How is GPS Tracking System a Boon for the Construction Industry?

Posted by Noah Oliver on December 3rd, 2018

More and more construction companies are welcoming the GPS vehicle tracking system. It has turned into a versatile solution to many of the fleet management challenges that these firms have been facing for many years now. Here are six reasons why construction business should switch to GPS tracking system and reap its benefits.

Cut down on fuel expenses

With the skyrocketing fuel price, it is always a welcome aid for fleet managers to use reliable fuel-saving method or technology. GPS tracking assists greatly to reduce the fuel costs in numerous ways. By monitoring the idling time of the vehicles, drivers can be instructed to turn off the engine when not in use. A typical truck burns about a gallon of fuel per hour at idle. With GPS one can track idle time, helping fleet managers monitor and rectify this behaviour. The drivers can also be checked for over-speeding, vehicle abuse and using company vehicle for non- business purpose.

Another effective method to reduce fuel consumption is by route optimisation. Using GPS, a dispatcher can keep an eye on the locations of all fleet vehicles at a glance. This can aid in deciding the most efficient routes. Apart from this, it also is of great help to cut down on the chances of lost drivers and in case if it still happens, the GPS can aid in getting back the lost driver on the route in less time.

Increases employees’ accountability

As mentioned earlier, that GPS can save fuel by reducing unauthorised vehicle use, it means the drivers or the employees are aware that they are under the watch. This sense of being under surveillance can significantly increase their productivity by making them more accountable. Similarly, GPS tracking method can also boost answerability by tracking time spent by each vehicle at each location. Such information turns part of the permanent record for the vehicle as well as for the employee. Thus, it makes the employees more cautious about taking long breaks or submitting false overtime request as they know they are being monitored.

Helps get back the stolen or lost assets

One can prevent asset and vehicle theft by installing the system. For example, if a truck is equipped with a GPS device it can be recovered or spotted at a moment’s notice and its movement can be seen live on the monitor. It would help the police to trace it and get it dispatched to the vehicle’s exact location. Fleet tracking devices installed on off-road vehicles, generators and other equipment can cut down the amount of time spent locating for misplaced items. Even affixing tracking device onto a piece of inventory can also prevent inventory theft cases.

Manages projects

GPS tracker reports critical factors such as location, time stamp, and speed. All such inputs can also give insights into productivity, helping you to assure that the construction project instead of lagging behind is running on schedule. For example, a simple task like tracking a vehicle’s progress to guarantee your equipment is where it needs to be, at the needed time and thus, construction projects can be managed competently and remotely.

Safety and regulation

According to a survey, nearly half of the vehicle-related construction deaths take place on streets and highways. By keeping a watchful eye on the drivers' behaviour, fleet managers can take steps to slow down speeding, applying sudden brakes, sudden acceleration and other hazardous driving behaviour. GPS vehicle tracking also help comply the Police and roads and transport authority regulations.