Cell Phone vs. Vehicle Installed GPS Tracking
Get the Right Tools to Track Your FleetIntroduction
There is a common misconception that vehicle-installed and cell phone GPS tracking systems are practically the same technology, but they are actually very different. There are many GPS-enabled applications, like field service and workforce management software, that use GPS data from cell phones as their main source of location information. It is important to recognize that cell phone tracking information is not the same as what you will receive from vehicle-installed GPS tracking devices.

Which Technology is Best?
To decide which type of system will provide the information you need, think about what you are trying to accomplish with GPS tracking.
Are you looking to track the movements of employees from job site to job site, or just have mobile time cards with location information? If so, then cell phone GPS tracking might be the right way to go. However, if you are looking to monitor productivity, reduce fuel usage, optimize miles driven, improve maintenance scheduling, and increase safety, a vehicle-installed GPS tracking system is likely the right choice for your business.
Find out why the lure of a cheaper, cell phone GPS system could be a disaster in the making, the potential disadvantages of a cell phone-based system to your business, and why vehicle-installed GPS tracking provides more reliable and valuable information.
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“Can’t We Just Do That
With a Cell Phone App?”
If you are looking for a less expensive GPS tracking option and are not aware of the key differentiators between these two technologies you might be thinking, “Can’t we basically get the same information at a lower cost from a cell phone GPS tracking system?”
Boldly stated, you will not receive the same level of information with this type of platform because you are tracking a cell phone, not the vehicle itself. It is strongly advised that you do not choose any type of technology based on price if it doesn’t supply the information you need.

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The Disadvantages of Cell Phone GPS Tracking Systems
Now that we have piqued your interest, let’s discuss the disadvantages to using a cell phone GPS tracking system.
There are many differences in capability between the technologies that will result in substantial disadvantages, even some you might not suspect. Fleets that select a cell phone GPS tracking system are likely to have a difficult time holding drivers accountable for their actions and performance, have unreliable data, fall behind competitively, and have no visibility into your costly challenges.
Less Driver Accountability
“Can You Hear Me Now?”
Your Competitors Will Leave You in the Dust!
No Visibility into Costly Challenges
There’s An App for That
Receive Fleet Intelligence with Vehicle-Installed GPS Tracking
As we all know, cell phones are our main tool for communication these days and have great GPS for directions and current location, but they are not developed for high-quality fleet management. Using a vehicle-installed GPS tracking system is much more than just location updates; it is true fleet intelligence. Vehicle-installed GPS tracking applications will give your fleet the ability to reduce costs, reduce risk, and increase revenue.

According to a recent Bobit Business Media research study, the #1 fleet cost for most businesses is fuel.
One of the most significant savings fleets experience with a vehicle-installed GPS tracking system is a reduction in fuel expenses. This is achieved by monitoring fuel usage and taking action to make sure vehicles are not excessively idling, speeding, or being driven more than allowed or necessary. Cell phone-based systems do not have the ability to track or report on any fuel information about your vehicles, so it is essentially impossible to receive the same type savings.
Improving safety takes GPS tracking software from a “nice to have” technology, to an essential resource for your fleet operations.
You will be able to advance your safety procedures, respond faster in the event of an emergency, monitor driver behavior, and ensure vehicles and equipment are safe to operate, which will profoundly reduce risk for both your drivers and the public. Cell phone GPS tracking platforms will not allow you to improve safety in any of these aspects, or provide any other significant safety benefits. When your employees’ safety is at stake; having the best resources available to ensure their well-being is a critical responsibility.
Using vehicle-installed GPS tracking systems don’t just reduce costs and risk; they will also drive revenue for your fleet.
One of the most effective ways to increase revenue with a vehicle-installed GPS tracking platform is by completing more jobs because your team is more productive with their time. Vehicle-installed GPS tracking technology will increase dispatch and route efficiency so your drivers are able to arrive at the job site sooner. This type of system can also be used to ensure employees are being as productive as possible once they are at the job. Stay on top time spent on the job site and track late arrivals to keep drivers on schedule throughout the day. By maximizing the workday, your fleet will be able to complete more jobs and increase revenue.