used to monitor people!

 

Let’s go over the 5 main types of GPS tracking and how they work.

 

Personal trackers

 

Personal trackers monitor people or even pets. Usually, they work through a personal device like a pocket chip or bracelet. The devices are then activated. After activation, users can remotely locate and follow the device.

 

Use Case:

 

Lots of families are choosing to track their dogs. GPS tracking devices for dogs are quite common, especially for curious four-legged pooches! In the past, when a dog goes missing, owners would have to rely on “Lost Dog” posters or ID collars. Now, dog owners can order GPS-equipped collars. These collars provide peace of mind because owners can constantly track and locate their dogs in real time.

 

dog

 

Asset Trackers

 

Similar to personal trackers, asset trackers can be used for non-vehicular items. Asset trackers can be anything from a small radio chip to large satellite tags.

 

Use case

 

Several grocery stores have been utilizing asset trackers to track stolen items. What is a commonly stolen item at the grocery store? One would assume candies or expensive food? Actually, you would be surprised to learn that shopping carts are the most commonly stolen item at a grocery store.

 

In order to prevent theft, grocery stores use anything from cart retrieving services to cart blocking barriers. However, a new and more efficient solution is using asset trackers.

 

Grocery stores that use asset trackers have seen a significant decrease in cart thefts. Grocery stores that use asset trackers can also increase revenue by identifying items in a cart, matching it to the customer’s loyalty card and also share that data with the advertising team!

 

 

Cell-based GPS vehicle tracking

 

Vehicle tracking, with either cellular or satellite networks, is probably one of the most common types of GPS tracking.

 

Cell-based vehicle tracking is more common than satellite tracking. This system uses a device to capture data from the vehicle and then reports the data by using cell towers. Compared to satellite tracking, cell-based vehicle tracking costs less and reports faster.

 

Use case

 

Delivery companies typically use GPS tracking to simplify their customer service workflow. Before GPS tracking, Office staff needed to call their drivers and ask for their location in order to update their customers. With GPS tracking, business and customers can track their orders in real time.

 

Satellite-based GPS vehicle tracking

 

Sometimes, cell-based vehicle tracking will not work because cell towers are unavailable in the area. Satellite tracking offers a solution to this problem. Through satellite networks, businesses can get updates from even the most remote locations!

 

Use case

 

An Alaskan trucking company often covers remote areas. Their biggest GPS tracking challenge is getting updates on their truck’s location, which is required even when cell towers may not be available. Because of this challenge, they implemented satellite tracking. Satellite trackers successfully provide constant updates on the truck’s location and can also be used by  drivers to call for help when their cellphones are not in a service area.

 

satellite tracking

Cellular-based tracking

 

The last example is cellular tracking. Currently, some businesses use cellphones as a GPS tracker. The process is quite simple – after installing a phone app, the phone uses Internet data to record and report its location.


Use case

 

Let’s re-explore the delivery business example. Some startups do not have their own fleet and rely on contractors with their own vehicles. Understandably, drivers might not want trackers on their personal car.

Cellular tracking is a good compromise. The app is installed and activated during business hours. As a result, these companies were able to track contractors without having to install an in-vehicle tracking device.

 

Explore a list of different types of GPS tracking for businesses here!

gofleet, difference, telematics,

The GoFleet Difference: Working With The Best

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on The GoFleet Difference: Working With The Best

If you’re ready to purchase a telematics solution for your fleet, you’re likely looking for a system that offers the following:

  1. A digital operations system that streamlines your work processes and allows for ease of management.
  2. Compliance with government mandates (now and future state).
  3. Opportunities to save money and optimize resources.

 

When it comes to electronic logging devices (ELDs) for your fleet, you have a wealth of resources to choose from. But what sets one product offering apart from the pack? How do you know if a telematics system can accommodate the size of your organization? Will the system you choose comply with the upcoming Canadian ELD Mandate?

 

We’ve curated the most important information you need to make an informed purchasing decision. Read below to see why GoFleet can offer you the most comprehensive, integrated data solution for your fleet, while saving you money in the short and long run.

