Top 4 Reasons a GPS Tracking Initiative Can Fail.
GPS tracking is a proven winner for getting more from your fleet. However, there can be issues that can make your GPS tracking initiative fail.
Whether you are implementing GPS tracking for the first time or changing providers, four common challenges cause people to give up on the technology before they get the chance to experience the benefits.
If you approach these problems with a strategic mindset, you’ll set yourself up for success.
Bad Installation
Poor installations are the number-one reasons GPS tracking implementations fail. Whether devices are installed incorrectly or your fleet experiences more downtime than expected, issues that occur during device installations can cause major headaches.
Fortunately, Plug-and-Play (PNP) devices are becoming more common. If your vehicle can accept a PNP device in its diagnostic port, installation is easy. Of course, vehicles aren’t the only mobile asset you might need to track. Installing GPS tracking devices in trailers and other mobile assets is more involved, and getting it done right is critical. 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 device, 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.
No Point Person Assigned
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’s 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, many processes can be automated going forward.
No Defined Goal
Goal setting is heavily anchored in approaching a GPS tracking initiative from a strategic mindset.
ROI is vital, and it’s impossible to measure ROI if you don’t have a defined goal. This might lead decision makers to question why you have GPS tracking at all a bit further down the road.
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.
Failure to Get Employee Buy-In
At this point, most employees accept GPS tracking as part of the job. But there are still some who view it as Big Brother.
Explain why you’re implementing GPS tracking or switching solutions. Show what measurable results you want to achieve, and how they can be part of it.
Also, explain how using GPS tracking benefits them directly. Show your drivers how the technology will positively affect the business with ROI. Finally, have a driver policy in place explaining how the GPS data will be used.
Final Thoughts on Starting a Great GPS Tracking Initiative
Ultimately, a GPS tracking initiative relies on communication. Making sure installations are done correctly the first time, selecting a point person to take responsibility for 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.
