Frequently asked questions
This section has been created so we can answer some common queries about our products and services. If there is a specific question you require to be answered that is not in the below list, then please feel free to call or email us at any time through the contact page or contact your existing Absolute Sales executive, who will be happy to assist you.
Real-time fleet tracking is GPS fleet tracking software that is reading data received from tracking devices, as it happens.
Many GPS trackers, when active, send a continual stream of data to central servers, which is processed immediately and shown on screen for fleet managers.
There is a slight delay due to the time it takes to process the GPS data but it is very slight, which means the information seen on screen is as close as possible to what is happening right now. Ping rates on some fleet tracking devices may also delay the sending of data. Typically, for assets that don’t need to be tracked in real-time, e.g. a shipping container, the ping rate of the tracker will be lower to conserve battery life. This is not true with wired-in fleet trackers, which use the asset’s power supply.
This real-time GPS reporting means managers can make effective decisions based on the most recent data coming in from the field.
If your business has money invested in mobile assets—vehicles, people or assets—then GPS fleet tracking is something you should consider. GPS tracking solutions help you make sure you are using all your mobile resources efficiently.
Without a fleet tracking system, a business could lose money with underutilized assets, wasteful driving behaviour or poor job scheduling. GPS fleet tracking makes it easy to identify areas of your business that you can optimise, boosting productivity and reducing running costs.
Fleet tracking can also improve safety, monitoring driver behaviour in real-time and encouraging staff to be more responsible.
It’s good you are planning to introduce it to the team; this is an important step in improving the success of deploying GPS vehicle tracking across your fleet. Honesty and transparency will help clear up any misunderstandings they may have about fleet tracking.
Firstly, try to anticipate what questions they may have about GPS tracking: Do they not trust us? Will it be used to punish or overwork us? Is it legal? Is it fair? What information is being collected, and will drivers have access to their data
While GPS fleet tracking is commonly used across both private and public fleets, field service workers will want to know how the technology will apply to them specifically. Reassure them the focus is on improving overall business efficiency, ease of management, minimising paperwork and reducing operating costs. These benefits of GPS fleet tracking help employees too, in several ways:
- Creating a more profitable business increases job security
- A driver’s safe, efficient performance behind the wheel can now be proved (and rewarded) with GPS reports
- Vehicle trackers can minimise the need for paper logbooks and reports
- Supervisors can now track vehicles and see fleet activity in real time, improving coordination of resources and reducing interruptions to drivers with ‘where are you’ calls
- Drivers can monitor and self-manage their safety performance
- Managers can protect drivers from false damage claims or liability in the event of an accident
- Location data can help speed up emergency response
- Tracked maintenance information vehicles can reduce the chance of breakdowns
Work with your team to develop fair policies that improve adoption and reduce the chance mobile workers will feel ‘picked on’ or that it is an invasion of their privacy.
Our consultants can help you to roll out GPS tracking across your business, with advice and suggestions on ways to implement fleet management software that is best for you, your business and your drivers.
Pricing for GPS fleet tracking depends on the specific requirements of your solution and the number of assets to be tracked.
Our product specialists will work with you to understand your business requirements, so they can recommend the most suitable solution for you. You also have the option to purchase the hardware or rent it if that suits your cash flow better.
Absolute is focused on delivering a positive ROI through savings on fuel, vehicle maintenance, efficiency, and more. This means that in time, the solution can pay for itself, making it a very viable option for your business.
Getting started is easy. Contact us today. Let us know a little bit about your fleet and what you would like to achieve, and one of our consultants will be in touch to explain how our GPS fleet software works and give an overview of the installation process.
You can also request a demonstration of the fleet tracking software so you can see the GPS tracking in action.
Our telematics consultants have experience with a wide range of different industries and fleet sizes, so they are in a good position to suggest what features and functions would suit your business best.
Part of setting up fleet tracking software involves installing GPS tracking devices on vehicles (cars, trucks, etc.) and other tracked assets (e.g., trailers, equipment, containers, etc.).
The Absolute Installer network covers both metro and rural areas of the GCC region. Appointment times are flexible, allowing you to schedule an installation time that minimises any disruption to your business (allow approximately one hour for installing a basic GPS tracking device).
