1. Define your needs. Before you start shopping for a GPS tracking system, take some time to define your needs. What do you hope to achieve by using GPS tracking? What information could a GPS system give you that could lower your costs, improve equipment use efficiency, notify you if something goes off site after hours, or help you simply get a handle on your fleet, helping you make better decisions in the future? Once you know your needs, you can start to narrow down your options.
2. Consider your budget. GPS trackers can range in price from a hundred dollars to several hundred dollars (or more!). The service can be advertised as nearly free, all the way to over $100 per device, per month. It's important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don't overspend. It's also very important to note whether or not that company will give you a straight answer, up front, on what the costs will be.
3. Consider the ease of use. I mean, you if you're going to buy it, it's not just enough that the features are in there, you gotta use them! GPS tracking systems can be complex, so it's important to choose one that is easy to use. You don't want to have to spend hours learning how to use the system when it's packed full of features you don't need, and only serve to confuse you.
4. Look for hidden charges. Like many other industries, there are GPS tracking companies that will nickle and dime you for features or feature packs. Make sure that you discuss with your sales rep what the total charges are, as the system is presented. Beyond this, do you need to bring your own communications (SIM card) to the package? Such things can typically run from $5-$20 per device, per month, making a low price suddenly balloon on you.
5. Consider the customer support. Everyone's happy when things are working, but when you have a problem, or things go wrong, what happens then? Do you call your sales rep, the guy who told you he was going to deliver the world for a low price, or are you left with a number for a call center that has to find your account, reads off a diagnostic script, and doesn't really understand the system? Do they communicate effectively with you, or is there a language barrier in there?
6. Consider the customer support (part 2). Who will be training you and your people on the system, or will anyone? Will you just be pointed at a website full of documentation that you can't make heads or tails of? Do you have the option of having this support in person, should you encounter problems that aren't readily solved over the phone? GPS is global, but many times, the location of your provider will matter more than you'd expect.
As you can see, there's more than a couple things to consider when selecting your GPS tracking partner. If you're looking for someone local (or at least local to Eastern Washington) to talk to about these things, answer your questions, and help you get on the right path with tracking your vehicles, equipment, and whatever else, feel free to email us at info@gearmapper.com, or call us at 509-416-6610.
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