Vehicle tracking systems are attaining traction in India, meeting efficiency and safety in transportation. Yet, the road to successful implementation is full of obstacles. Common mistakes can lead to several challenges and unexpected costs.
This blog guides you through implementing a vehicle tracking system, highlighting the essential do’s and don’ts to avoid common pitfalls.
Transport tracking is a user-friendly software for monitoring vehicles and shipments. Whether tracking a product from the manufacturer to the consumer or keeping an eye on a fleet of vehicles, this system provides a complete view of the entire supply chain. When explicitly focused on vehicles, it’s called a vehicle tracking system.
Also read: 10 Ways AIoT Streamlining Shipment Tracking
Here is a quick overview of the methods of transport tracking.
Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking uses satellites to identify the accurate location of shipments. In global logistics, such as FedEx’s international freight movements, this technology enables monitoring and managing goods’ transportation across borders.
SIM tracking leverages mobile devices’ Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) for shipment tracking within robust cellular network regions. Regional logistics enterprises use this to effectively monitor local deliveries, making it a suitable choice for short-range tracking.
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) systems use electromagnetic fields to identify and track tags attached to objects automatically. In logistics, like Amazon warehouses, RFID is applied to manage inventory by following pallets, crates, and individual parcels.
Employing smartphone apps and location-sharing technology lets smaller logistics operations offer customers real-time tracking. This technology, used by local courier services, delivers a user-friendly solution to monitor last-mile deliveries.
Fastag is an electronic toll collection system that employs RFID technology for hassle-free toll payments. Fastag allows real-time tracking and updates in long-haul trucking logistics, enhancing highway travel efficiency.
This approach sends check-in links and reminders to drivers to ensure compliance with schedules and routes. In logistics operations, these digital tools can support on-time deliveries by reminding drivers to follow planned timelines.
Telematics consists of telecommunications and informatics integrations to deliver insights into vehicle conditions, route planning, and fuel efficiency. Several market players in logistics use this technology to analyze and optimize various aspects of fleet management.
Here are a few pros and cons of the transport tracking system.
Pros
Real-time tracking consolidates different stages of the supply chain, making it more effortless to adapt to unexpected changes. This visibility builds trust between stakeholders and authorizes more agile operations.
Efficiency improvements expand beyond cost savings to include faster response times to issues and predictive maintenance. It also streamlines the ability to fast adapt to disruptions, such as traffic or weather conditions.
Safety features can also incorporate automatic alerts for potential mechanical failures, leading to proactive maintenance. This reduces the risk of accidents, protects assets, and ensures the well-being of drivers.
Real-time updates improve communication with customers, leading to greater trust and loyalty. Transparency in tracking strengthens the customer-brand relationship, giving them confidence in your service.
The automation in tracking and reporting streamlines administrative tasks and reduces human error. It ensures that the business stays in line with continuously evolving regulations and standards.
Cons:
Besides complexity, inappropriate implementation can result in compatibility issues with existing systems. Thorough review and customization may be required, increasing the time and resources required for successful integration.
Costs can increase further if the system needs continuous updates or modifications to comply with changing industry standards or regulations. Additionally, unforeseen technical issues may result in additional support and maintenance expenses.
These concerns lead to potential legal challenges and reputational risks if privacy is breached. Appropriate measures must be in place to familiarize all parties involved and to secure sensitive data, adhering to legal obligations and ethical considerations.
Also read: Top 7 Shipment Tracking Problems Impacting Customer Satisfaction
Transport tracking is crucial in the logistics industry for ensuring efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. However, there are common mistakes that can hinder the success of implementing a tracking system. Here are some of the most frequent errors:
If you don’t fully grasp how a technology works, you might choose a system that doesn’t suit your needs, like a GPS system that fails in areas with poor satellite coverage. Adequate research and expert consultation can guide you to the right solution.
Example: A small courier company opting for a high-end GPS system that fails in remote rural areas where they primarily operate.
Avoidance: Consulting with a technology expert to select a GPS system with offline capabilities would better suit their operational areas.
Overlooking privacy when using tracking technologies can result in legal troubles. Transparency and obtaining proper consent help maintain the privacy rights of those being tracked.
Example: Implementing smartphone-based tracking without considering driver privacy may lead to legal challenges.
Avoidance: Transparent communication with drivers and proper consent can prevent these issues.
Without proper training, staff may misuse technology like RFID tags. Comprehensive training ensures that everyone knows how to use the system correctly.
Example: A retail warehouse experiencing lost inventory due to improper use of RFID scanners by untrained staff.
Avoidance: Organizing regular training sessions on RFID technology would improve accuracy and minimize losses.
Failing to integrate new technology with existing systems can cause inefficiencies. Planning for smooth integration is essential for the system to work seamlessly.
Example: A logistics firm facing delays due to a new Fastag system not integrating with their existing route planning software.
Avoidance: Collaborating with IT specialists for a fully integrated solution would enhance efficiency.
