Another Sign Of The Economic Times

I recently was talking with a potential client regarding the benefits of a Fleet Management System for implementing and measuring cost control measures for his fleet of delivery trucks. In particular the client planned on implementing the GPS system to reduce vehicle idling time, manage the length of time the trucks stopped at their delivery locations. He was expecting to see a cost reduction of over 20% on just these two factors. As we were wrapping up our meeting a friend of his stopped in and overheard some of our discussion and was interested in GPS for vehicle tracking.

The friend that joined us was a Finance Manager for a company that owned many car dealerships. He picked up on the basics of how the GPS Fleet Management System would benefit the cost monitoring efforts of the delivery fleet, I could see that he was growing interested and the wheels were churning on a problem that his organization was having. He explained that in his organization the number of delinquent loans had significantly increased over the past year. The increase was primarily due to the tough economic times that we are all well aware of. The Finance Manager went on to say that the dealerships were making efforts to work out alternative arrangements with their clients, but unfortunately in many cases the cars fell into a physical collection process, that I am sure no one plans on. His application for a GPS system was not about Fleet Management, but about a vehicle location service to locate their cars that were still under a finance obligation and the car needed to be collected. His application would require a GPS unit that could send out a location signal when requested. Ideally this would be a small unit that could be discreetly mounted in the vehicle and would stay active during the length of the contract.

This is not a typical application for the GPS Fleet Management System that we offer from Trimble. But I am interested in what you think about this type of potential monitoring during the length of a financial contract. Please contact us to discuss this or get information about how a Fleet Management System can help you.

Email Contact: Info@L2DataCollection.com

39 Reasons to Implement GPS Fleet Tracking

Here is a comprehensive list of 39 key ROIs for GPS Fleet Tracking.

1. Reduced time spent on paperwork (driver, manager, accounting).
2. More efficient routes and speeds resulting in lower mileage and lower fuel expense.
3. More efficient routing enables more services and deliveries to be completed.
4. More efficient routing and driving reduces idling times.
5. Ability to redirect or dispatch the closest resources.
6. Reduce unauthorized use of company vehicles.
7. Locate the nearest location of other company service vehicles that have an inventory of needed parts or equipment.
8. Reduction of employee fraud.
9. Ability to improve safe-driving habits and fuel-efficient driving habits.
10. Provide definitive proof of exactly where and when deliveries are made, preventing any disputes over arrival/departure times.
11. Rapid recovery of stolen vehicles.
12. Ability to document key performance metrics for employee recognition or retraining.
13. Poor driving habits can be eliminated or improved as fleet managers and owners audit driving habits and receive automated alerts for speeding with our GPS vehicle tracking systems.
14. Maintenance - Schedule, track and receive alerts for the maintenance of your fleet.
15. Sensors - Learn not only where your vehicles are, but what they're doing.
16. Mobile - Get and view vehicle locations and custom alerts on your phone.
17. Routing - View driving histories and plan more efficient routes.
18. Job dispatch and navigation - send jobs to your drivers, and provide voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions to route them with ease and efficiency.
19. Increased productivity as well as the improvement of your customers’ level of satisfaction by updating customers on delivery and service schedules.
20. More accurate delivery times and supply chain management by knowing where supplies and in transit inventory is located.
21. Insurance costs too are often lower since many insurance companies will provide lower premiums and better deals to fleets that use a vehicle tracking system.
22. Your vehicles standing time is reduced which can reduce your drivers overtime costs.
23. A full comparative analysis of your driver's effectiveness behind the wheel can be reported on from the data produced by a GPS tracking system.
24. Keep cost-effective driver logs on an automated basis. Reduce time spent on paperwork.
25. Meet long-haul trucking needs for computer-based input to state fuel tax calculations.
26. Communicate in writing, at any time, between dispatchers and drivers out in the field.
27. Extend life of service vehicles through better maintenance management and GPS alerts.
28. According to Aberdeen Group, small fleets saw an increase of 25% in the number of work orders completed per day after two years of GPS implementation.
29. GPS tracking technology has improved service companies’ ability to arrive at their customer’s service location on time. Small fleets have seen a 46% increase in this key metric.
30. Reduce private use of company vehicles, which reduces fuel and operational costs.
31. Timecard validation with GPS Fleet Tracking systems allow managers and owners to know when drivers arrive and leave job sites.
32. Rental and leasing companies are using GPS tracking to locate late and missing vehicles.
33. Service fleets and contractors use GPS tracking to eliminate employee moonlighting and side-jobs.
34. Service fleets and contracts have an automated location, date and time stamp as a proof-of-work record.
35. Heavy equipment fleets benefit from automatic maintenance reminders based upon operational times.
36. Compliance with work-alone safety legislation.
37. GPS tracking on heavy equipment can automatically report engine hours and mileage for customer billing which reduces paperwork and increases accuracy.
38. Government agencies can monitor the efficiency of city buses, sanitation trucks and other vehicles wirelessly—e.g., average speed, stops per day, stops per hour, daily mileage, etc, for analysis.
39. Make better fleet purchasing choices by analyzing brand, model and configuration performances based upon documented engine statistics, mileage, speeding, idling and more.

