When leveraged effectively, GPS data is an effective tool for fleet managers to ensure regulatory compliance and streamline operations, making equipment safer, more efficient and cost-effective.
However, a GPS tracking system for fleet management is more than a tool. It’s increasingly becoming a critical part of winning contracts, especially for public works and government projects.
At Inauro, we support construction fleet managers to optimise and utilise GPS data for a range of benefits. In this article, we explore those key benefits, the challenges of GPS tracking, and the path towards automation for efficiency.
The role of GPS devices in construction projects
Proof of GPS tracking and effective data collection is increasingly important to win work and government contracts. And for good reason. GPS tracking has changed the way fleet managers understand how equipment and therefore fuel is used. When managing heavy machinery, such as those used in construction projects, GPS data has the potential to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
We explore how.
Monitoring equipment usage
Accurate GPS data helps identify underutilised or idle equipment. This can lead to a more strategic decision-making approach when allocating resources to projects.
“Why hire a new excavator when you can use one that’s sitting idle on another project just 200 metres down the road?” asks Max Girault, Chief Commercial Officer at Inauro. His example is just one way accurate tracking can lead to efficiencies and cost savings on construction equipment rental.
With GPS tracking enabled, theft and unauthorised use also become less of a concern.
Reducing idle and downtime
GPS tracking is a valuable tool for monitoring the location and use of vehicles and equipment. Providing real-time location data, GPS tracking shows where assets are and where they’ve been. The data can also reveal how frequently and efficiently equipment is being used, providing real-time insights into the condition of equipment.
“Tracking working hours on assets means construction companies can adhere to maintenance intervals and reduce the likelihood of last-minute breakdowns,” says Max.
When equipment is out for maintenance, the impacts and costs extend beyond repair. As Max points out, labour costs associated with project delays are significant.
“We know of situations where 50 people had been sitting around twiddling their thumbs on a site because an excavator needed last-minute repairs. That’s 50 people being paid for nothing. GPS tracking can help you avoid that.”
Increasing transparency and compliance
GPS monitoring opens the door to a raft of data that can be leveraged to provide a level of transparency and accuracy that would otherwise be impossible. When contracts are being awarded – particularly in the government sector and increasingly in private organisations – this type of transparency can make all the difference.
“There is a preference for contractors that offer transparency in their operations,” explains Max. “If you can provide detailed reports on compliance with safety and environmental standards, such as carbon emissions, that’s looked upon very favourably.”
Enhancing safety and environmental management
With heavy machinery, safety is always a concern. GPS tracking has the ability to monitor operator behaviour, identifying any issues as they arise to prevent incidents.
GPS tracking enables fleet managers to monitor high-interaction areas on a site with a lot of equipment activity to better anticipate potential risks and take measures to prevent collisions and uphold safety protocols, ultimately avoiding costly site disruptions.
Perspio™ automates the collection, integration and analysis of GPS data
The challenges of GPS tracking in construction
The benefits of GPS tracking are clear, but there are challenges that can often prevent fleet managers from implementing GPS solutions. Some of those challenges include:
Inappropriate installation
For GPS data to be valuable, the devices need to be installed and calibrated correctly. The risks of incorrect installation include data gaps, workflow disruptions and safety implications.
iOT device monitoring is important. These systems require maintenance to ensure they continue to provide reliable data. Without assured reliability, operational efficiency is compromised and compliance is at risk.
Data inaccuracy and gaps
When devices aren’t installed and calibrated correctly, this can lead to issues with data accuracy and integrity.
“Without GPS tracking, it’s very challenging to get accurate data,” says Max. “You can track some things to some degree but it certainly isn’t as precise as the data you can obtain from GPS tracking.
“Anytime we can remove a manual or paper process, it has a flow-on effect,” he adds. “Not only are you optimising that process but also making the others that rely on it more dynamic and more efficient.”
When data isn’t available, maintaining device health becomes critical to avoid disruptions.
Lack of monitoring
A final key challenge is learning how to interpret data correctly.
GPS data needs to be continually monitored to provide actionable insights, but this data often comes from multiple systems. A unified platform that consolidates and simplifies data interaction is essential.
Accurate, uninterrupted data flow and accurate analysis mean managers can address issues proactively, preventing costly downtime and mitigating compliance risks. Without streamlined integration, delays or misinterpretations in data analysis can quickly escalate operational challenges.
Many construction projects require equipment used as part of the project to carry tracking devices
Simplify GPS data management with Inauro
Inauro’s platform, Perspio™, makes GPS data management more efficient for construction fleet managers by automating the collection, integration and analysis of GPS data.
Perspio™ automatically integrates GPS data and provides real-time insights with data, removing manual processes that can be prone to errors. Max shares examples of how this can work in practice.
“You can marry up your asset utilisation with the data for individual operators for your finance team to ensure the accuracy of invoices. Or you can use localised weather data to account for days when equipment is being stood down due to rain.”
The data can also be matched with operating records to produce accurate reports for audits, ensuring regulatory standards are met.
Perspio™ also provides insights into equipment health, enabling predictive maintenance that prevents costly breakdowns and associated downtime.
Unlock efficiencies with streamlined GPS tracking
GPS tracking greatly benefits construction projects, enabling increased operational efficiency, safety and compliance. The benefits outweigh the challenges, particularly with the right partner on board to streamline the process and ensure correct installation and maintenance.
Get in touch to learn more about Perspio™ and how Inauro can help you uncover efficiencies in your GPS tracking.
