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There are many benefits to using GPS tracking in your fleet operations. However, there can be issues that arise that cause the initiative to fail. Whether you are looking to implement GPS tracking for the first time or looking to change providers, there are four common challenges to be aware of that cause people to give up on the technology before they get the chance to experience the benefits.

To ensure your organization experiences success with GPS tracking, it’s important to approach the initiative with a strategic mindset and select a provider that will act as your partner to help avoid these common challenges. In this article, we’ll explore how to avoid the pitfalls that cause GPS tracking initiatives to fail so that your implementation is a successful one.

Poor Installation Experience
Poor installations are the main struggle organizations face that cause GPS tracking implementations to fail. Whether devices are installed incorrectly or if your fleet experiences more downtime than expected – issues that occur during device installations can cause major headaches during and after implementation. For a smooth installation experience, it’s important to only perform self-installations if your team is qualified in the specific GPS tracking device installation type you are implementing to your vehicles, trailers, or other mobile assets. Installing a device incorrectly can cause reporting issues, such as reporting inaccurate data. If you decide that professional installations are the best fit for your organization, make sure to properly plan for vehicle downtime by communicating with the installers. Some GPS tracking providers will help coordinate your installation with a third-party network of professional installers to streamline the process and limit vehicle downtime.

Not Assigning a Point Person
Not assigning a project lead to oversee the GPS tracking program is another reason that this initiative can fail. Without a point person tasked with spearheading the GPS tracking initiative, important tasks get overlooked and missed (i.e. installations). Even after installations, the technology can get left by the wayside without a point person holding people accountable with the data and making sure they understand how to use the software. This leads to not receiving the full benefits and return on investment (ROI) of the software. Having a point person doesn’t mean you have to hire someone full-time as a GPS tracking administrator. However, it is important to assign someone in your organization to be responsible for the implementation and ongoing use of the technology. At the very least, if someone can ensure a successful initial implementation, a lot of processes can be automated going forward.

A Lack of Goal Setting
Goal setting is heavily anchored in approaching a GPS tracking initiative from a strategic mindset. A lack of goal setting will lead to limited or no ROI. If there is not a clear understanding of why your organization is implementing the technology and how it will be used, then people within your organization wonder why they have GPS tracking at all. A best practice is to have planned quarterly and/or yearly goals in place with metrics to guide you along the way. Having a review of where you stand in the same frequency (quarterly and/or yearly) will help keep you on track and even identify new areas of opportunity to focus. This can include quarterly account reviews with your dedicated Account Manager.

Introducing GPS Tracking to Employees
Communication is key in any kind of implementation. If it’s not explained why you are implementing the technology, it can cause a feeling of distrust with the drivers (Big Brother), which leads to the drivers finding ways to tamper with/disconnect devices. To introduce GPS tracking to your employees in such a way to get their buy-in, you should be open and transparent about the technology. Tell them that you will be using the technology before implementing it. Explain how using GPS tracking benefits them directly. Show your drivers how the technology will affect the business in a positive way with ROI. Lastly, have a driver policy in place explaining how the GPS data will be used.

Successful GPS Tracking Initiatives & You
Ultimately, a GPS tracking initiative relies on communication. Making sure installations are done correctly the first time, selecting a point person to take responsibility of implementation and ongoing use, making goals of what you want to achieve with the system, and introducing it to your employees in the best way to get their buy-in will lead to a successful GPS tracking initiative that will yield the highest results.

Source: GPS Insight. https://www.gpsinsight.com/blog/top-4-reasons-gps-tracking-initiatives-fail.