Compare the Best GPS Tracking System

Learn how to select the right GPS tracking system for your fleet. No matter the size or requirements. In this guide, we’ve explained key considerations and features.

When there are thousands of different telematics providers — each focusing on different needs of businesses — selecting the right GPS tracking system for your business can be a complex and overwhelming process.

Luckily, we’ve created this guide to help you search through all of the different options and find the best gps tracking device. Following are some guidelines to help you match the right device to your fleet’s needs.

Determine Your Organization’s Goals

GPS tracking devices are becoming cheaper and the benefits, more prominent, The question isn’t whether to implement a GPS tracker, but which device to choose. The feeling of being left behind is leading too many businesses to rush into a decision. They are buying GPS devices, then asking, “what business problems can we solve with this devices?”

Instead, businesses need to start with the end in mind. They need to look at the key metrics they want to improve. Here are some questions to start with:

  • Do I have an accurate view of our assets? Are they being utilized to their fullest capacity before we replace them?
  • Are our drivers doing well? Do they meet safety standards — ours and federal? Do we need to correct their driving habits?
  • How well are we routing drivers? Where can we improve the process?
  • Will we need to adhere to the ELD mandate?

These are just a few questions your organization should ask before you look at devices. Determine what problems you need to solve, then find a solution that will help you.

Not all devices are created equal. That’s why review different providers . For example, devices from RHINO don’t measure seatbelt use. If managing driver safety is important to you, then you’re going to want to go with a solution like Fleetistics (Geotab Device).
When you start with your metrics first, you can find a device and a provider that aligns with your objectives.

selecting a GPS tracking system

Tear Down Departmental Friction

Believe it or not, there are some devices that don’t prioritize integration and open communication with other systems. Over the next 10 years, the most successful fleets will be the ones that can tear down departmental and data silos. 

In other words, fleets need to be able to openly share information across other departments. By having all of your data in one place, you will limit double entering. It will reduce inconsistencies, and contradictions, in your data. 

It ensures the insurance department has the right information on driver risks and safety. The dispatcher has the right information on route optimization. 

So, when you’re looking for a GPS tracking device, find one that integrates with your systems and third-party vendors. For example, if you want to move your data into a more visual application like Tableau, you should be able to.

selecting a GPS tracking system - tracking

Tracking and Reporting Ability

It’s standard for devices to collect data on routes, stops, and idling. But not all device will capture the data you need. You want to find a device that tracks all of the information your organization needs to accomplish it’s goals. 

Secondly, you need to be able to turn all of that data into actionable insights. Data alone isn’t enough to achieve your objectives. You need to be able to turn that data into reports and charts so that you act on the data. 

When evaluating different providers, look for ease of use and readability. Also, look for the ability to customize your reports to suit your business needs.

selecting a GPS tracking system - Support

Support and Post-Sale Service

Some providers have great support… until after the sale. It’s frustrating to a buy solution that has poor post-sale service. Ensure the device you select has a ton of video training, live-chat support, and the ability to make configuration changes in the future — as your business grows. 

Most companies have post-sale support, so it can be hard to find which companies are any good. There are two solutions to this. First, read the reviews. Are people happy? Or do they feel swindled? 

Second, ask to seem some videos. What’s the quality of the videos? Are they easy to understand? Any company that has great post-sale support shouldn’t have a problem sending you some videos. 

Find a device and partner that will support your business. There should be regular discussion about where the industry is going and verifying your solution is still aligned with your organization’s objectives.

selecting a GPS tracking system - Connectivity

Connectivity and Data Accuracy

You need a device with a high connectivity rate. What good is a device if it’s always being disconnected? This is becoming less of a problem as technology improves, but there are still some devices — those on the lower end — that don’t have great connectivity. Make sure that the contract you sign with a vendor has a fair service-level agreement (SLA), where they guarantee the a certain uptime or you can cancel the contract. 

What’s the best GPS tracking device for your business? That really depends on your goals and your budget. Overall, I think Fleetistics is the best company for most. But I also know they aren’t right for everyone. 

Either way, I would start your journey by getting in touch with Fleetistics (call 855.300.0527 ). They will tell you if you’re right for them. If you’re not, they’re happy to direct you to a device, and a company, that is right for you.

Compare the Best GPS Tracking System

Learn how to select the right GPS tracking system for your fleet. No matter the size or requirements. In this guide, we’ve explained key considerations and features.

When there are thousands of different telematics providers — each focusing on different needs of businesses — selecting the right GPS tracking system for your business can be a complex and overwhelming process.

Luckily, we’ve created this guide to help you search through all of the different options and find the best gps tracking device. Following are some guidelines to help you match the right device to your fleet’s needs.

selecting a GPS tracking system - tracking

Tracking and Reporting Ability

It’s standard for devices to collect data on routes, stops, and idling. But not all device will capture the data you need. You want to find a device that tracks all of the information your organization needs to accomplish it’s goals. 

Secondly, you need to be able to turn all of that data into actionable insights. Data alone isn’t enough to achieve your objectives. You need to be able to turn that data into reports and charts so that you act on the data. 

When evaluating different providers, look for ease of use and readability. Also, look for the ability to customize your reports to suit your business needs.

selecting a GPS tracking system - Support

Support and Post-Sale Service

Some providers have great support… until after the sale. It’s frustrating to a buy solution that has poor post-sale service. Ensure the device you select has a ton of video training, live-chat support, and the ability to make configuration changes in the future — as your business grows. 

Most companies have post-sale support, so it can be hard to find which companies are any good. There are two solutions to this. First, read the reviews. Are people happy? Or do they feel swindled? 

Second, ask to seem some videos. What’s the quality of the videos? Are they easy to understand? Any company that has great post-sale support shouldn’t have a problem sending you some videos. 

Find a device and partner that will support your business. There should be regular discussion about where the industry is going and verifying your solution is still aligned with your organization’s objectives.

selecting a GPS tracking system - Connectivity

Connectivity and Data Accuracy

You need a device with a high connectivity rate. What good is a device if it’s always being disconnected? This is becoming less of a problem as technology improves, but there are still some devices — those on the lower end — that don’t have great connectivity. Make sure that the contract you sign with a vendor has a fair service-level agreement (SLA), where they guarantee the a certain uptime or you can cancel the contract. 

What’s the best GPS tracking device for your business? That really depends on your goals and your budget. Overall, I think Fleetistics is the best company for most. But I also know they aren’t right for everyone. 

Either way, I would start your journey by getting in touch with Fleetistics (call 855.300.0527 ). They will tell you if you’re right for them. If you’re not, they’re happy to direct you to a device, and a company, that is right for you.