Category: Fleet Management

The Geotab GO GPS tracking device can automatically detect vehicle identification numbers, also known as VIN. This enables fleets to easily determine the vehicles they’re looking up, and also to cross-reference with their records should the need ever arise.

From an operational stand point, the collected data by the Geotab GO GPS tracking device is not directly coupled with the vehicle identification number. This means that companies, such as vehicle rental businesses, who transfer their Geotab GO device(s) between different vehicles, can easily manage a fleet of vehicles that are periodically used. Further to this, Geotab’s intelligent VIN detection is being used in new and interesting ways with smart decoding to understand both the model and make of vehicles, along with corresponding specific vehicle engine data.

For example, there are many differences between diesel, electric and gasoline engines that describe the types of engine diagnostics reported. This allows managers to make informed decisions about their fleet-based, real-world vehicle information instead of simply “dots on a map”.

See Device Editor below, VIN is highlighted:

Graph of the odometer over time where the device owner bought a new vehicle and it drops off with the new odometer:

As a fleet manager we understand your job is hard enough; at GoFleet we want to do whatever we can to make your job easier. To learn more about the Geotab GO GPS tracking device contact one of our fleet consultants today.

Original Article From Geotab:
Fleet Management Flexibility with Automatic Geotab VIN Detection

Fleet Management Services Help Protect In Case of an Accident

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, in 2012 317,000 large trucks were involved in crashes in the USA alone.

• 65% of accidents involving two vehicles were front impact crashes
• 12% right side
• 17% left side
• 6% rear impacts
• 46% of these crashes involve both vehicles proceeding straight

These numbers suggest that vehicle collisions have cost these organizations a large sum of money, in personal injury and vehicle damage. However, the truck or vehicle driver may not be at fault, and there may be an opportunity to avoid costly repair and insurance fees. To accurately uncover what occurred and re-create a trip is to leverage fleet management services provided by a GPS fleet tracking company.

While the goal of fleet management services is to eliminate accidents from happening in the first place by being proactive, such as improving driver behavior, bottom line is accidents can still happen. Even the carefullest drivers can find themselves in an unexpected problem on the road. The key thing is to be aware that an accident does not always have to have an effect on your bottom line. With the use of our fleet management software, My.Geotab, fleet managers and business owners can use the tools provided to instantly analyze accidents.

Reports and Data
Looking at the trips history report and the map in My.Geotab has been the traditional way of looking at an event. There are more tools however, that provide insight into different occurrences, from acceleration graphs to point of impact graphs.

Acceleration Graph:
Below you will see a side-to-side acceleration graph. Negative represents right in this case. The graph shows the vehicle accelerated to the right at the point of impact, indicating to us the vehicle was hit from the left side.

Point of Impact Chart:
This is a speed profile chart that shows the speed of the vehicle during the time of the accident. In the case shown below, the yellow section indicates the vehicle was stopped before the impact occurred.

Engine Data:
The data from the device after the accident can also be looked at to assess any internal system damage. The key here is to look for any Engine Fault Codes. These codes will refer to problems in the vehicle reported through the engine computer. Anything from ABS (Automatic Braking System) to transmission issues. Engine status data can also be used to identify issues with the vehicle. An increase in coolant temperature, for example, can indicate possible coolant leaks or damage to the engine. Engine status data is displayed under Engine and Maintenance within MyGeotab.

Original Article From Geotab: Accidents Happen

The Intangible Value of Fleet Management Solutions

The decision to make a technology investment purchase can be complex and often dictated by pricing. Financially, a firm would likely label the purchase as a business expense, as denoted on the income statement, rather than as an asset on the balance sheet.

Expenses are shown on the income statement for management as the “bottom line” of the company. Business expenses are subtracted from incoming revenues to show how much was earned (or lost) over the period. However, lasting benefits (such as future cost reductions) of a new technology is not typically taken into account when processing the original expense.

The upfront costs may be accounted for but one must also examine the intangible future benefits of the technology. Using fleet management solutions provides numerous paybacks to a business. Acting as an intangible asset, one that adds economic benefit and value over time, the fleet management solution has a direct impact on businesses bottom lines.

Savings can be easily seen in multiple areas. At GoFleet, partnered with Geotab, the savings have been identified as coming from 4 core pillars:

Fleet Optimization:
This includes making the best use of all assets available and optimizing driver management. Costs savings, in turn, can be realized from reduced fuel usage and greater MPG consumption.

Driver Safety Maximization:
Through our interactive driver training methods, drivers are constantly reminded of the best safe driving practices. For example, in-cabin ‘beeps’ will inform the driver to reduce their speed and/or put on their seatbelt if it is forgotten. Not only will this cut down on costs but it also helps businesses reduce vehicle damage and employee injury claims.

