One of the most significant technological advancements to happen to the transportation and logistics sector is the rise of GPS.
Once something that most people only knew about through high-tech spy movies, the ability to get real-time information about exactly where a vehicle is at all times through the use of satellites is now something many of us take for granted.
Now that GPS technology is virtually everywhere, transportation companies have the ability to keep tabs on shipments and vehicles all the time.
This has meant major improvements in the efficiency and transparency of the services offered by most transportation and logistics companies.
However, your business doesn’t have to be in the transportation or logistics arena to reap the benefits of GPS technology. Any business in any industry that uses fleet vehicles to provide service for their customers can utilize GPS to improve that service.
It’s even possible to harness the power of GPS for opportunities that don’t involve a fleet of vehicles. No matter what type of business you’re in, there’s a good chance that GPS technology can be put to good use for you and your customers.
Here are some of the key ways in which GPS can help your business.
1. Driving With Greater Efficiency.
Whether your business has one vehicle or an entire fleet, managing resources such as time and fuel is a critical element of success.
You want to be sure you’re not wasting anything. This is where GPS can make a huge difference for your business.
By utilizing GPS to create the most accurate routes, you can be sure that your drivers and other employees won’t waste a single second or drop of fuel while they’re out and about.
Your employees will know where they’re going and how long it will take them to get there at all times, cutting down on the number of resources your business may waste going in circles.
2. Improving Customer Service.
No matter what business you’re in, keeping your customers happy is essential.
Many times, the biggest source of stress for customers is uncertainty. They may be waiting for a technician to arrive for a crucial repair, or they may be expecting an important delivery.
If they don’t know when to expect service, your customers may become frustrated and take it out on your business.
However, GPS technology gives you the power to see exactly where your vehicles are at any given time. You can share that information with your customers. You can provide them with up-to-the-minute ETAs for your vehicles and cut down on their anxiety. You also can notify your customers if there are any unforeseen delays.
By providing your customers with as much information as possible, you improve your business’s image in their eyes and enhance the customer service you provide for them.
3. Giving You More Control.
Having a large fleet of vehicles means your business is successful. However, with greater success comes great responsibility.
Keeping track of all of your company’s vehicles was much more difficult in the days before GPS. Now, you can see exactly where all of your company’s vehicles are at any given time.
Not only does this make it possible for you to plan the most efficient routes and coordinate service much easier, but it also gives you the opportunity to make sure that your employees remain on-task throughout the day.
If you suspect that your employees may be taking advantage of their time out in the field, GPS can help guarantee everyone remains honest and focused on their jobs.
4. Creating Unique Marketing Opportunities.
The majority of benefits GPS technology provides are related to vehicles, for obvious reasons. However, keeping track of vehicles isn’t the only way in which GPS can be put to good use for businesses. GPS also can serve as a powerful marketing tool, when used properly.
For example, most smartphones today are equipped with location services that utilize GPS to pinpoint a user’s physical location. With this information, a marketing program could be used to send your customers an alert when they’re near your locations. Thus triggering coupons or promotions that can be leveraged to entice them into making a purchase.
With the power of GPS behind your marketing efforts, your customers always know where to find your business.
GPS has revolutionized the transportation and logistics sector. It has the power to transform your business, as well. Regardless of what type of product or service you provide, there’s an opportunity for GPS to enhance your business and become more successful at whatever it is you do. With GPS technology, you’ll not only know where your business is, but you’ll also be able to see where it’s going.
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This is a guest post by Robert J. Hall, President of Track Your Truck, a leader in GPS vehicle tracking systems and software for small and midsized companies.