Times are difficult, especially for SMEs with vehicle fleets.
Fleet costs continue to rise while business slows. In some cases, drivers don't do all that they can to be most productive and mitigate costs. And time is always an issue. SME owners work an average of 15 hours more than the general population according to a survey by 02.
Fleet owners also deal with a host of other daily issues that can wear down even the most hardened manager: deliveries to the wrong address, drivers getting lost, billing disputes, drivers missing in action ... the list goes on.
All of this while trying to handle service issues and run a profitable business. It's no wonder that many SME owners feel they don't have the time to get everything done and spend enough quality time with family.
However, the growth in the popularity of GPS tracking systems has heralded a new way for SMEs with vehicles to do business. It's a complete paradigm shift and early adopters are already realizing the significant cost savings and other benefits of installing GPS tracking in their fleets.
"A GPS tracking system is really a complete management tool," said Derek Bryan, Ireland Sales Director for FleetMatics, a leading GPS vehicle-tracking provider. "It enables SMEs to easily reduce costs and improve efficiency. For example, we see our clients' fuel costs cut dramatically by up to 15%."
Cutting Costs While Improving Business
Traditionally, cost-cutting measures tend to result in reduced service and decreased customer satisfaction. To cut costs SMEs often have to cut customer reward programs, customer service initiatives, discount programs and marketing. This usually results in a self-defeating cycle that can further reduce sales.
With GPS fleet tracking, SME owners not only cut costs, but they actually improve their business model.
"Since fitting FleetMatics to our fleet, our savings have been tremendous," said Patrick Brooks, General Manager for Holemasters, a concrete drilling and cutting firm. "In one year, we have saved over euro 240,000 through increased productivity. We have also reduced our fuel bills by over euro 10,000 annually."
One vital way FleetMatics GPS fleet tracking can help SMEs decrease costs is by reducing fuel consumption. Fleet owners have the ability to ensure drivers take the most direct routes to job sites, eliminate unauthorized journeys, reduce idle times and dispatch drivers nearest to a job site.
In addition to reducing fuel consumption, GPS vehicle tracking can reduce billing disputes and provide accurate payroll. For example, the FleetMatics solution provides fleet owners with accurate information on when a vehicle arrives and departs a job site and then compiles the data in management reports.
These reports can be used to determine how long an employee worked at a job site and provide accurate invoicing. In addition, the management reports can serve as automated and accurate time sheets for employee payroll operations.
Choosing the Right GPS Solution
There are literally hundreds of GPS vehicle tracking suppliers on the market, making it difficult to choose which system will work best for your business. The key is to find a company that delivers a GPS solution that contains in-depth reporting, ease of use, reliable connectivity and excellent customer service.
In-depth reporting features provide SME owners with the data they need to make sound business and efficiency decisions regarding their fleet vehicles and drivers. In addition, accurate reporting of speed, vehicle usage, idle times, and start up and shut down can be utilized as part of an employee reward program to encourage fuel-efficient and safe driving habits.
Many companies create GPS solutions from a technical viewpoint without considering the usability of the system. A company that understands the need and has extensive experience in serving the SME market can greatly enhance the r
