| "body"> | | | | ill-informed and perhaps a little over-eager to join |
| The supply and maintenance of vehicle tracking | | | | a technological revolution they know little about. |
| systems for fleet management has become big | | | | Approved operators would have to meet strict |
| business in the last few years. With the advent of | | | | criteria concerning hardware quality and after-care |
| more up to date GPS tracking and smaller, vehicle | | | | service standards. Although not yet inforced, |
| mounted GPS devices, it is now easier than ever | | | | questioning your supplier on their opinion of the |
| for a fleet manager to keep an accurate log of | | | | scheme may give you a little insight into their |
| the whereabouts of all of the vehicles on their | | | | commitment to provide a comprehensive and |
| fleet. However, choosing a reputable dealer has | | | | quality service. |
| become increasingly hard because of the | | | | Where's the warranty? |
| inevitable attraction of a fast buck to some less | | | | Both hardware and software should be covered |
| than honest vehicle tracking system suppliers. | | | | by a warranty that includes generic updates and |
| To make sure that the dealer you choose is the | | | | continuing after-sales servicing. If the warranty |
| right one for your business, there are a few | | | | has 'escape' clauses, the provider (and the |
| questions you can ask first before selecting your | | | | equipment) may prove to be unreliable, which can |
| provider. | | | | be costly. |
| Are they here for the long haul? | | | | At the next junction, turn left... |
| Ask your potential vehicle tracking system | | | | Don't get mesmerised by a wonderful collection of |
| supplier for a list of other customers. | | | | onboard maps, moving location dots on a screen |
| Recommendations from existing customers are | | | | and fancy software. That's only a small part of |
| gold in any business, and it's just as important in | | | | the capabilities of good vehicle tracking devices. A |
| modern GPS network supply as in any other field. | | | | good system should be able to provide you with |
| From talking to other customers you can find out | | | | a wealth of additional data including such features |
| what their after-care service is like, whether the | | | | as unauthorised mileage reports, out-of-hours |
| company is flexible and has an established | | | | activity, speed of vehicles, programmable route |
| research and development programme (making | | | | planning and even silent alarms that are activated |
| sure that they're not going to use your fleet as a | | | | when the vehicle is supposed to be stationary |
| 'guinea pig' to try out a new system) and that | | | | (indicating possible theft). |
| they're reputable. | | | | Is it right for your business? |
| Show me the money... | | | | It is essential that you stay in control of the |
| Ask to see their accounts. This is a sure way of | | | | solution offered to you. Fleet management is a |
| knowing if a company is reputable or not. Just | | | | complex business, and you know the |
| looking at their advertising literature isn't enough - | | | | requirements and needs of your fleet far better |
| anyone can have a glossy brochure printed up - is | | | | than the GPS vehicle tracking supplier. An |
| the company behind the blurb reliable? | | | | off-the-shelf system may seem like a cheaper |
| TrustMark | | | | option, but it could tie you in with a supplier who |
| The major players in vehicle tracking and GPS | | | | cannot grow with your business and cannot |
| tracking devices are currently lobbying the | | | | provide you with the information you want. Know |
| Department for Business, Enterprise and | | | | exactly what you want from your system before |
| Regulatory Reform to introduce a 'TrustMark' | | | | you begin the search for a supplier. |
| initiative for the industry. The TrustMark initiative | | | | The emphasis is on the fleet manager to research |
| has been used successfully in other industries such | | | | carefully beforehand and draw up a business plan |
| as building, raising standards and marking out | | | | indicating exactly what they expect a GPS |
| companies that take on the initiative as reliable | | | | system to achieve for your business, how much |
| and dependable. The vehicle tracking industry has | | | | you are prepared to invest and a list of potential |
| attracted some unscrupulous businesses, all looking | | | | suppliers. Only then can you make an informed |
| to make a quick profit from customers who are | | | | choice as to which is the best supplier to choose. |