When it comes to logistics, the most important thing to consider is efficiency. The logistics sector is focused on moving and storing goods in the most cost-efficient manner possible. This means keeping a close watch on vehicles, inventory, and equipment to ensure that they are being used and moved in a way that minimizes expense.
That said, the other main consideration is safety and security. The logistics industry inherently comes with risk. There are large vehicles to move things around, and the equipment used to load, unload, and warehouse goods can be heavy and dangerous to operate.
However, there is a solution that can help with both safety and efficiency in the logistics sector.
What is GPS Tracking?
The acronym GPS stands for the global positioning system. It means that if something is attached to a GPS tracker, it can be located in real-time no matter where it is in the world.
The usage for this is most commonly seen with fleets of vehicles. Business owners can track where their vehicles are at all times, and where they’ve been. That means being able to check on routes and test out which ones are the most efficient.
GPS asset tracking solutions are becoming more widely used for equipment and inventory as well as vehicles. Heavy equipment, fuel tanks, trailers, containers, and anything else can be integrated with a tracker.
Management can keep track of where everything is in real-time, and even monitor the usage of motorized equipment. Along with monitoring where things are, GPS tracking also helps to ensure safety in several ways. Here are some of the most important.
Driver Habits
Semi-trucks are the biggest vehicles on the road. They travel at high speeds, and they can carry loads that weigh several tons. An accident with a truck will almost always lead to serious damage, injuries, and even death.
Not to mention blocking off the highway with a mess that takes hours to clean up. Since they are the most dangerous vehicles, it’s crucial that truck drivers practice safe driving habits at all times.
One thing that GPS technology allows trucking companies to do is monitor driver behavior. Drivers know they are being monitored, and should therefore make sure that they are following all of the rules of the road, as well as being safe at all times.
GPS tracking will monitor for speeding and broken traffic laws. Drivers must also follow strict hours limits to ensure they are not driving while tired. GPS tracking monitors how long a vehicle is in operation so that management knows if they have gone over.
Safety Alerts and Blocking
Driving a truck is a lonely job. You are out on the roads with nobody to talk to carrying valuable goods. Unfortunately, this can make it a dangerous profession. Drivers can be robbed of their personal effects and their loads.
GPS tracking systems can help prevent these situations. If the vehicle has a safety switch installed with the GPS device, the driver can alert the dispatcher if there is a safety or security issue.
The dispatcher can then quickly dispatch the police to get there as soon as possible. Plus, they can also remotely block the engine from being turned on if it gets turned off. This means that a would-be thief will not be able to turn the vehicle on if they are trying to steal it.
Maintenance Alerts
Proper maintenance is vital to operating a fleet of vehicles. The fact is, paying for regular maintenance is much more affordable than paying for repairs. However, improper maintenance can also be a safety issue.
For instance, if vehicles or equipment are not maintained, it could lead to breakdowns and injuries, depending on what the malfunction is. Plus, if a vehicle breaks down, the driver could end up stranded in an unsafe place.
Equipment Monitoring
Monitoring equipment is mostly for protection against theft. Even if something is stolen it can be quickly recovered and returned. This also means that employees don’t have to feel like they have to physically protect equipment and assets if they confront a criminal.
Equipment monitoring will also track operator usage to make sure that they are not going over their hours, and that the equipment is operating as it should.
Insurance Premiums
GPS tracking has been shown by some estimates to reduce accidents by 20%. This is an astounding number, and insurance companies have taken notice. By installing GPS tracking solutions on your vehicles and equipment, you can expect a healthy discount on your insurance.
While this isn’t something that makes it physically safer, it is an indication that having GPS provides safety benefits. It also helps you cover your employees properly by paying lower premiums.
If you aren’t already, installing GPS tracking devices on your vehicles and equipment can provide a wealth of benefits. Not only will it make your fleet more efficient and cost-effective, but it will also help everyone be safer on the road and at the warehouse.