Yes, Absolute is committed to working alongside you as a telematics partner, helping you maximise the benefit and ROI of your new fleet tracking solution. We offer a range of support and training services, designed to fit the needs of your business and help your staff integrate the software with their daily processes.
Support and training options include:
- Help desk for fast and ready access to technical support
- Remote support to diagnose, troubleshoot and resolve technical issues
- Onsite or remote training workshops to upskill staff
Adding new technology to your business can create some anxiety – our support and training services are designed to make the process of implementing GPS tracking as seamless and trouble-free as possible.
Yes, you can update your plan to include additional vehicles (or other GPS tracked assets) at any time.
Simply contact us to let us know and we’ll organise the change (and can schedule the installation of the tracking devices if you like).
For most vehicles, a standard, wired device is fitted; however, other types of GPS tracking devices are available, including battery-powered trackers for non-powered assets (such as containers or trailers).
Let us know if you have specific data collection requirements. In most cases, the standard GPS tracking hardware is sufficient for the needs of everyday fleet management.
No. You don’t need to add administrative or IT resources to use our software. Many customers report that even though their business grows, they can avoid hiring new staff because day-to-day operations get more efficient.
We deliver business insight that helps manage performance without making you search for a needle in a haystack. Reports and alerts can be customized to be delivered via email to managers. The report frequency and content are customizable for what makes the most sense for your business. It won’t take long to spot opportunities for improvement.
No. We are software as a service, so all you have to do is go to the website, sign in with your username and password, and you’re up and running. Our system works best with Google Chrome or Firefox, which are faster browsers.
If you want to, then the answer is yes. Alternatively, we understand that you might not have time to come to us, which can cause interruptions to your business.
We can offer full installation at your business location using our mobile team any day of the week, even at weekends if necessary, at no additional cost.
The key to introducing GPS to your staff is to be open, honest, and positive. Your team might feel a sense of big brother initially – but the reality is that their jobs will get easier. And the fact is you’re not tracking THEM, you’re tracking company property.
Here’s how it will benefit them:
- You won’t call and interrupt them to find out where they are.
- They won’t get lost anymore if you choose to deploy Garmin units.
- You can send them messages through Garmin instead of calling their cell phones while they’re driving.
- Less windshield time = decreased safety risk;
- You can defend them with hard proof against things like speeding tickets, being accused of reckless driving, accidents, or customers who claim they didn’t show up, were late, or left early;
- When they need help, it’s easy for you to find the nearest driver with the right tools or skills to assist.
If they’re going to be late, it’s easy for you to see that and call the customer to let them know, so they don’t have to deal with angry client
Vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, from motorcycles to heavy trucks, and our trained technicians have installed most types and brands. Typically, an installation takes around 45 minutes and depends on the features and connections requested by the client.
Set-up, installation, and training are included in your monthly fee.
Charges are listed in the quotation given to you and there will be no hidden surprises like a lot of companies that will offer you a “cheap solution” now and charge for everything additionally later at higher values.
That’s easy – when we develop new features or functionality, your account is automatically upgraded – and there are no extra fees.
Not at all. We can come to your business or home location to install the units at your convenience so that you can avoid vehicle operational downtime and inconvenience. Training is provided personally by our qualified staff at your business location, at your convenience, or even online via TeamViewer or Skype, making scheduling flexible and convenient with minimal disruption to your workday.
Do more with less, using route optimisation & planning
Lower the cost of your daily routes with automated route optimisation and scheduling. Smart route planning helps your drivers get to their jobs on time, get more done and take on more work — without needing to add more vehicles or staff.
A telematics partner committed to faster ROI
We work alongside you every step of the way to plan and deploy your GPS fleet tracking solution, and get a positive ROI as soon as possible. Get technical support, remote or on-site training and assistance by integrating our platform into other parts of your business.
Custom-fit, or out of the box.
Whether you’re a small niche business, a growing private company or a large government fleet, Absolute offers you the choice of ready-to-use GPS fleet tracking software or a solution that can be customised and scaled to meet the unique needs and size of your organisation.