GPS costs: purchasing a fleet tracking system versus renting one
| August 2022 |
You can decide to own the gps tracker completely. Or you opt to rent the gps trackers, so you don't have to make this investment and the warranty remains guaranteed throughout the rental period. Buying fleet tracking devices costs much more in initial outlay. Of course, if you have a large fleet, the purchase price of GPS devices is significantly reduced, based on the number of vehicles to be tracked. In addition, you only pay a monthly service fee afterwards for using the cloud-based management application.
The decision to rent or buy depends on many factors, and your business needs. That's why we recommend that you seek professional advice. Our All-Connects advisor will be happy to discuss the various options, and highlight the pros and cons of both formulas.
What types of tracking devices are available?
Choose the GPS fleet tracking system that best suits your business needs:
- AC.PRO: Comprehensive Data Reporting and Fleet Tracking 24/7
A fleet tracking device like our AC.PRO solution provides comprehensive data reporting and tracking history that allows you to view all vehicles in your fleet 24 hours a day. This small GPS tracking device offers a full-time tracking module that generates regular updates and gives you info on stops, stop lengths, addresses, miles driven, speeds and routes driven. This sophisticated system offers updates in real time, within seconds.
- AC.START: Fleet Tracking on a Limited Budget
If you have a smaller fleet, or want to start small, we always recommend our AC.START solution. This GPS tracker is a low-cost full-time fleet tracking system that provides data such as stops, stop lengths, idle time, contact on and off , miles driven, routes followed, addresses and Google Map views of each location. Geo-fencing, landmarks, email alerts are all included.
- AC.EXPERT: Tamper-Proof Vehicle Tracking
Our AC.EXPERT solution is a highly accurate and innovative tracking system designed for use in "hidden" installation situations. It is small and requires no external antenna, so it can be easily hidden and is virtually tamper-proof.
Do you need real-time GPS tracking?
How often do you need updates on where your trucks and drivers are? What about safety and vehicle condition?
When considering applications for your GPS trackers, look at how often you need tracking data. If you need real-time tracking, look for words like active-tracking and active GPS tracker in the description. Passive GPS tracking means that there is a delay and the data you receive from your fleet is not immediately available. A common application of this is locating parked trailers and containers.
What fleet tracking features do you need?
Review the features that are most important to you, coupled with the cost of each GPS tracker device. Considerations include:
- Warranty period: How long is the warranty on the GPS system or device you are considering?
- Contracts: Is there an agreement? Do you pay a penalty if you want to cancel the service?
- Ease of use: Is it easy to use? Are the reports easy to understand?
- Unit size, ease and flexibility of installation: Do you need a smaller GPS tracker that your employees can't find and remove, or will a larger unit suffice? What about installation? Can you install it yourself, or does the company install it for you?
- Frequency of data updates: Do you need passive or active GPS floor tracking? If you need updates in real time, choose an active GPS tracker.
- Data and Reporting: Does the tracker meet your data and reporting needs and include things like stop locations and addresses, landmarks, and Google Maps integration?
- Variants display options: for mapping, mileage and routes.
- Driving behavior analysis module: do you want to know and be able to compare how your drivers handle your property (braking abruptly, accelerating hard, taking turns too sharply, ...)?
Checklist of questions to rent or buy
Are you ready for the next step, which is to ask for a free quote for tracking your commercial vehicles? Formulate an answer to these 5 questions in advance so you can brief us specifically on what you need:
- Reliability: how long do you need a tracking system?
- Type of tracking: active or passive?
- Vehicle use: different drivers? Private use?
- Investment: available budget?
- Desired data: for analysis & fleet management
Ask for expert help
Do you have any questions after reading this blog about the cost of gps trackers car or fleet, or would you like to know more about what works for your specific business siutation? Then contact us directly by phone 03 289 55 35 or click here for more information.
Also read our other blogs on GPS tracking:
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