We at L2 Data Collection provide GPS Fleet Tracking solutions, traffic data and mobile data collection services. Please contact us if you would like to discuss any of these subjects with us.

Email Contact: Info@L2DataCollection.com

Trimble awarded Fleet Management Technologies Contract with the National Joint Powers Alliance!

I was excited to hear that Trimble was recently awarded a contract for a full line of services, equipment, software, accessories and supplies by the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA). As I understand it the NJPA is a “Co-op” that provides it members with enhanced purchasing power for programs, services and products commonly used by local governments, educational and non profit agencies in the USA. In other words they take advantage of the national volume pricing that can be achieved through its membership, and they perform this function utilizing guidelines and procedures that satisfy the bidding requirements of most states. There are over 28000 (and growing) NJPA members, and best of all, it is free to join the NJPA for qualified agencies.

This news is exciting to me because it quickens the process that local governments, highway districts and non profits use for evaluating the implementation of Fleet Management. In many of our meetings with these types of organizations, the response is an overwhelming yes to the need for an integrated GPS Fleet Management System. They recognize that this system provides the necessary information and reports to implement strategies to reduce, fuel usage, reduce overtime costs, report carbon emission savings, and monitor and reward safe operation of government or agency owned vehicles. In fact according to independent research from Aberdeen Group, organizations that implemented a GPS Fleet Management System reduced fuel cost by 22%! (How much is that for your organization?)

For more information regarding the NJPA and how your agency could benefit please visit their website www.njpacoop.org/LEARN/About/About_NJPA.html

If you would like to discuss GPS Fleet Management please contact us.

Email Contact: Info@L2DataCollection.com

Caltrain will Install GPS Tracking on Its Trains

San Francisco area riders of the Caltrain system will soon be able to check the real-time schedule of the trains. The Caltrain board of directors signed a $1.8 million deal on December 3 with a Maryland-based transportation firm to install GPS tracking technology in its trains. The transit operator will use the system to post expected arrival times of trains at all station platforms from San Francisco to San Jose online at 511.org and on the 511 phone system.

Caltrain will join other agencies such as BART, San Francisco Muni, and AC Transit in the East Bay in providing real-time arrival data to riders. SamTrans expects its $1.2 million GPS-enabled real-time delay system to begin running in March.

L2 Data Collection provides GPS Tracking Systems for small and medium size fleets. These systems enable the fleet managers to track the history and current status of all GPS enabled vehicles, including their location, path, speed and proximity to landmarks such as job sites. I guess we could also install these GPS Fleet Tracking systems in a train, but not many of our fleet manager customers in the NW have them.

I have complained before about delivery services that do not give you a good delivery estimate. Perhaps some day delivery services will think about providing better delivery estimates by implementing GPS fleet tracking systems that communicate with the end customer.

Railroads also use GPS solutions for construction and maintenance as this article that I recently wrote documents. In fact, I met with a large railroad in Melbourne, Australia to consult with them on a mobile solutions for rail road maintenance.

Email Contact: Info@L2DataCollection.com

Real Time Inspections with Integrated GPS and Geo-referenced Digital Photos

I came across this powerful case study today that documented the use of Trimble's Juno handheld computers and ESRI's ArcPad software to help assess and inspect the damage following the terrible fires that killed 173 people in Australia last year. Here is a quick summary of the inspection project to give you a perspective of the size of it.

By the time the project was complete, they searched 5,781 properties, conducted 3,352 separate searches on buildings, sheds, vehicles, and water tanks, took 9,600 photos using geo-referenced cameras, and sent 1,539 geo-referenced records from the Trimble Juno SC handhelds to the GIS server without a single problem.

One of the biggest problems that the police had was inspecting neighborhoods and communities that had been completely destroyed. There were no street signs, trees or other landmarks to help them determine their locations. They needed a different strategy for systematically inspecting areas. They determined that the use of GPS enabled mobile devices with mobile data collection software applications was the answer. Developers quickly created standardized inspection forms using an ArcPad applet for use on the Trimble Juno handheld computer.

