Celtrak - Telematics, Vehicle Tracking, Fleet Monitoring Solutions. Ireland, UK, US and Europe

Frequently Asked Questions

• I trust my staff - why should I invest in a fleet management solution?
• Will my employees resign if I introduce a fleet management solution?
• I can use mobile phones to contact my employees - why should I invest in a fleet management solution?
• Are fleet management solutions difficult to install?
• How do I know which fleet management solution is better?
• Is fleet management just another gadget?
• Is the cost of fleet management prohibitive for a small business?
• Do we have time to handle another new system in our business?
• Are fleet management solutions only useful for larger organisations?

I trust my staff - why should I invest in a fleet management solution?

Fleet management solutions reduce operational costs and increase efficiencies for companies with mobile work forces, they are not just focused on knowing where employees are located. By controlling these costs and efficiencies businesses grow faster. The technology has been proven to do the following:

• Reduce Costs: fuel, labour, fleet size, fleet maintenance, fleet efficiency, insurance, inventory losses, back office overhead.
• Improve Customer Service: on-time arrival, real-time location information, improved responsiveness, better communication.
• Increase Efficiency: planning accuracy and capacity, schedule adherence, improve fleet utilisation and service monitoring, resource scheduling, fleet optimisation, responsiveness, driver performance.
• Improve Processes: health & safety, duty of care, operational, environmental, servicing and driver behaviour, private mileage tax report.
• Provide Asset Protection: load protection, prevent theft, monitor fleet security, monitor fleet location, and recover lost and stolen equipment.

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Will my employees resign if I introduce a fleet management solution?

The advantages of this technology needs to be explained to employees before installation. Once field employees experience the technology they can come to depend on it for routing information and verification of jobs performed. The solution can eliminate time-consuming paperwork and provide added security for the driver and the vehicle's equipment. While it may not be the primary driver for implementation, the number of driving hours and speed can also be monitored and this is particularly advantageous for the driver in terms of road safety and duty of care.
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I can use mobile phones to contact my employees - why should I invest in a fleet management solution?

Mobile phones are extremely useful but they cannot provide the same level of information as a fleet management solution. For instance, a fleet management solution will provide the fleet manager with vehicle location, engine status, history records of all stops and start times, mileages and speeds. Mobile phones have proven not to be an efficient way of managing a mobile workforce because they can be turned off easily, left at home and are a danger when used on the road (even with a hands-free kit). Notwithstanding this, the number of calls between the office and the mobile worker and customer can be significantly reduced when you have visibility of the fleet and vehicle information via a web-based fleet management solution.
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Are fleet management solutions difficult to install?

Fleet management solutions comprise of a hardware and software element. The hardware (on-board device) is typically installed in a vehicle within 45 minutes. The web-based software does not require any application downloads on a client PC. It can be simply operated from any web-browser once the hardware has been installed and commissioned.

Suppliers of the fleet management solutions work with clients to install devices in the fastest time frame possible and will provide on-going technical support throughout the lifetime of the client relationship. Your relationship with your supplier is critical.
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How do I know which fleet management solution is better?

The quality and accuracy of data gathered is critical when selecting a supplier. The supplier must have in depth knowledge of the hardware component and the on-board device should be extremely reliable in the field. The reporting tool should also be robust with consistent up time, ensuring data can be accessed when needed 24 x 7. A supplier should be also selected on the basis that they commit to help you leverage the technology after it has been installed. The supplier should focus on the training offered and the support post-installation. To do this the supplier should understand how your business operates and they should be asking the appropriate questions. Experienced users will say that that the relationship with the supplier over the course of the service is where the true value lies.
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Is fleet management just another gadget?

The ability to locate mobile assets in real-time using satellites and wireless communications has been effectively used for decades. The core technology has become popular in the consumer market with satellite navigation equipment. On examination of commercial enterprises using this technology, the majority are realising some, if not all, of the cost benefits as described above. Fleet management solutions should not be viewed as a product or gadget, but as a complete service. You are subscribing to gathering information you cannot accurately collect yourself, information that you know could greatly increase the productivity and profitability of your business. When selecting your supplier, select the one that can commit to providing the service that meets your needs throughout the relationship.
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Is the cost of fleet management prohibitive for a small business?

Fleet management solutions have been proven to identify inefficiencies in the field that are already costing hundreds, if not thousands, of euro per month: excess overtime, inaccurate job times, unnecessary trips, excess engine idling, reckless driving. The money paid to cover these inefficiencies in most cases far exceeds the monthly investment required for a fleet management solution. Most users, no matter what the industry, achieve a return on investment within the first few months of using the system due to savings in overtime, call out charges, fuel economies, lower insurance premiums and reduced vehicle maintenance. Fleet management solutions pay for themselves due to the cost savings and improved efficiency leading to additional jobs being completed per day. Businesses that take advantage of the technology usually experience growth, because of increased revenue gained.
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Do we have time to handle another new system in our business?

It is precisely the busy mobile work force that will require this technology, since it helps to manage fleet activities and present a clear picture of field activities. The busier the mobile work force, the more critical it is to have accurate information to ensure that money is not being wasted, work is being down on time and customers are being serviced effectively. Managers know that high work volume and tight time frames can lead to problem if jobs are not being effectively scheduled and kept track of. A fleet management solution is an extremely effective tool to help with this.
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Are fleet management solutions only useful for larger organisations?

Any business with multiple vehicles will benefit from having access to accurate, real-time information from the field. If your employees depend on vehicles to get jobs done, you will need to know where they are now, where they have been and what they are going to do. Whether you are managing a handful of vehicles or a large fleet, real-time, location-based information will help make the most of field operations and will grow your business.
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