Purchasing a vehicle tracking system can be an expensive investment for any business, particularly if you are running a large fleet of vehicles. However, in a modern business environment more complex considerations have to be looked at such as fleet efficiency and the safety of your field staff, the security of the vehicles themselves and their contents. An initial investment can eventually prove to be extremely cost-effective maximising efficiency, cutting delivery and pick up times and reducing the amount of ‘unnecessary' mileage. However, there are a few key points to consider before undertaking this type of investment.

How to decide between GPS vehicle tracking software providers

You have to know that the provider you choose is going to give you the system and the service that serves your business the best. The growth in popularity of GPS and vehicle tracking systems has led to a number of companies appearing who may be less than thorough in their approach to customer service and the provision of quality products, so it pays to take a little time to choose carefully. You need to ask yourself a few fundamental questions about suppliers. Can they supply you with a list of customers or recommendations from other satisfied users? If they can't then it may be that the systems they offer do not live up to the hype. Talk to other customers (particularly if they are in a similar business to you) and find out what their after-care service has been like, what kind of updates have been provided and, if necessary, ask to see the accounts for the provider. You can also look for suppliers who have volunteered to take part in the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform's TrustMark programme, which is currently being promoted by reputable members of the industry.

Which sales tactics to be careful of

Don't get sucked in by glossy brochures and companies that offer something for nothing. The old adage is applicable here – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. A vast collection of onboard maps, moving location dots on a screen and a system that seems to have all the bells and whistles at a knockdown price may be masking a system that is unstable, out of date and won't do what you want it to do. A good system should offer the user additional data including unauthorised mileage reports, out-of-hours activity and speeding data. Remember that you are the customer, so the provider has to give you a system that is right for your business. Hard sell tactics that try to give you a basic GPS mapping system that you can download from Google for free is probably light on features that you would find useful to your business.

When to expect ROI

The initial outlay and investment involved in vehicle tracking systems can seem high, with good quality GPS devices still expensive. However, the return on your investment (ROI) will be something that can be factored into your company accounts over the long term and may actually begin to show sooner than expected. Savings on fuel consumption, reduction in insurance premiums for fleet vehicles fitted with GPS tracking, increased efficiency and greater customer satisfaction all combine to give you a rapid return on your initial investment. Expect to see returns within the first six to 12 months on your GPS tracking system.

Comparing service providers

Nothing in business beats a personal recommendation so if you know someone who has had a vehicle tracking system installed and is happy with the results, consider talking to their provider. Otherwise it's a matter of doing a little bit of homework before selecting your final provider. Consider factors such as what kind of after-care service is provided, if free updates to software are available and that the warranty is comprehensive. Don't compare providers purely on the aspect of pricing. Consider all the factors and remember to choose a company that you feel will work well with your company and give you the service you want. The Internet provides a wealth of information on service providers so a browse on Google may be your best starting point.