After bodies were discovered in already inspected areas, the police were required to search all possible sites where missing people could possibly have taken cover. Detailed inspections that documented all search efforts and sites were added to the mix.

On-device maps helped them determine their location, and as each inspection on each parcel was completed, the parcel would change colors on the map. This helped all the groups involved to know exactly what inspections were completed, and which ones needed more work.

The Victoria Police were so impressed with the use of the Trimble Junos for mobile data collection, that they are now using them on patrols, inspections and other data collection projects. They are also planning to implement an entire GIS (geospatial information system) for the police force.

The Victoria police estimated that it took only a third of the time, using the Trimble Juno, that it would have using paper forms.

They used the Trimble Junos with integrated GPS and geo-referenced cameras that took photos with GPS coordinates included in the digital files. They created ArcPad applets for their inspection software and wireless synchronized this data with central database servers for real time visibility.

This is an excellent example of real time GPS tracking of inspections. We provide GPS fleet tracking software to give management real time and historical views into the use and locations of their high value mobile assets. Please contact us if you would like to discuss in more detail.

Email Contact: Info@L2DataCollection.com

GPS Fleet Tracking and ROI

A recent study by the Aberdeen Group documented a 23% increase in total number of service calls completed per day per technician in organizations with small fleets when GPS fleet tracking was installed in their vehicles.

This is a huge ROI!

If you are interested in discussing GPS Fleet Tracking solutions for your small or medium size fleet please contact us.

Email Contact: Info@L2DataCollection.com

GPS Vehicle Tracking for Teenagers

Insurance carrier Safeco now offers a GPS vehicle tracking system for teenagers that is designed to create a safer environment for young drivers while offering new levels of comfort for parents by installing a $14.99/month GPS vehicle tracking device and service in the teenager's vehicle. Safeco offers a 15% discount on insurance for teenagers using this solution.

If your teenager is costing at least $100/month in insurance, then this system can completely pay for itself.

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for 16 to 20 year-olds. Sixteen year olds are especially dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found drivers age 17 have roughly one-third less traffic accidents as 16 year olds. This system is designed to hold teenagers accountable to their parents for their driving habits, driving locations and speed.

Using a GPS-based device called the "Safety Beacon™" the program enables parents and teens to set speed, distance, location and curfew limitations. The system will notify parents by phone, text message or email when the teen exceeds a preset limit or ventures outside a designated area. Parents also can go online to get an exact location on the vehicle.

For teens, the program offers 24/7 roadside assistance and a remote door unlock feature.

Data gathered through the Safety Beacon is only accessible by parents and their teens. Individual driver information is not available to Safeco and will not be used to calculate individual rates.

We don't focus on selling GPS vehicle tracking to parents of teenagers, but we do sell GPS Fleet Tracking systems to any company that wants to better manage their company vehicles and fleets. If you would like to discuss this please contact us.

Email Contact: Info@L2DataCollection.com

GPS Graffiti Tracking Application

Here is another interesting use for GPS tracking. Police using digital cameras with GPS tracking snap pictures of graffiti, geotag it, and upload to a database. Graffiti experts, I wonder if that is a degree, review the graffiti much like a handwriting analyst. They try to identify the artist/vandal and identify his/her area of operation as best they can.

Once this artist/vandal is captured they then try to connect them to as many pieces of art/vandalism as possible.

TAGRS is designed for city, state and federal government agencies that administer and maintain data for taggers. TAGRS is the only commercial data management solution designed specifically for law enforcement agencies. Its intent is to monitor the frequency of graffiti and to establish patterns that will assist in the deployment of resources and conviction of the offender.

It is a database where graffiti crimes can be inputted, recorded and tracked. It is photo-based which allows pictures of the graffiti or known offenders to be posted for quick analysis and suspect identification. It is equipped with GPS mapping. The program is designed for the gathering and sharing of information which could lead to the detection of the graffiti offender. In short, it is an important tool in the recording, tracking and identification of graffiti crimes and offenders. We design, build and deploy TAGRS which allows varying levels of access to government information online via either Secure Intranet or Internet access.

We don't track graffiti, but if you would like to discuss GPS Fleet Tracking please contact us.

Email Contact: Info@L2DataCollection.com

GPS Fleet Tracking and Stolen Vehicles

There was a very interesting article on CNN today about a Senator's daughter that was carjacked in Washington DC, but the vehicle was quickly recovered in a Taco Bell parking lot because it had a GPS tracking system in it.

