Tips for construction companies choosing GPS tracking

Choosing GPS tracking systems for construction sites is a big decision. The challenges your construction fleet faces are always changing, but fleet technology can help streamline management of vehicles, drivers and jobs. You need the right solution to give you visibility into high-value equipment, an always-rotating inventory of vehicles and tools, subcontractors and tight project timelines.  

Why construction companies need more than basic location tracking 

High-value construction assets are appealing targets for theft, and the theft of any vehicle or asset is expensive and disruptive. But it isn’t the only challenge. Underutilized assets — like dozers sitting idle or extra rented generators — can quickly inflate your budget. Billing discrepancies, inaccurate engine-hour tracking and the complexity of using several different management tools only compound these issues. 

Modern, integrated GPS tracking for construction equipment goes well beyond just showing vehicle and asset location. It centralizes data, streamlines job costing, improves maintenance planning and gives operations teams the insight they need to make decisions with confidence. Instead of juggling multiple systems for different equipment types, construction companies can bring everything together under one unified platform. 

Want to know how to evaluate GPS fleet tracking options for construction? Let’s go over some of the top tips for choosing GPS tracking systems for construction sites. 

Find out what GPS tracking for construction equipment can do for you with this free Buyer’s Guide.

Strategic tips for choosing GPS tracking systems for construction sites 

The power of GPS fleet tracking provides construction companies with the intelligence they need to track vehicles in the field, run more efficient fleet operations, increase worker productivity and encourage safe-driving habits. When you go to assess solutions, what should you be looking for? 

Tip 1: Determine asset compatibility and hardware durability 

Construction environments are tough on your assets and vehicles. Equipment gets muddy, rained on, rattled and pushed to the limit. That’s why hardware durability is non-negotiable. Look for devices built to withstand extreme weather and long-term outdoor exposure. 

Compatibility is also crucial. Every construction fleet uses lots of different equipment types, and your GPS solution must support all asset categories. This means choosing the right device for each use case: 

• Hardwired trackers for powered assets with a consistent power source 
• Battery-powered trackers for unpowered assets 
• OEM integrations, where factory-installed telematics are already available, can expand visibility while reducing hardware costs and installation time.  

Tip 2: Prioritize operational efficiency features  

When your company faces competitive pressures or the industry landscape changes, GPS tracking for construction equipment can help you adapt. If the system only shows where your assets are, it’s not doing enough. Greater control and insight can help you operate more efficiently and improve the most critical aspects of your business including:  

• Fleet utilization  
• Resource prioritization  
• Workforce productivity  
• Routing 
• Driver and job scheduling  
• Vehicle uptime 

Tip 3: Demand robust integration and scalability 

Your business will evolve, and so too should your GPS tracking system. Look for a platform that can scale from a handful of tracked assets to hundreds without issues, so you can connect whatever assets you own now or will purchase in the future. The right system will also offer an open API or marketplace to connect your tracking data with existing construction software (e.g., billing, dispatch, maintenance). 

Tip 4: Evaluate vendor support and implementation expertise 

When looking at GPS fleet tracking options for construction, choosing a vendor with strong support is critical. The right vendor will provide professional installation services and dedicated support to minimize setup time and ensure the discreet, proper configuration needed to reduce tampering. 

Core functions and features in GPS fleet tracking options for construction 

Not all GPS fleet tracking options are built for the demands of construction. Choosing the right one starts with understanding the core functions that directly impact efficiency, safety and cost control on every job site. 

Asset utilization and reporting: Reports on a variety of actions and behaviors, including daily vehicle locations, unsafe driver behaviors, wasted fuel and more, help to increase transparency and efficiency, reduce unnecessary costs and promote safety. You can create one-off reports or schedule reports to be delivered on a regular basis. 

Automating maintenance based on usage: Preventive maintenance allows fleets to create service reminders and maintenance schedules for assets. Staying on top of maintenance helps reduce the likelihood of costly breakdowns and increases uptime.  

Advanced security with geofencing: Get this critical theft protection using precise, instant alerts around all job sites and yards. Geofencing helps keep assets safe by establishing a geographic boundary for authorized use. When assets move outside of the geofence, fleet managers get an alert so they can take immediate action. If an asset is stolen, law enforcement is instantly provided with critical data to help recover it.  

Driver and operator safety features: Vehicle tracking with integrated AI-powered dashcams helps promote fleet safety and protect your company’s reputation. 

• Monitor employee driving habits and identify high-risk drivers.  
• Reduce risk with driver scorecards and in-cab video telematics that can be used to coach safe driving behaviors.  
• Hold drivers accountable for showing up at the right time and completing work on schedule.  

Power take-off (PTO) tracking: For construction equipment like backhoes, excavators, concrete mixers and more, PTO tracking can help determine when idle time is productive – the PTO is using the engine’s power to operate the auxiliary equipment –  or unproductive, and the vehicle should be turned off. 

Final evaluation of GPS tracking systems for construction sites 

GPS tracking for construction equipment gives more than just locations—it delivers complete operational visibility that helps you to better manage vehicles, drivers and assets and adapt to new needs as they arise. These insights ultimately help keep costs in check, including fuel, maintenance, labor and accident expenses. 

Since GPS fleet tracking represents a significant financial investment and plays a critical role in your success, you want to make sure you find a solution that offers the best, scalable value to your organization. Start by evaluating solutions based on what we outlined above: hardware durability and compatibility, utilization and usage reporting, advanced security features, scalable integration and reliable vendor support. One of the best tips for choosing GPS tracking systems for construction sites is to select a system that meets all the above requirements. 

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Schedule a live demo to see how key features like utilization reports, geofencing and maintenance alerts transform your operations.