Traffic jams, speeding and getting lost all contribute to wasting gas and money. Arming field reps with a GPS could save you some big bucks with rising gas prices.
Navigation systems have long been used to keep tabs on employees. They can track speeding, detours from designated locations and idling time. But only recently has that information been seen as more than a productivity monitor.
Now employers are seeing some money saving potential.
When a vehicle travels over 55 mph, it’s using more gas. Same goes for long periods of idling in a traffic jam. So more companies are investing in basic GPS — Global Positioning System — to steer employees clear of problems, and keep tabs on their speeding.
Along with instant turn-by-turn directions, many navigation systems keep a record of the average and top speed during a trip. They’ll also calculate a vehicle’s fuel economy.
And, if you only have one or two employees out on the road at a time, you can save money by getting one or two stand-alone GPS units. They can be transferred from vehicle to vehicle, and even used when walking.
Some companies are also using vehicle tracking systems, like the ones provided by Vehicle Tracking Solutions, to keep tabs on employee locations. Employers can log onto a Web site and see the location of each vehicle as well as speed, idling time, direction and mileage.
But with all of the money saving potential come possible problems. Some unions and other employee organizations are against the use of GPS and tracking systems. They feel the systems will lead to micromanagement of employees.
