![Sales & Distribution [Oil & Gas]](https://www.hiddenbrains.com/blog/wp-content/themes/blankslate/assets/images/sales_and_distribution-icon.74d08193.svg "Sales & Distribution [Oil & Gas]"){kind=icon}
![Fluid Terminal Management [Oil & Gas]](https://www.hiddenbrains.com/blog/wp-content/themes/blankslate/assets/images/fluid_terminal_management-icon.4b3a27a4.svg "Fluid Terminal Management [Oil & Gas]"){kind=icon}
![Sales & Distribution [Oil & Gas]](https://www.hiddenbrains.com/blog/wp-content/themes/blankslate/assets/images/sales_and_distribution-icon.74d08193.svg?1.0.0 "Sales & Distribution [Oil & Gas]"){kind=icon}
![Fluid Terminal Management [Oil & Gas]](https://www.hiddenbrains.com/blog/wp-content/themes/blankslate/assets/images/fluid_terminal_management-icon.4b3a27a4.svg?1.0.0 "Fluid Terminal Management [Oil & Gas]"){kind=icon}
The benefits of vehicle tracking systems are clear, but choosing the right system for your needs can be difficult without knowing what to look for. Here are ten features that every good vehicle tracking system should have, so you can make an informed decision and start saving money right away.
Vehicle tracking systems have become more important over the years, as new and innovative features have been added to this type of technology. These days, vehicle tracking systems can be used in all types of industries and on just about any vehicle you can think of, from taxis to trucks to police cars and more.
The demand for vehicle tracking solutions continues to grow at a rapid pace
Growth Drivers for Vehicle Tracking Solutions
Top 10 Must-Have Vehicle Tracking System Features
If you’re thinking about purchasing or leasing one of these systems, here are the top 10 vehicle tracking system features you should look for when shopping around.
1. Route Optimization
One of the most important features in a vehicle tracking system is route optimization. This feature allows you to track your vehicles in real-time and direct them along optimal routes for any number of reasons, including safety, fuel efficiency or passenger comfort. By using route optimization, you can make sure that your employees are making safe choices when it comes to driving as well as ensuring that your assets are not being wasted by taking inefficient routes from point A to point B.
2. Trip Scheduling
New vehicle tracking systems can do much more than simply track vehicles, but trip scheduling is certainly one of their best functions. Scheduling allows you to set up alert notifications for when your vehicle arrives at a certain location. If you’re worried about whether or not your kid will actually be home from school on time, there’s no need; if he or she is tardy, you’ll receive an instant alert.
3. Driver Behavior Monitoring
The vehicle tracking system helps identify driver behavior without being present in the vehicle. This system gives an overall review of driver behavior such as speed, sudden acceleration or braking, hazardous driving, deviation from pre-defined route, idle time, and much more.
4. Storage capacity
Software compatibility: Check if your tracking system will work with other software applications, such as dispatch software, inventory management software and accounting software. Computer hardware compatibility: Double-check that you will be able to access and view vehicle tracking reports on your computer or laptop.
5. Geofencing
When a vehicle leaves a specific area, you can receive an alert. Geofencing is handy if you’re worried about a fleet vehicle traveling off-road or away from its destination. It will also remind you if it’s been sitting idle for too long—if your employee hasn’t moved in 30 minutes, you may want to get in touch with them.
6. Control Center/Software
The control center, which is where you’ll access your tracking software, should be easy and intuitive to use. Once installed on your computer or smartphone, it should provide everything you need at a glance. You don’t want to go searching for additional help when something goes wrong.
7. Battery Life/Recharge Time
This is one of those features that might not seem very important at first. Think about it, though: If your VTS doesn’t have enough juice to last all day, you’ll have trouble using it as intended.
As a minimum, look for a device with at least five hours of battery life and quick-charging capabilities; if possible, look for one that has longer battery life and can be charged via solar or wind power (if you use a device in remote areas).
8. Sensor Durability
Vehicle tracking system’s most important job is to track your vehicles, so it makes sense that you want a device that can withstand elements like extreme temperatures and sun exposure.
If your devices aren’t durable enough, they may break down before their batteries run out—and that means someone would have to head out into dangerous conditions (i.e., in a blizzard or on scorching pavement) to retrieve them.
9. Offline Data Tracking
Vehicle tracking solutions offer offline data tracking services, which means they will track your vehicle’s progress and whereabouts even if you are not on a cellular network. This service is extremely helpful if you’re on a long road trip and wish to avoid roaming charges.
10. Add-ons/Accessories
Today’s GPS tracking systems aren’t just capable of keeping tabs on your vehicle. They can be outfitted with a wide range of add-ons and accessories, such as long-range antennas for better reception and enhanced antennas for improved cellular performance (which can increase battery life). Other add-ons include a data logger that tracks mileage, trip data, location history and more.
Benefits of Vehicle Tracking Systems
If you’re reading up on vehicle tracking systems, then it’s a safe bet that you know what they are and that you have a good idea of how they can be beneficial. But here’s a quick refresher: vehicle tracking systems use global positioning technology (GPS) to monitor and track vehicles.
They provide businesses with peace of mind by helping them keep tabs on fleets of vehicles – such as those used in delivery services, or large and expensive vehicles, like RVs or construction equipment.
Conclusion
The big takeaway is that vehicle tracking systems have come a long way in recent years. With increased levels of security and integration, they’re also offering more capabilities than ever before. But if you look at what’s offered by our top three options, you’ll notice that there are some key differences between them. If anything, it shows us how important it is to do your research.
