Installing GPS Fleet Tracking Solutions

You’ve purchased a GPS fleet tracking solution, and now you are ready to roll it out on your vehicles and assets. How do you ensure a successful and smooth implementation? A rollout of fleet or asset tracking devices can bring down your productivity if not executed correctly. So, let’s look at the elements that will ensure a problem-free implementation. There are three main elements of every GPS fleet and asset tracking device deployment: the number of vehicles and assets, the time frame for installation and the location of the installation.

If the deployment is small, you may need only an installer or two. However, if you’re a large business with multiple locations, you may need 12 installers or a dedicated project team to get the job done in the time frame allocated. The quality of the installer is important. Make sure that your provider has a nationwide network of installers so they can get to your site quickly, and make sure that your installer is MECP certified to handle the devices. A fast rollout doesn’t mean anything if the GPS tracking devices are installed incorrectly and are delivering unreliable performance.

Your GPS fleet management provider should have a professional services organization to implement your tracking solution quickly and should be knowledgeable about the construction business and potential problems that might arise. Look for a professional services team that tailors the tracking solution and its implementation to your needs. No business is the same, and different logistical issues arise with each implementation.

For example, in the construction industry, asset utilization is critical. If your assets aren’t moving, you aren’t generating any revenue. If you rent out some of your assets, that adds another level of complexity. Do you install where the asset is located? These elements and others need to be considered before forging ahead.

Your GPS fleet tracking provider should understand that rollout lifecycles vary tremendously based on location of installation, complexity of installation, variation of vehicle, number of devices and time-of-day expectations for the installation. It is common for installations to occur after hours or over the weekend to ensure no disruption of your business. Many companies take a staggered approach and install on vehicles and assets that aren’t currently being used.

A typical tracking solution installation plan includes a scope of work, a project plan, a pilot, the deployment of the devices, testing of the devices and ongoing support after the rollout. The first step is to gather requirements to develop a statement of work that both parties sign off on.

Next, you should look for a project plan. This is the who, what, where and when. Establish dates, location, vehicle data and who is going to manage the project on each side. You can then move on to the pilot phase. In this phase, your provider should create a best-practice installation plan for your business, develop an installation guide and test all use-case scenarios.

After the pilot phase, it’s time for deployment. The deployment phase is the point at which you and your provider create the rollout schedule and gather any additional data needed. Your provider should provision the appropriate devices and ship the product to the installation sites. Certified installers are important to this process—the more knowledgeable they are, the quicker they can work and ensure the devices are reported back to your GPS fleet and asset tracking solution correctly.

At this point, it’s time to test the devices and make sure that you and your team members understand how to use the fleet-tracking solution. Any GPS fleet management provider should conduct training, either onsite or online, to make sure your employees are comfortable with the solution and the devices. Your project manager should validate the data in your system to ensure that all of the devices are reporting back valid information. Sometimes devices need to be replaced, re-installed or “pinged” within the system to get an accurate reading.

It’s important to note the devices themselves. In the construction business, devices need to be rugged to withstand elements such as dust, vibration and water. Ask your provider if the devices are IP 66, 67 and 69 compliant. The Ingress Protection Rating (IP) classifies and rates the degree of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, accidental contact and water in mechanical casings and with electrical enclosures. Your hardware should be intrinsically safe and externally mountable with the option of having it battery powered. The installer should know which hardware devices are needed to help you reduce operational costs. 

Integrating the GPS data into your business processes is crucial. What goals do you want to achieve? What key performance metrics do you want to track? A successful implementation doesn’t end when the last device is installed. The assigned project manager should work with customers to ensure that they can track the data that compelled them to make the purchase in the first place. Can you accurately track “engine on” hours for your assets rented out? This functionality is important to ensure accurate billing and to monitor regular wear on your assets. Your provider should schedule routine checkups to ensure you are getting the most out of your GPS fleet tracking software and devices.

So, now your implementation is complete. Is the partnership over? If the GPS fleet tracking provider is a good one, no. Implementations are not a one-time deal. New employees come on board who need to be trained, devices need to be replaced and ongoing customer support needs to be maintained. You should have more than a provider; you should have a business partner.