If you are looking into ways to maximise fleet efficiency and have come across different vehicle tracking or fleet management systems, or are just exploring all the possibilities and examining the different options before choosing the right service for you, you might conclude that the products you are looking into or investigating are pretty much “all the same”.
While on the one hand we can say that today’s technology is available for everyone and it will most likely help, to a greater or lesser extent, with everyday tasks and in every field including fleet management, on the other hand, it is false to affirm that all the systems available offer the same service and features. So how do you decide which system offers the best fit for your business?
Simple: follow our tips on what you need to look out for before getting vehicle tracking or if you are checking out fleet management systems—have a good look through the checklist!
#1 - Contract
Verify the contract conditions before you purchase a fleet management system. Some products tend to tie customers into a very long contract that is hard to be released from—sometimes keeping customers tied to an unsatisfactory arrangement and forcing them to continue paying rather than allowing the option to find a more suitable alternative. Pay-as-you-go software allows you to try out a system in a very affordable manner, whilst avoiding the bind of a long term contract.
#2 - Price
You might have been quoted a price, which is all well and good, but it can be a little like hotels, flight tickets or holiday packages... does your booking include extras such as drinks, day tours, transfers, etc.? In the same way, the price you were quoted may or may not include installation, or lack certain useful features that a competitor is offering. You might also want to check out how well the provider behaves and performs as a whole regarding the technology instead of just going for the cheapest option. In other words, evaluate the relationship between price and quality: is the provider just offering the lowest price or a good all-round product?
#3 - Availability
Is the system available across different devices? Are you able to contact customer service in a quick and easy way? Is the person, offering the service, able to answer your questions and provide further knowledge?
#4 - Customer Service
It’s important to choose a technology partner that is not just trying to sell you a solution, but is committed to helping you reach your goals. The after-sales support is just as important. Be sure to choose a company that offers implementation assistance, system training, and technical support for you to get the most out of your investment.
#5 - Personalisation
If you need any special feature or have any special need because of your activity, a good provider will be there to help you solve that specific problem: for example, you might need a report that establishes how long your staff worked in a specific location, or records of walk-around checks...
#6 - Features
Features across different providers could have similar sounding names but offer very different services; make sure you check things out thoroughly before investing in a system.
