Vehicle tracking systems are an essential tool for businesses that rely on a fleet of vehicles to operate. These systems give fleet managers the ability to see where each vehicle is, how fast it’s going and in what direction in real time, giving a complete view of the fleet. By using this technology, businesses can optimise, save costs and improve customer satisfaction. In this case study, we demonstrate the benefits of vehicle tracking systems, how they work and what to look for when choosing a system.
Client Overview
Lifting Inspection Services is a professional services company based in Thornton, NSW, that provides inspection and certification services for lifting equipment. Their field technicians use company vehicles to get to client sites across their service area, so their entire fleet is a business-critical asset.
The Problem
Vehicle theft is a big risk for businesses that have mobile operations. For companies like Lifting Inspection Services, the theft of a service vehicle is more than just the loss of the vehicle itself – it means:
- Disruption to scheduled client services
- Loss of specialised equipment stored in the vehicle
- Administrative burden of reporting and replacement
- Insurance implications and costs
- Reduced operational capacity
Plus, considering the cost of vehicle tracking, businesses can save by preventing theft and improving operational efficiency with a vehicle tracking system.
The Incident
One of Lifting Inspection Services’ vehicles was stolen from an employee’s residence during non-business hours. This type of theft – at a residential location rather than a business premises – can be particularly tricky as it happens outside of business hours.
GPS tracker devices can be crucial in recovering stolen vehicles by providing real time location data.
The Solution: MyFleet Vehicle Tracking Software
Before the incident Lifting Inspection Services had installed MyFleet’s vehicle tracking system across their entire vehicle fleet. This system allows you to see all your vehicles in real time, with frequent location updates for informed decision making. This proactive decision proved to be invaluable when the theft occurred.
Features Used: GPS Tracker Devices
- Real-time GPS Tracking: Continuous location monitoring
- Immediate Theft Detection: Unauthorised movement notifications
- Law Enforcement Integration: Ability to share exact location with authorities
- User-friendly Interface: Quick tracking access
- Exact Location Tracking: Provides real time data to help with fleet management by working with vehicle data to optimise overall performance and efficiency
The Recovery
When the theft was discovered the Lifting Inspection Services team:
- Log in to the MyFleet platform to confirm the vehicle was moving unauthorised
- Use GPS tracking to get real time location of the stolen vehicle
- Contacted local police and provided them with exact tracking information
- Continued to track the vehicle with police
The Result of Real Time Vehicle Tracking
Thanks to the MyFleet system the stolen vehicle was recovered within an hour of being reported. This meant:
- No disruption to scheduled client services
- All equipment and tools in the vehicle were recovered
- Minimal administrative impact on operations
- No insurance claims and no premium increases
- No need for a temporary vehicle
Plus the fleet management software helped with the recovery and minimal impact on operations by monitoring and tracking vehicles, ensuring compliance and providing valuable insights into vehicle performance.
Client Testimonial
After the incident Lifting Inspection Services were extremely happy with the MyFleet system. They were so impressed they published a review on Google, recommending the system to other businesses.
The GPS trackers in the MyFleet system provide coverage and support for our entire fleet, combining GPS satellite tracking with GSM tower triangulation.
From their Google review: “The MyFleet tracking system was invaluable when one of our service vehicles was stolen. Thanks to the real time tracking the police were able to recover our vehicle within an hour. This has more than paid for itself in preventing what could have been a major operational and financial headache.”
Business Benefits of Fleet Management Software
This incident demonstrated several key benefits of the MyFleet tracking solution:
- ROI: The system paid for itself in one incident
- Risk Mitigation: Reduced the business impact of vehicle theft
- Operational Continuity: Maintained service delivery
- Security: Peace of mind for management and employees
- Law Enforcement: Improved coordination with police
- Driver Behaviour Monitoring: Fleet efficiency and safety are improved by real-time insights into driving habits such as speeding and idling.
Plus, vehicle tracking software has also improved safety and productivity by allowing real-time data processing for vehicle and driver monitoring.
The recovery of Lifting Inspection Services’ stolen vehicle is a great example of how modern fleet tracking technology is more than just a monitoring tool – it’s a business continuity solution. By using MyFleet’s tracking platform Lifting Inspection Services turned what could have been a major business disruption into a minor incident with minimal impact.
GPS tracking works by using global positioning systems to provide real time location, direction and speed data so you can manage and analyse your fleet through tracking dashboards.
This example shows the tangible benefits of investing in quality fleet management technology that goes beyond day to day operational benefits to provide protection when things go wrong. Plus professional installation is required for some hardwired tracking devices to ensure optimal functionality and integration into the vehicle’s electrical system.