Like most businesses with a mobile workforce, security fleets are adopting GPS fleet tracking at an increasing rate. This is because there are many benefits to utilizing GPS tracking software for security fleets that include a reduction in fuel costs, liability and risk, and increases in officer safety, customer service, productivity, etc.

Many supervisors and fleet managers claim that the most difficult part to implementing the software into their business is explaining why they are going to be using the technology to their employees. They fear it won’t be explained well and they will receive employee pushback, ruining trust between employees and management. Here is how you should go about introducing it:

Eliminate ‘Big Brother’ Theory

The term “Big Brother,” in reference to fleet management, is a phrase that is talked about far too often and never quite explained correctly. You have to put an end to this infamous term and squash the stigma that surrounds it.

Every business measures employee performance and coaches employees to be better at their jobs. Call centers record calls to make sure that the quality of information is correct and to enhance their customers’ experience. Football coaches review film after games and breakdown each play to coach the players on how to improve their performance for next time. Performance measurement and employee coaching is no different for mobile workforces and GPS tracking is the tool used to do this.

Communicate that GPS tracking software is not being put in place to get people in trouble. It is about helping your company improve at what you do and moving forward. The GPS tracking is the tool used to manage your officers, fix poor or unsafe driving habits, become more effective and efficient, and ensure that everyone has the wellbeing of the company as a top priority. This is not about “Big Brother;” this is just good business.

Explain the Benefits for Your Officers

Your employees are justifiably going to want to know what is in it for them:

Tracking security officers can exonerate them from false traffic violations, such as speeding, or complaints. All historical data is kept on the vehicles, so you can quickly pull up a report to find out if an officer was actually speeding or not, or verify a complaint to see if a company vehicle was even in the area.

Having vehicle location intelligence will lead to fewer phone calls from dispatch or supervisors. Dispatch will already know their location and status, and supervisors won’t need to check in as frequently because they can see productivity through the software. This is ultimately less of a distraction to the officers, allowing them to focus on their job.

Tracking software typically includes a maintenance scheduling feature that will ensure you are always on top of your vehicle maintenance. This will prevent your officers from having vehicle trouble, getting stranded at a jobsite, or on even on the side of the road.

Lastly, the security officers will be able to prove job completion. A report can be sent to customers that shows when the officer arrived on site, duration of patrol, and when the officer left. Security directors or site managers appreciate this added benefit because it adds to the officer’s credibility.

Explain the Benefits for the Business

First and foremost, GPS tracking can save the company a lot of money on the bottom line, which helps ensure job security. Implementing the technology will also make the company more efficient; less paperwork, fewer phone calls, instant reporting, quicker response times, on-time maintenance, and optimized vehicle usage all create tangible and non-tangible efficiencies for the business.

The company will save money in a number of ways besides in reduced fuel costs. You will be able to extend vehicle life-cycles with improved driver behaviors and better routine maintenance. If a vehicle is ever stolen, it can be recovered quickly, saving the company from having to replace lost assets. Your company would also be able to receive insurance discounts as high as 10 to 12 percent just for putting tracking devices inside your vehicles.