Washington (CNN) -- Sen. Bob Corker says his daughter is fine but "really sore" after being pulled from her car and thrown to the ground in a carjacking in the nation's capital.

The Tennessee Republican said his 22-year-old daughter, Julia, stopped the family's 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe not far from their apartment -- just nine blocks from the U.S. Capitol building -- to help someone she thought needed directions Wednesday night.

"A gentleman appeared, opened the door, grabbed her by the neck," the senator told CNN on Thursday. "She kicked to try to get away ... and he threw her on the pavement and drove away."

A short time later, two suspects were taken into custody in a parking lot in Seat Pleasant, Maryland. Corker credited the vehicle's OnStar service with helping to find it.

OnStar is a navigation and tracking system that General Motors installs in its new vehicles.

L2 Data Collection provides GPS Fleet Tracking systems for commercial fleets and heavy equipment. Contact us if you would like to brainstorm or discuss this topic.

Email Contact: Info@L2DataCollection.com

Real-Time Location Systems and GPS Fleet Tracking

In this blog we spend most of our time exploring GPS Fleet Tracking, however, it is also good to look at similar technologies outside of fleet tracking to gain a better understanding of asset tracking. In a recent study described in this article the use of a real-time location system (RTLS) at Southeastern Regional Medical Center indicates the RFLS technology can save hospitals hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, improve clinical outcomes and boost staff morale.

The study by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), analyzed the use of an RTLS system at the Lumberton, N.C. hospital. The system was used to track mobile medical equipment. It saved the hospital nearly $750,000 in indirect costs, as well as reducing the time spent by staff in searching for medical equipment by 96 percent

RTLS systems are being deployed in hospitals around the country to keep track all kinds of medical equipment, from beds and wheelchairs to crash carts and IV stands. Such systems, employing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, allow staff to quickly locate equipment in an emergency and cut down on wasteful uses or lost items that can delay treatment and effective patient outcomes and staff efficiencies.

The study also found that clinical engineering staff reduced time spent searching for equipment, while preventive maintenance for tagged equipment improved from a monthly rate of 90 percent to a consistent 100 percent. Color-coded icons on the computer screen can also identify items available, in use and in need of cleaning.

The concepts behind tracking medical equipment and assets in a hospital is similar to that of a fleet manager tracking their mobile assets across a region using GPS tracking technologies. The fleet manager also wants to know where their mobile assets are located, when and how they are used and when maintenance is required.

If you would like to discuss the GPS tracking of equipment or fleets please contact us.

Email Contact: Info@L2DataCollection.com

GPS Tracking Underwear for Very Strange People

A Brazilian company LindeLucy Lingerie has just put out a collection of underwear called “Find Me If You Can.” Each of the pieces are equipped with a built-in, pager-sized GPS system that allows those with the password to track your whereabouts online. It retails for $800 to $1,100.

Do I dare comment?

OK, for those of you who are more interested in tracking the location of your employees than tracking your fleets or equipment, you finally have a solution. You can buy all of your mobile workforce underwear, and as long as they are wearing it, and the batteries are good, you can know their location.

Don't ask how they wash it!

If you would like to discuss GPS tracking lingerie, please don't call us. If you would like to discuss GPS fleet tracking solutions please contact us!!!

Email Contact: Info@L2DataCollection.com

ClickSoftware and GPS Fleet Tracking

Last week a software company called ClickSoftware launched a new Mobile Enterprise Application Platform (MEAP) called the Mobility Suite. This application is intended to make it faster, easier and less expensive to develop custom mobile applications.

It is interesting to note how ClickSoftware is including GPS fleet tracking in their feature lists now days. They don't provide the GPS equipment or service, they are simply integrating the data from these systems into their back-office application. Here is how ClickSoftware describes it in their press release:

ClickSoftware has combined years of mobile application experience with the latest functional and technical developments to create a step change in mobile enterprise applications. The Mobility Suite has been designed to enable system administrators to easily configure the system to comply with any business requirement without requiring expensive coding or programming skills.

Paper can be eliminated, business processes shortened and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tracked with electronic capture of data through forms, barcodes, RFID, and cameras. Real time location monitoring also provides visibility of mobile operations, allowing organizations to see where resources are, what they are doing, and spot and resolve connection problems.

All this information, in combination with the latest mobile technology, gives rise to some exciting possibilities across all business functions. Accurate expected time of arrival notifications (triggered as a result of real-time activities and location) can be automatically sent via SMS to customers. This means that the end client can plan their day around more important commitments, rather than waiting for hours at home for the engineer to arrive.

GPS fleet management is an important component of a field service management application.

Email Contact: Info@L2DataCollection.com