Without regular updates and maintenance, tracking systems can lose accuracy. Regularly scheduled maintenance keeps the system working properly.
Example: A taxi company’s outdated SIM tracking system leading to inaccurate location data, causing customer dissatisfaction.
Avoidance: Establishing regular maintenance checks and updates would ensure consistent performance.
Using only one method, like Wi-Fi-Based tracking, can lead to failures. A combination of methods allows for consistent tracking across different scenarios.
Example: Using only Wi-Fi-Based tracking without a backup can lead to tracking failures in areas without Wi-Fi.
Avoidance: A combination of tracking methods tailored to various scenarios can provide more reliable and consistent tracking.
Depending entirely on network tracking in unstable areas can lead to data loss. Using diverse tracking methods ensures consistent coverage.
Example: A shipping company losing critical tracking data during a network outage in a remote area using only SIM tracking.
Avoidance: Combining SIM with satellite tracking would ensure reliable coverage in various terrains.
Without considering hardware compatibility, a tracking system might not perform as expected. Evaluating these needs beforehand can save both time and resources.
Example: A trucking company finding its new GPS system incompatible with their vehicles’ existing hardware.
Avoidance: Conducting a hardware compatibility assessment before purchase would prevent such issues.
Cost analysis is critical while choosing a tracking system. A detailed cost analysis ensures that the system meets your budget.
Example: A small delivery service investing in a costly Satellite-Based Vehicle Tracking System that exceeds their budget.
Avoidance: Performing a cost-benefit analysis to find an affordable yet effective tracking method like GPS or SIM tracking.
Inappropriate tracking methods, like using RFID for long-haul transportation, might not deliver necessary real-time data. Ensuring the tracking method aligns with transportation needs is essential.
Example: A long-haul trucking company unsuccessfully using RFID tracking, which is ideal for confined areas like warehouses.
Avoidance: Opting for GPS tracking, designed for long-range, would provide the real-time data needed for their operations.
Without robust security, tracking systems like Wi-Fi-Based tracking could be hacked. Implementing robust security measures protects the data.
Example: A regional logistics firm experiencing a breach in its Wi-Fi-Based Vehicle Tracking System, causing interception of valuable shipments as the hackers gained precise location details. This leads to significant financial losses and damages the firm’s reputation.
Avoidance: Deploying advanced cybersecurity measures, including encrypted communications, regular system audits, and intrusion detection systems, would prevent unauthorized access and safeguard critical data.
Lack of knowledge in integrating technologies like GPS and cellular tracking, hybrid systems may extend challenges. Understanding the synergy between technologies ensures the system’s efficiency.
Example: A logistics company responsible for transporting goods tried to save costs by blending GPS and cellular tracking. However, they failed to integrate the technologies, leading to gaps in tracking. As a result, a shipment went untracked for 12 hours, causing panic and potential loss of trust with their client.
Avoidance: Before implementing, the company should have sought expert advice on how to effectively combine the strengths of both GPS and cellular systems, ensuring uninterrupted tracking.
Let’s explore the stages of integrating a transport tracking platform.
Understanding Requirements: Assessing the specific needs and goals of the tracking system in alignment with overall business objectives.
Selecting the Right Technology: Identifying the type of tracking method (e.g., GPS, RFID) and ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure.
Compliance and Security: Ensuring that integration will meet regulatory compliance and security standards.
Data Integration: Coordinating with existing systems like ERP, CRM, and other logistics tools to share information seamlessly.
API Considerations: Utilizing standard APIs for smooth integration, reducing manual work, and maintaining data integrity.
Customization: Adjusting the tracking system to suit specific business processes and workflows without disrupting current operations.
Pilot Testing: Running pilot tests to identify potential issues before full-scale implementation.
Training: Providing comprehensive training to staff on how to utilize the new system efficiently.
Ongoing Support: Planning for ongoing support and maintenance, considering potential updates and technological changes.
Performance Metrics: Setting up key performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of the integration.
Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing and updating the system to ensure it continues to meet changing business needs and industry standards.
User Feedback: Encouraging feedback from users to make continuous improvements.
Industry Expertise: Leveraging the provider’s knowledge of industry best practices.
Scalability: Ensuring the chosen solution can grow with the business, accommodating increased volume and complexity.
Neutral Collaboration: Collaborating with the provider without bias toward a particular product, focusing on achieving the best integration for your specific needs.
Implementing a vehicle tracking system offers several benefits including, increased efficiency, optimized safety, and reduced operating costs. However, it is crucial to execute the right process and avoid common mistakes during implementation. A right execution ensures that the system is implemented successfully.
To leverage the best possible solution with transport tracking software implementation, you can get in touch with team Fretron.
We are Fretron, India’s 1st cloud-based, collaborative Transport Management System, which connects Shippers, Logistic Service Providers, and Fleet Owners to enable a simpler, efficient & responsive logistics network.
Address: 7th Floor Plot 55P, Institutional Area, Sector 44, Gurugram, Haryana 122003
Email: sales@fretron.com
Phone: 9711799111
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