The FMS frees the concerned personnel from having to track and verify missing or incomplete data or, worse, having to fill in mileage records by hand.

A FMS, with a proven technology like the Global Positioning System (GPS) functioning as its core can help automated collection of accurate and real-time data like vehicle position, efficient and economical distribution of the load among various vehicles.

Other major benefits accruing from a GPS-based FMS include obtaining fuel consumption, vehicle speeds and like data that can help to effectively manage and boost the efficacy of an extremely competitive industry.

For a manager with a fleet of vehicles to manage, the Global Positioning System is a constellation of 31 satellites which help a body accurately calculate its position on the Earth’s surface.

It also calculates the body’s speed and, obviously, the direction and is, therefore, used as an aid to navigation.

Since the constellation covers the whole Earth, any body can be tracked and monitored, anytime and anywhere - a pre-requisite for a successful fleet management system, and the secret of the success that GPS has enjoyed in logistics and the management of supply chains worldwide.

A fleet owner’s primary concern rests with minimizing the (considerable) direct or indirect costs of operation and ensuring an optimal utilization of the capital-heavy vehicles.

Another constant fear that is addressed by a GPS-based FMS is that of the drivers taking unscheduled halts or breaking their trip without authorization, thus throwing the fleet manager’s plans out of kilter.

The driver may be susceptible to or may succumb to temptations on a wearisome and mind-numbing long-haul trip, which can be monitored and corrected through these nifty and sophisticated systems.

Irrespective of the size of the fleet, in today’s environment of cut-throat competition, no fleet owner can afford to not invest in a GPS based FMS since not only does it lead to colossal savings in terms of reduced repair bills, costs due to delays and reduced machinery wear and tear, it also converts into savings on the insurance front.

Most insurance companies will charge a lower premium if they are satisfied that the fleet has an effective and functional GPS-based fleet management system in place.

Since GPS allows a minute-to-minute tracking of resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, incipient problems can be nipped in the bud and re-routing decisions can be made on the fly.