 

Asset Tracking

 

Did you know that some telematics providers don’t offer asset tracking, but rather offer it via third-party applications? GoFleet has several asset trackers with a host of different functionalities. Having a proprietary software platform not only helps you track your fleet, it allows you to streamline your operations more effectively and efficiently, including maintenance operations, scheduling, purchasing, accounting, custom reporting and so much more.

 

Easy To Use, Easy To Save

 

Our proprietary ZenduCAM offerings take the stress out of fleet management with a simple “plug and play” feature; no hardwiring. Install the devices yourself without damaging your vehicles or voiding your warranty! Fleet tracking devices can also be moved from one vehicle to another without risk of damaging either, and a Y-Harness ensures your devices are tamper-proof.

 

GPS Tracking In Real-Time

 

GoFleet’s GPS technology starts when the vehicle does – even if it’s parked underground! We offer standard tracking at 15-second intervals, or our new active tracking, which takes place on a  second-by-second basis. What does this mean for your fleet? Up-to-date, accurate data that identifies ignition, trip distance, speed, time spent on the road, and even engine idling.

 

Scalable Offerings

 

We pride ourselves on our partnership approach to fleet maintenance. For the past 8 years, GoFleet has provided end-to-end telematics solutions for companies of all sizes, including small-to-medium fleets and enterprise organizations. Our telematics grow with your business; because of our hardware and software options, our clients can drive employee productivity, maintenance, fuel and inventory, while significantly reducing accidents and improving safety.

 

Improve Driving Habits

 

Every driver develops bad habits over time. In fact, driver behavior impacts over 30% of fuel costs and 90% of vehicle accidents! GoFleet’s vehicle tracking system allows you to give in-vehicle alerts and feedback, as well as safety reporting. Both options allow your drivers to identify and correct risky behavior on the road, which saves costs in damages and repair, while lowering your insurance company’s risk tolerance for your fleet. Better driving improves your bottom line.

 

Ensure Your Fleet Is Compliant

 

With the upcoming Canadian ELD Mandate, managers can’t afford not to be compliant; failure to do so will result in fines, loss of licenses or even being stripped of operating authority. Making sure your drivers are safe and maintaining high compliance standards are not only your priorities — they’re ours as well.

 

Asad Khan, Team Lead for Customer Success, says that GoFleet can determine and solution for compliance based on the size and structure of the organization. “Part of what sets us apart is our ability to develop solutions based on customer requirements. I would say we’re more of a boutique firm, because we actually have the capability to go into other markets,” says Khan. “One of the primary focuses for us is going into the government space. When you’re working with government contracts, there is a lot of compliance reporting, which we can offer as a digital solution.” By partnering with vendors such as GeoTab, GoFleet is well equipped to tap into government vehicles.

 

Our GPS fleet management solutions offer compliance options such as DVIR, HOS & IFTA. Hours of Service (HOS) regulations keep tired drivers off the road by establishing limits on when a driver can operate the vehicle, and for how long. As regulations are augmented, various rulesets can be added or removed, such as “Driver Duty Status”, which changes automatically once your driver begins to drive.

 

Reduce Paperwork

 

Paperwork constitutes a lot of time and administrative costs. Why not operate at greater efficiency with electronic log books? Our Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) feature eliminates the need for paper logs and reduces the likelihood of human error.

 

We Believe In Customer Success

 

GoFleet understands that everyone has different business needs. Our partnership with your organization doesn’t end once we’ve sold you the products you need. “Once we’ve delivered the solution, we’ll try to determine from you what other systems you’re currently using,” says Khan. “A lot of clients are involved in ADP payroll systems, or they use Microsoft solutions for their ERP, things like that. So we’ll work with them to implement an integrated solution down the line.”

 

We believe in customer success — a holistic schematic of your business that identifies where it was, current state, and where it can go. We partner with our clients to identify pain points, offer solutions, and ensure that everyone is achieving their desired outcome. We’ll help you increase productivity and profitability in a way that makes sense for your business.