Enhancing Driver Productivity:
Getting more done during the day leads to long-term loyalty and customer satisfaction. This allows businesses to reduce their churn rates and improve their gross profit margins.

Ensuring Compliance:
For businesses operating inter-state, being HOS compliant is not an option; the value comes at no surprise as damaging and costly penalties can be avoided. Fleet management solutions provide vast savings in many ares of the company making it so much more than a little black box.

Investopedia Definition: Intangible Asset

To speak with an experienced Fleet Management Solution Consultant, and learn more about GPS fleet tracking fill out this contact form.

Original Article From Geotab:
The Intangible Value of Fleet Management

Effective Fleet Management Tips

Choose the most suitable vehicle for the task

Your fleet probably includes a variety of vehicles of different sizes and they are therefore probably all best suited to slightly different tasks. Make sure you use the more appropriate vehicle for each and every job.

Integrate a GPS tracking system

It’s essential that you know the location of your vehicles at all times for effective fleet management, and this means installing a GPS tracking system.

Keep data centralized and organized

Fleet management> depends on accurate and organized data so make sure that the information you receive from the GPS tracking system is centralized and analyzed so that it provides a real use.

Go green and cut costs

As we all know being as green as possible is a good idea for the sake of the environment but by reducing your fuel emissions and energy waste you will also find that you reduce your expenditures. Fleet management can help you save on fuel by cutting idling times, reducing speeding, and reducing harsh braking.

Be compliant to all regulations

When it comes to fleet management there are various regulations and compliance that need to be adhered to at all times. Effective data keeping on the part of both the driver and those analyzing, should help to ensure that all regulations are being respected.

Fleet GPS Tracking System Features

As the name suggests the primary use of a Fleet GPS Tracking System is to pin point the location of a certain asset, typically and most commonly a company vehicle. However, although this is the most important feature the device has many additional uses that are sure to benefit any business. The driver scorecard keeps track of the way the vehicle is being driven and records data such as hard acceleration, harsh braking and whether or not the seatbelt is being worn. These are all very useful things to be aware of both with regards to the drivers themselves and also any superiors. Quality driving with result a number of benefits including less wear and tear to the vehicle and more efficient use of fuel.

Another feature of a top quality fleet GPS tracking system is the beeping function. The device provided the driver with a warning beep whenever the system detects an issue such as speeding and high rpm’s. This helps the driver to stay aware of the way in which he or she is driving and make improvements and changes when necessary. Furthermore the tracking system is easy to use and offers an easy to follow instruction guide on first use.

A Comprehensive Overview of Fleet Management Solutions

If you are managing a fleet in the food and beverage distribution industry, you are aware of the need for oversight of employees, vehicles, and other assets. It has become necessary that businesses in the field recognize this as an important daily basis. Fleet and asset tracking are becoming more common in these fleet based businesses as executives and fleet management look to ensure the efficient and effective use of their fleets, assets, and employees.

Global positioning systems—GPS fleet tracking can create a comprehensive fleet management solution that blends well into the day to day business needs for a food and beverage logistics business. This solution has many more capabilities than a simple track-and-trace option—allowing fleet managers to do more than locate vehicles or assets on a map. A comprehensive GPS fleet management solution should be an essential business tool for any food and beverage company with a fleet, no matter how small. With just the most basic usage, this system allow for increased fuel efficiency and employee productivity, showing a reduction in overall operating expenses.

Vehicle Tracking to Save on Fuel

A recent study conducted by the EPA found that trucks left idling for long periods of time waste approximately 960 million gallons of diesel fuel each year. That fuel comes from your bottom line. Real-time data collection gives you, the fleet manager/owner the power to monitor variable costs associated with fleets. A large number of companies now track their fleets to report on idling times, fuel consumption, driving speeds, vehicle location and verification of employee hours.

Maintenance monitoring allows fleet managers to automate maintenance schedules for vehicles and alerts headquarters when preventive maintenance, such as an oil change, needs to be conducted. Automating maintenance procedures can save money and keep vehicles on the road.

Hard Data to Cut Back on Costs

A look into operations is all that is needed to make it clear of what’s working and what’s not. GPS fleet management solutions provide a variety of reports and information on a number of driving factors, including how many times a truck starts and stops, how long it idles, and if any dangerous driving behavior occurs. These reports are not used to scold drivers, but to simply identify driving habits that can be altered to save money for the company. This fleet management solution provides a wealth of information and valuable insight at a moment’s notice. Perhaps, most importantly, the collected data can be presented in a graphically rich dashboard and is actionable, which means that the data can be used to improve processes. Dashboards also give fleet management the ability to set user-defined goals that allow for benchmarking operations.