There are a lot of different options to keep in mind when purchasing GPS tracking software. The following is a list of the top items to evaluate before choosing your GPS tracking vendor.
How Much GPS Tracking Data Do You Need
If you only want to see where your vehicles are on a map, the cheapest solution is probably your best option. If you are looking for in-depth analysis of your fleet operations and a high return on your investment, you need to look for a company with a lot of functionality and a means to prove a high ROI to you, not just promise it.
Customer Service Quality
Good customer service is key when trying to setup, manage, and understand the best GPS tracking software. Like with any software, there can be frequent questions or additional training needed, of which you will want immediate help with. No one wants long hold times or foreign customer service reps that are hard to understand, don’t really know the product, or read from a script. Make sure they have a US-based and well trained staff of product experts that are available to you when you need them. Make sure the support team is available to you 24/7/365 as well. How upset would you be if you needed help and no one was in the office to answer your questions? GPS tracking software is your insight into fleet operations, so it is vital that help be available to you when you need it. Customer service should be a very important factor in the decision process, so be sure you to keep it in mind.
Reporting Capabilities
For the most part, every company gets the same data from a GPS tracking device, it’s a matter of how they analyze that data and present it to you that makes the difference. Most companies have the same basic reports, but it is the advanced reporting that separates the ‘good’ vendors from the ‘great’ vendors. It’s good practice to know all of the data you need to have before you start your search for GPS tracking vendors.
GPS Tracking Software Customizations
Make sure the GPS tracking software you choose can be highly customized so that you have access to the information you need, when you need it, the way you want to see it. Every fleet is different, so one size definitely does not fit all in this case. If all you get is what comes “out-of-the-box”, maybe you should keep looking.
Software Integrations
Everything is connected these days. Many companies need their accounting, ERP, mapping, dispatch, and CRM systems to exchange information. GPS tracking software must be able to exchange information as well. Find out how much help the vendor will provide for the integration. Also, find out if the vendor charges for the integration.