 

Going Above And Beyond

 

Khan says that one of GoFleet’s key differentiators is its level of expertise. “A lot of organizations are looking towards industry expertise. Many industries out there, they’re new to the whole telematics scene, they’re deploying things for the first time,” Khan says. “They’re looking to us to see how far we can take telematics to improve their business. ‘This is what you should deploy’. ‘These are the reports you’re currently using’. Having that industry knowledge and having somebody on the other end of the line, who actually knows what your day-to-day operations look like, that’s definitely key within today’s space.”

 

GoFleet Cares About The Environment

 

Our digital telematics solutions naturally reduce a company’s carbon footprint by eliminating paper logs and streamlining work processes. GoFleet’s approach to environmental responsibility extends beyond the office; our high-tech telematics technology reduces fuel consumption by identifying risky driving behaviour and capping your fleet’s HOS. Our systems improve driver productivity, safety and compliance — all of which result in improved miles per gallon (MPG) and fewer CO2 emissions.

 

GoFleet is solutions-based; as such, we care deeply about environmental impact and the role we play in it. We are continuously working towards a greener and sustainable economy, and continue educating our clients to do the same.

 

Conclusion

 

ELD’s protect your most valuable assets: your fleet, and the people who operate them. By offering a complete end-to-end telematics solution, curated specifically for you, GoFleet can help you optimize your business, lower your costs and maintain road safety while ensuring compliance throughout.

To  learn more about how GoFleet can help your fleet in regards of better managing maintenance, remaining compliant, keeping costs low, increasing driver safety or anything in-between, contact us today! We’d love to show you why we’re always the right choice when it comes to working with a telematics solutions provider.

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The Top Canadian ELD Myths That Could Be Holding Your Fleet Back

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on The Top Canadian ELD Myths That Could Be Holding Your Fleet Back

If you’ve been keeping tabs on the Canadian Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate, you know that the deadline for compliance was set for June 12, 2021. While this date has recently been noted as a soft compliance date to focus on education and awareness with penalties not beginning until June 12, 2022, being compliant ASAP will only ensure you will be ready for anything. Regardless of whether you have a fleet of hundreds or only a few vehicles, this mandate will apply to you. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the deadline and bring your fleet up to speed.

Upcoming ELD Mandate Deadline

Transport Canada has been working diligently over the past four years to align with the ELD Mandate passed in the United States. The ELD Mandate states that providers must obtain certification from a third-party to ensure their solutions meet the necessarily-complex technical standards set forth by Transport Canada.

Among other things, the goals of the Canadian ELD Mandate include:

  • Standardizing processes to prevent logbook tampering, driver harassment and general errors.
  • Changing how drive time is recorded and reported
  • Replacing paper logs with ELDs that integrate directly into commercial vehicle engines
  • Compliance with Canadian Hours of Service (HOS) Rules

 

Canadian HOS Rules

The Hours of Service (HOS) Rules ensure that commercial drivers operate their vehicles within the daily limit and log working hours accurately using an elog app, or electronic logbook. The devices ensure drivers comply with the Canadian Government’s Commercial Vehicle Drivers HOS Regulations by tracking when drivers have been at the wheel and for how long.

 

Why Was the ELD Mandate Introduced?

The Canadian ELD mandate was developed to support the economy by improving road safety and decreasing driver fatigue. Similar to the U.S. ELD Mandate, devices must synchronize with engines, capture driving times automatically, offer GPS tracking and digital log verification. Unlike the American iteration, Transport Canada requires third-party verification of ELDs (in the U.S., ELD manufacturers can self verify.)

ELDs have long been linked with safer driving habits, including prevention of driver fatigue. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) identifies driver fatigue as a main factor linked to vehicle crashes, accounting for 15-20% of transportation accidents.

Commercial vehicle drivers tend to be more at risk for fatigue on the road due to long work days, irregular schedules and monotonous driving. According to the Canadian Trucking Alliance, a universal ELD mandate would curb the behaviours associated with higher crash rates almost immediately. The goal is to ensure that all carriers follow the HOS rules, which will make compliance easier to track and ultimately level the playing field within the industry.

 

Top ELD Myths Debunked

With any new mandate, as with any new technology, you’re bound to find misconceptions about the latest requirements and who they apply to. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common myths surrounding Canadian ELDs.

