Protecting Your Fleet: Vehicle Tracking Tips for Small to Medium Sized Fleets

By: Richard A. Harris
Submitted: 2007-01-17 11:31:17
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Anyone with a small to medium sized fleet of vehicles is probably well aware of the costs associated with traditional fleet tracking systems. These costs are often prohibitive for all but the largest fleets, making it even harder for small and medium sized fleets to operate efficiently and cost effectively.

There are ways, though, for smaller fleets to use vehicle tracking to their advantage. The most important thing to do is look at all of the options available and find the technology that provides the most value for the money invested.

Look for innovative technology
When GPS tracking first became widely available, it represented a wholesale change in vehicle tracking technology. So, too, does the latest technological innovation represent the “next big thing” in vehicle tracking and protection.

You might think that the latest technology would be more expensive rather than less expensive compared to traditional systems, but this is not always the case. One example is the proactive vehicle tracking and protection system known as AutoAlert. It is the newest generation of tracking technology that monitors a vehicle proactively, 24/7, and can actually alert the vehicle owner right away if there is a problem.

This system uses a small tracking unit in the vehicle and a web-based interface that is accessible by mobile telephone, laptop computer, or PC. There is no additional infrastructure required and there are no monthly subscription fees. In this case, new technology not only performs better but it is also more cost effective.

Consider up front and ongoing costs
For the small and medium sized fleet operator, it can be difficult to get past the “sticker shock” of the up front costs associated with vehicle tracking systems. And quite often, this barrier is substantial enough to prevent those operators from moving forward with vehicle tracking. For those who can get past the up front costs, the ongoing costs represent the next challenge. Monthly subscription fees and ongoing labor for a central call center are the largest expenditures that can be foreseen.

These same operators will see quite a few differences in the costs associated with the newest tracking systems. The vehicle units themselves are reasonably priced and there is no need for new infrastructure, making the up front costs much less. As for ongoing costs, the biggest difference is seen in subscription fees. The newest systems, such as AutoAlert, do not require a monthly subscription fee and therefore cost much less to operate over the long term.

Richard Harris is a vehicle telecommunications expert who has developed an innovative vehicle tracking system. He advises on vehicle tracking, and a range of information can be found at http://www.autoalert-alarms.co.uk/customer_badvice.jsp

Article source: Expert Articles