GPS makes so much sense, why don’t you have it yet?

BY ANDY BAILEY,

contributing writer

A GPS client in the HVAC industry recently told me an unusual story about an unexpected benefit from their system. One of their service vehicles had gotten towed and damaged in the towing process. The towing company denied any responsibility and the burden was on the company to prove them wrong. Using GPS records, our client was able to demonstrate that the towing company was towing the vehicle in excess of 85 mph! Needless to say, the towing company quickly relented and paid for the damage.

While this is not a typical, everyday use, it certainly demonstrates the wide-ranging flexibility and potential of GPS technology. Since NationLink Wireless began offering GPS solutions in 2002, we have heard from clients who have used GPS for everything from appealing speeding tickets to verifying whether employees arrived at work on time. However, there are five standard benefits that every GPS user can enjoy.

Improved vehicle routing

With GPS, dispatchers can see which vehicles are closest to a job site and can provide drivers with turn-by-turn directions. This translates into faster response times, more productive vehicle use and most importantly, improved client satisfaction. With good routing, response time is shorter and office staff can tell clients exactly when the technician should arrive.

Reduced vehicle costs

With rising gas prices, ensuring maximum fuel efficiency and keeping vehicles in top condition is critical to controlling expenses. Vehicles that consistently exceed the speed limit use more fuel, experience increased tire wear and require more frequent maintenance. GPS allows businesses to monitor their vehicles’ maximum speed. In addition, enforcing safer operation reduces the likelihood of accidents and can lower insurance premiums.

With GPS, service providers not only save fuel through improved routing, but also because employees are less likely to use service vehicles for personal use.

Reduced employee idle time

Time is money. Monitoring mobile employees helps eliminate unauthorized idle time. Comparing daily reports to service logs and time cards will immediately increase productivity and generate more revenue per employee. 

One of our largest clients, Hiller Plumbing, has more than 70 GPS units in service. According to president Jimmy Hiller, the biggest benefit to his company has been the ability to verify the length of time their technicians stay at a location.

Reduced vehicle idle time

Monitoring overall vehicle usage helps you determine how best to deploy your mobile resources and right-size your fleet. More jobs per vehicle and more jobs per day with fewer vehicles reduce operating costs.

Recovery of goods and services

GPS can help you prevent the theft of services and inventory from unauthorized use of vehicles. Monitoring vehicle location and activity (including sensors on the winch, pump, back door or other key locations) can provide a complete record of vehicle usage 24 hours a day. GPS can also help locate a vehicle in moments if it is stolen or missing.

With so many benefits, the question is why wouldn’t a company use GPS as part of their daily efforts to achieve maximum efficiency and client satisfaction? The answer certainly isn’t cost -- GPS solutions today can be activated for less than $1 per day.

Some companies are hesitant to implement GPS technology because of the perceived intrusion on vehicle operators. However, in most cases, the employees themselves gain the most. They can get to their target location on time with little difficulty; they waste less time driving across town when they can be routed to a call that is closer; dispatchers can give clients an accurate expected time of arrival; and employees are able to verify when they arrive at an appointment and when they leave.

GPS also verifies hours worked and can benefit employees by eliminating the need for a written log. An employee of one of our clients, American Heating and Cooling, recently used GPS records to prove that not only was he at work on time on a date in question, he actually arrived 20 seconds early!

The next revolution of GPS technology will be even more user-friendly and beneficial. Currently, many companies utilize GPS systems that run on a standard wireless handset that is also the employee’s cell phone. However, the trend today is to separate voice from data, with GPS running on a separate handset that is wired to the vehicle. Fleet management products are also becoming more diverse, offering in-vehicle navigation and fleet monitoring simultaneously.

These hard-wired systems, often covered by a tamper-proof “conceal box,” enable service providers to ensure accurate monitoring 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With handset-based systems, accurate monitoring ceases when the device leaves the vehicle. While the conceal boxes and hard-wired technology debuted with a higher price tag, they are becoming much more affordable and will soon be the industry standard. At NationLink Wireless, we are launching a complete GPS solution that includes a handset, conceal box and wire kit for $99, a far cry from the $200-300 cost previously associated with these complete systems. 

It is only a matter of time before GPS becomes a standard business tool, especially for service providers, just as cell phones have become status quo. I would encourage you to investigate the many GPS solutions and “test drive” a few to see what GPS can do for you. Once you’ve tried it -- even if you never have to prove a tow truck company wrong -- you’re going to like what GPS can add to your bottom line. For more information, log on to www.mynationlink.com.                   

Andy Bailey is president of NationLink Wireless.