 

ELDs Will Put Owners Out of Business

One of the remarks most frequently shared with the FMCSA was the fear that ELDs would push operators out of business. Fears arose as a result of the anticipation that ELDs would be cost-prohibitive, and the perception that HOS rules would result in fewer driving hours, resulting in lower productivity.

Actually, commercial fleets that adopt ELDs statistically never return to paper logs. ELDs can record status changes down to the minute, whereas paper logbooks round up to the nearest 15 minutes. Ultimately, ELDs can lead to more posted mileage.

 

ELDs are Cost-Prohibitive

The underlying principle behind the ELD Mandate is that a driver’s time is a limited yet precious resource. When drivers are universally limited to the same time restrictions, fleets can focus on making the most of their time, rather than sitting idle.

While there is definitely an upstart cost, ELDs are not necessarily cost-prohibitive. Current ELD pricing is considerably lower due to compatibility with the smart devices already in use by most fleets. These systems are an investment in your company’s future; they’ll grow with your business and stay relevant as you continue to expand.

When compared to other operational costs such as liability, equipment, fuel and permits, investing in ELDs can offer significant cost savings, especially with regards to fuel economy. ELDs can actually identify driving behaviours that can cut into profits, such as idling, hard braking and speeding. According to the FMCSA, the average annual cost of an ELD will be estimated at $495 per truck, with a total range of $165 to $832 per truck with the ELD rule. Compare this to 20 years ago, when an individual camera cost upwards of $2500.

 

ELDs Require a Driver’s Attention, Distracting Them From the Road

There have been claims that ELDs require drivers to interact with them while driving.

In fact, a driver does need to log into his device and a status must be selected. But once the driver is on the road, an ELD will automatically update the driver’s status between ‘Driving’ and ‘Not Driving’. In addition, a countdown timer with audible alerts ensures that drivers have enough time to park safely before reaching the HOS limit.

 

ELDs Automatically Report HOS Violations

Nothing is transmitted to law enforcement unless there’s cause, such as a traffic violation, roadside inspection or a compliance audit. Like a paper logbook, ELD won’t automatically transmit data, nor does it automatically trigger violations. ELDs will actually make roadside inspection go faster, because officials can verify HOS compliance at a glance.

 

ELDs are Surveillance Machines

Fleet managers don’t have hours to sit around playing Big Brother with their drivers. The point of acquiring an ELD system is to prevent the influx of data. ELDs are programmed to notify managers about specific triggers and events, and the only people who use those data sets are the ones authorized to do so. An audit of your digital logs work in much the same way as they would with traditional paper logs; the only difference is the electronic logs are more accurate and save more time.

 

ELDs Can Shut Down Your Truck

Only the driver determines when and where he will stop. ELDs record engine data, they don’t drive your vehicle.

 

ELDs Don’t Improve Truck and Driver Safety

A report from the Center for Truck and Bus Safety of Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that commercial drivers using e-Logs had a 11.7% reduction in total crash rates and a 5.1% reduction in preventable crash rates compared to trucks not equipped with electronic logs.

 

ELDs Only Apply to Big Fleets

Smaller fleets (20 trucks or fewer) report the same improvements in their operations as larger fleets do with the implementation of ELDs. The same goes for reduced operating costs. Essentially, the ELD Mandate applies to all fleet sizes, regardless of how many trucks you have. If you file a Record of Duty Status, you must have an ELD.

 

I Don’t Need an ELD, I Can Use My Smart Device

A tablet or smartphone or tablet alone will not meet the ELD requirements. In order to be compliant, a device must also integrate with the truck’s engine. Only those devices certified and listed with the FMCSA will be considered compliant.

 

Conclusion

The Canadian regulation requirement of third-party certification is the biggest differentiating factor between Canada and the U.S.; devices in Canada must undergo a vetting process to make sure they have the correct technical requirements.

For that reason, fewer ELDs are expected to be approved for use in Canada. The Canadian Government is committed to a safe and reliable transportation system, and fleet managers would do well to follow suit. Don’t wait until June 12 — GoFleet has a host of ELD options and fully-integrated digital solutions for your business, regardless of size. When it comes to compliance, there are no shortcuts.