The same system that is used in our smartphones can also be installed in heavy equipment to allow a real-time view of its transient life cycle. GPS tracking is a means of making sure you are always aware of the exact coordinates of all the equipment involved on a job site. If something is stolen late or worse, immediate action can be taken to prevent further loss.

This type of technology is popular in a variety of industries, including the following:

• Building
• Manufacturing
• utilities
• Infrastructure and roads
• landscaping
• farming
• Shipping and Logistics
• Restaurants and food trucks
• motoring trailers

GPS tracking technology (also known as telematics) can help measure the health of your system to make sure it’s always running at peak performance levels. Any job involving heavy equipment can be a large investment, so having a system for all the checks and balances in managing a project’s assets is critical. The following are some of the ways that telematics is benefiting businesses right now:

Tracing

The best means of safeguarding your assets is to track them at every step of the project. A GPS tracker allows a business to locate equipment and monitor how it is being managed in real time. The unit typically attaches unobtrusively to each piece of equipment and is rugged and weather resistant.

Loss prevention

The true purpose of telematics tracking capabilities is loss management. A huge problem in every industry, heavy equipment theft can stop a project and cost a company millions of dollars. Options like a “boot disable” in GPS tracking technology allow a business to immobilize equipment remotely and prevent further theft.

Time management

Tracking capabilities extend beyond equipment theft. It also allows a business to monitor how its assets are deployed and how employees manage their time. This allows for better scheduling and overall planning. In addition, it helps to avoid losses in terms of driver overtime, since the system knows exactly when the equipment is activated 24 hours a day.

instant alerts

GPS monitoring software will also alert you with real-time equipment updates throughout your project lifecycle. Automated SMS and emails can tell you things like:

Deliveries received and completed
compliance violations
Use of unauthorized equipment
geofence alerts

Although tracking is the obvious benefit of GPS technology, telematics can also help you maintain the life of your equipment.

Maintenance

Modern asset management involves programs that keep an eye on your equipment at levels that the human eye is incapable of. GPS tracking technology not only allows staff to efficiently locate and manage equipment, but can also report on performance. The software will analyze metrics such as:

Engine hours and usage
Inventory
idling equipment
fuel use
workplace management
component management

Using these types of data points, a GPS tracking program can inform and recommend a preventative maintenance schedule that will extend the life cycle of your equipment.

Accurate reports on past service, mileage, and engine hours can help plan future projects and necessary maintenance. When looking for top-tier GPS tracking equipment, a system that works without a power source (and a 2-6 month battery backup) is your best bet.

Reports
The most underused, yet highly valuable aspect of GPS tracking is intelligent reporting. Detailed monthly reports can help keep track of the best performing equipment and where to focus repairs.

Technology can also help notify you when equipment needs regular maintenance to keep it running at peak performance. Vehicle maintenance notifications always ensure that regulations and standards are followed.

Fleet management software, such as GPS tracking, can also dig deeper and help determine if assets are being used to their full potential and where to cut back. This type of data enables smarter decisions that translate into greater cost and labor savings.

GPS tracking technology solves some of the age-old challenges of managing heavy equipment. It gives business owners the ability to sit like a “fly on the wall” from every piece of equipment they own. This allows for greater control of things like loss prevention, efficient use, inventory control, and labor management.