The latest 2p per litre increase in fuel duty by the Government is adding to the burden of many businesses that have a mobile workforce. In addition to working in a challenging economic environment, they now have to cope with further increases in fuel prices – not good news.

But more efficient management of vehicle operations can off-set these rising costs – it’s all about getting the most out of your vehicle tracking.

The latest tracking systems allow companies to monitor fuel usage; control and re-direct vehicles in the field to minimise fuel wastage; plan collections to maximise operational efficiency; and with accurate reporting even challenge issues such as speeding fines – all things that can significantly help with cost control in the current market.

If you already have tracking technology now’s the time to find out how your system can help improve your expenditure. If you’re not tracking your vehicles, take a look at the systems available, but make sure you get the full picture of what control is available and the accuracy of reports delivered – read more about it here.

Intel and Microsoft are preparing for the launch of the latest Windows software – Windows 7, with one of the biggest new features being a touchscreen interface, which is aimed to improve efficiency, performance and usability.

V-SOL’s vehicle tracking system already incorporates a touchscreen interface and we have seen how its simplicity and ease of use has made a very positive impact on the functionality of the system.

With all the benefits that vehicle tracking can offer a company, it is important that the operating system is designed to be as simple as possible in order to make sure that all users feel happy and confident in using it to get the most out of the product.

Whether or not your business will be investing in the new Windows 7 software, the benefits of touchscreen technology are worth exploring, so if you’d like to discuss this in more detail, please get in touch.

Traditionally August is a quiet month – Politicians are on summer recess, schools are on holiday, and many of us in business take a well-earned break.

But in the current climate can we really afford to take our foot off the gas?  While everyone needs time to recharge their batteries, business cannot afford to stand still.

There is no doubt that things are quieter this month – decision makers are away, and it will be September before things start to really move again – but that shouldn’t stop you from planning for the coming months to help put your company in a stronger position.

For starters if you have a mobile workforce take a look at your tracking system and the reporting technology it offers.  This can provide an invaluable insight into the operational performance of your organisation, revealing where savings can be made, how to improve customer service, and details about your workforce.

Speak to your tracking provider for more details, but use any quiet time you have to do some digging into the data – you should be able to get easy to use reports anyway – and you may find new opportunities to improve your performance and save costs come the autumn.

Out of the recession that is.  The truth is nobody knows when the UK economy is going to bounce back, but we are hopeful of some early signs.

We’re getting more enquiries, particularly from businesses keen to take greater control over their operations and cost base.  One thing the recession has done is quickly show any business with a mobile workforce the importance of managing operations more efficiently – and effectively.

When every penny counts, being able to reduce elements such as fuel costs and ensure driver working hours are more productive can be the life blood of the business.

It’s easy for us to say – we know the benefits good vehicle tracking can bring to a business – we’ve delivered them for many businesses.  But, if you don’t know, why not take a little time to find out? It needn’t take long, and it could be the boost you need to keep afloat until the end of the recession is in site.

In the current economic climate every business is trying to cut costs and make savings where possible, but with the telematics industry now seeing vehicle tracking available for as little as £0.25 a day, we are in danger of de-valuing the service we offer.

Vehicle tracking can allow companies to make major improvements to their operations, generating substantial cost savings and boosting performance – yet still companies are being led to believe that they can pay less than £2 a week for the service.  At this level the real benefits of the technology won’t ever be seen – no company can get a comprehensive service that will improve their operational performance for this level of investment.

GPS tracking technology is constantly evolving and in order to keep our products up to date with these advancements and maintain the highest levels of service, we must make sure that businesses recognise the true value of what a quality vehicle tracking system can deliver.

These low-pricing structures may be helping companies manage costs in the short term, but they are not sustainable and in the long-term can only lead to a far weakened telematics industry.

There’s a lot of choice in the vehicle tracking market at the moment, so how do you know where to begin?�
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When making any decision about a supplier we evaluate them to be sure they are right for us – and we’d always recommend you do the same.  In our opinion the best business is done when both the customer and the supplier have like-minded objectives and values.
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In terms of vehicle tracking, the technology in this area has come on in leaps and bounds over the last 10 years, and while you can opt for a low cost pay as you go solution the reality is that for most businesses this is never going to give access to the knowledge that comes from a supplier who will commit the time to help you get the most from the technology.

Without spending much more you can get a system that is tailored to your business operations, enabling you to improve performance across the board.  V-SOL, for example, offers a range of solutions, with expert advice from a team who work with you to create your ideal tracking system.
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The first step for any business is to look at the real needs of your operations – for example, what information would you need to help you save money now?  Do not be fooled by claims of savings of over £500 per week etc. If your business really was wasting that much per vehicle it would not be a vehicle tracking system that was required! 

Put simply, take the time to research and talk to suppliers to find out what they know and how they would work with you to find the best solution for your needs. This is almost certainly going to be one who has the time to help you, and your business will quickly reap the rewards.

In this day and age we all hear about the importance of being ‘greener’.  For businesses it is becoming a vital part of their market positioning, with consumers increasingly swayed by environmental credentials.

But being greener doesn’t necessarily mean being more expensive or less efficient.  For example, for distribution companies – often accused of excessive fuel usage – vehicle tracking technology can reduce the levels of fuel they use and improve operational efficiency, and that can only be a good thing in such a competitive market.

The latest tracking systems offer a fast, easy to use solution to plan the best routes and direct the most suitable vehicles to make collections.  The result means distribution companies can save money, improve performance and customer service.  But the benefits don’t just apply to distribution companies – consider sectors such as property, road or energy maintenance – in fact any organisation with a mobile workforce.

Going green needn’t cost the earth.  If you already have vehicle tracking look at how it can work to help you enhance your environmental performance, and if you aren’t yet being ‘tracked’ take a look at the growing business benefits the latest systems can offer.

In a difficult climate, there is little tolerance for shoddy customer service. Companies are constantly striving to achieve higher customer satisfaction levels and introducing new procedures to enhance service. However, as much as some of these new procedures may make things a little easier, the best way to maintain high levels of customer service is through good communication.

Vehicle tracking provides you with a great source of information to keep your customers up to date. The real time reporting allows you to know exactly where each vehicle is, enabling you to calculate a far more accurate time of arrival for each appointment – compared to a window of several hours.

But remember, knowing where your vehicles are is great, but let your customers share in the benefits that vehicle tracking brings too – keep them in the know. Regular and accurate updates will help to build a strong and prosperous relationship that will last for years to come.