Although GPS tracking is helpful in many industries, its value is particularly apparent in construction. Managing equipment and resources can become a highly complex function essential to running a successful construction company.

GPS technology simplifies this process, making it easier and more cost-effective. In fact, forward-thinking construction managers are realizing the immediate benefits of GPS tracking for construction by tracking and identifying assets in real time, helping them function more effectively and profitably. 

Why your construction business needs a GPS tracking solution

It’s no secret that in the construction business, you manage a lot of paper trails, email threads, and back-and-forth phone calls when it comes to your equipment. This includes getting updates from field workers or supervisors regarding the location and ETAs of equipment. Managers must also calculate the usage period, consumed fuel, and traveled distances for all equipment, among other figures – a tedious, error-prone, and time-consuming process when done manually.  

However, GPS tracking has made this work much easier to track. Aside from navigation, GPS tracking for businesses – especially construction also features fleet, asset, and equipment tracking software. This software tool collects, analyzes, and charts GPS data for a more intuitive presentation. You can track individual equipment in real-time and view its status on a dashboard.

4 benefits of GPS tracking for construction

Tracking equipment also makes it easier for the company to monitor its employees remotely and assess their work performance more accurately. Installing a GPS tracker on a delivery truck, for example, is a cost-effective approach to measuring on-time deliveries and safe driving.

This post covers the top 4 benefits of GPS tracking for construction companies every stakeholder in the industry should know. Let’s take a closer look. 

1. Increased workplace productivity and efficiency

According to a 2020 National Construction Payment Report, as many as 70% of the projects fail, run over budget, or go past deadlines. Unsurprisingly, the main reason for these problems is logistical or difficulty managing and tracking workers and equipment.

Planning logistics and streamlined operations are very important benefits of construction GPS tracking. GPS technologies make planning the most efficient routes for drivers practical and make unused equipment available in other locations as required. You can even detect if the car is on its way to its destination, which routes it took, and when it is stopped.

Unfortunately, unauthorized usage of work cars is more widespread than most people would want to acknowledge. GPS tracking assists management in keeping staff on task and focused on your business rather than their own or someone else's. You can use powerful alerting and reporting tools to detect when an employee is undertaking personal errands or side jobs during the workday, keeping your personnel productive for your company daily.

Learn how HQS Construction Gained Peace of Mind with Spytec GPS Tracking. 

2. Improved worker and equipment safety

GPS tracking is a handy tool to monitor the driving habits of workers. Advanced GPS tracking systems feature real-time reports and programmed notifications to help keep track of vehicles on the road and project sites. Poor driving habits such as idling, careless speeding, and diversions contribute to a construction company's high maintenance and liability expenses. A GPS tracker can help management identify poor drivers for coaching or dismissal with reliable GPS data to back up any disciplinary action.

GPS tracking is also used to manage fleets and ensure efficient dispatching remotely –making the dispatching and monitoring equipment more convenient and safe. This feature is particularly beneficial when the company runs multiple projects in different locations and needs to plan vehicles and equipment to be used in various sites. 

Finally, one of the most notable benefits of GPS tracking for construction companies is its promotion of worker safety by streamlining insurance filing with more in-depth reports. This feature goes a long way in reducing road and construction site accidents.

3. Minimize fuel and operation costs

A construction company must keep its expenses to a minimum to maximize its profit margins. However, fueling and maintaining high-powered, heavy vehicles and equipment can be quite costly. Wastefulness through unsafe driving habits, excessive idling, and taking longer or busier routes contribute to higher fuel and project costs.

To prevent this dilemma, GPS tracking can pinpoint the exact location, direction of movement, and vehicle speed. From there, management can use this information to quickly identify problems that may lead to high fuel consumption and more time wasted. The company can optimize routes and transportation times with proper planning to achieve better fuel economy.

Managers can also use GPS tracking to optimize fleet maintenance schedules. Poor vehicle maintenance often leads to higher fuel consumption and breakdowns that waste time and cause higher repair costs. Management can use GPS that connects to vehicle diagnostics to proactively identify necessary minor repairs before they become more serious problems. The money saved by preventive maintenance will help the company keep operating costs lower.

4. Locate, track, and recover stolen equipment

The final key benefit of GPS tracking for construction is the layer of security it adds to equipment. Construction equipment is typically expensive, and theft and losses are significant risks that should be prevented. Unfortunately, construction equipment and vehicle theft are rampant and continue to be a big problem for companies. GPS tracking is foolproof asset protection that can help pinpoint the location of the stolen equipment.

Today, many construction companies install GPS trackers in their vehicles and heavy equipment and then set alerts when moving outside a specified area or during off-work hours. This measure helps secure the equipment and vehicles and contributes to keeping their insurance rates lower.

Learn more about the Top Ways to Use GPS Tracking for Construction Equipment. 

Start realizing these profitable benefits of GPS tracking for construction 

As you can see, there are many benefits to using a GPS tracking solution in the construction industry. They include tracking real-time equipment positions, offering guidelines for truck drivers, saving time, and providing alerts in suspicious situations. 

If you invest in construction asset tracking software, you can record data such as service dates, when components need to be replaced, and any tool defects. Some GPS trackers can even monitor engine hours, mileage, and vibration levels, giving you a better indication of when to service your equipment.

Spytec ensures you can check the location of your vehicles and assets from anywhere with only a few taps or clicks. View tracker location data from almost any device and select from several subscription options.

Request a demo of Spytec’s GPS tracking to learn more about how it can streamline operations in your construction company.