86% of GPS fleet tracking users reached a positive ROI within a year or less

COVID-19 was a big challenge last year. The digitalisation of businesses has become critical in order for them to remain competitive in a hyper connected world during the next era of smart industry known as Industry 4.0. 

According to the Fleet Technology Trends Report Europe 2022 fleet tracking technology has become essential for businesses to obtain results. And, despite all the challenges and the uncertainty in the market, 2021 showed growth in fleet technology across Europe and the UK, helping businesses to achieve and stay competitive. 

The Fleet Technology Trends Survey conducted for Verizon Connect by ABI Research, reported that the number of fleets using GPS tracking technology was 68% in 2021, highlighting that it is a consolidated and growing solution for businesses in Europe and the UK. This research found that this helps improve productivity, decrease costs and boosts customer service.

Based on surveys completed by more than 1,350 fleet managers, executives and other mobile-business specialists, the report observed that GPS fleet tracking technology has had a positive impact on their fleet daily operations and businesses.

Here are some of the key takeaways from that survey that showed customer service has emerged as one crucial pillar for those who have adopted fleet tracking technology, with 56% reporting a marked improvement in this key performance indicator (KPI).

Also, the survey reveals that many businesses reported a negative impact from the pandemic. After experiencing the pandemic’s effects and the consequent economic impact, many companies made the decision to take action to prepare their fleets for future eventualities.

Let’s dive into the survey results:

Competitive edge with fleet technology

The majority of respondents across industries stated that GPS tracking has had a positive impact on their fleet operations. 74% considers it “very” or “extremely” beneficial.

That’s giving these companies, especially those in transportation and services, a serious competitive edge in the post-2021 landscape.

In the transportation industry, 62% of those currently using a GPS tracking solution for their fleet realised improved customer service, 57% reached their Tachograph/regulatory compliance goals, 51% achieved better routing, 52% enhanced productivity (including number of jobs and vehicle utilisation) and 36% boosted vehicle maintenance.

In the services industry, a large percentage of respondents also achieved critical goals using GPS fleet tracking technology. Distinctively, 56% improved vehicle maintenance and 54% lowered fuel consumption. Also, thirty-one percent achieved enhanced productivity in terms of the number of jobs and vehicle utilisation and 56% saw an improvement in vehicle maintenance.

The majority of respondents for all the industries surveyed were able to achieve critical business goals. Download the full report to find out more.

Value of integrated video technology

On the way to improve safety and efficiency, which also impacts company reputation, in-cab video has emerged as a smart and innovative solution. Of those survey respondents using an in-cab video solution, a significant 71% saw improvements in driver safety.

The services industry experienced a high level of success with integrated in-cab video—76% of those currently using it considered it “very” or “extremely” beneficial, 78% of these users were able to improve driver safety and 70% protected themselves from false claims.

This is how fleet technology can help face daily challenges and achieve cost savings

The theme of reduced costs remains an important issue with fleet-based organisations this year due to the pandemic.

According to the survey, 70% of businesses said increased costs was one of their biggest challenges overall. And technology is one of the best allies in controlling costs across all operational areas.

Users of fleet tracking technology have shown remarkable benefits in these and other KPIs. Across all industries GPS tracking users decreased fuel costs by an average of 8%. Users also saw an average decrease of 15% in accident costs and a decrease in overall labour costs of 12%.

When talking about cost savings, the ability to achieve a return of investment on technology investments cannot be overlooked. That's why it's important to note that a majority of those in the transportation, construction and services industries achieved a positive ROI in one year or less after implementing GPS tracking.

Organisations can expect improvements in their return on investment by implementing a fleet tracking solution in the following ways:

1. Promoting driver safety and reducing liability: Using GPS tracking, managers can proactively monitor behaviour that increases the probability of a driver causing an accident. Safe driving can also be reinforced by using in-cab alerts.
2. Improving asset utilisation: Fleet tracking technology includes a number of dashboards that show operational efficiency and fleet utilisation. This allows fleet managers to examine how individual vehicles are being driven and then balance capacity and vehicle utilisation to reduce miles driven and wear and tear.
3. Reducing direct labour costs: Those managing a mobile workforce face the challenge of having little visibility into how teams are spending their time. Using GPS tracking, managers can see vehicle history for a specific day, including all trips taken, stops and idling events.

What does this data mean for your fleet?

Data from the Fleet Technology Trends Report makes it clear that fleet organisations are using technology to build resilience into their business operations. Your technology toolbox could be your biggest ally in navigating and achieving business success. To that end, look at the following key features as you decide on a fleet tracking solution:

• Access from virtually anywhere: ability to view data and maps on any device at any time.
• Detailed maps: allowing you to view near real-time activity and current status of all vehicles, workers and equipment.
•  Easy-to-use dashboards: showing you up-to-the minute fleet analytics.
• Coaching modules to help fleet managers underscore safe driving behaviours 365 days a year.
• Simplified tachograph compliance.
• Front-facing and driver-facing video solution.

To learn more about how your peers view and value GPS tracking technology, download the Fleet Technology Trends Report Europe 2022.