Challenges Facing Courier and Delivery Services

Courier and delivery businesses are facing multiple challenges as a result of this increase in demand, which are made more difficult because of the competitive nature of the industry. Some of the most common challenges include:

• Late or missing deliveries
• Damaged customer goods
• Vehicle maintenance
• Scheduling
• Managing multiple delivery routes
• Remotely managing employees
• Quick task assignment
• Employee reporting and performance reviews

If left unaddressed, these issues can become detrimental to the overall performance of the company and could lead to a significant loss in profits.

How can Tracking Software Help?

Through helping managers organise their business, by allowing them to view where their staff and assets are in real time. Routes and tasks can be assigned, while the status of the delivery is regularly updated on the platform dashboard. Reporting is also a breeze as the most advanced staff management software generate internal reporting which can be viewed at any time by the manager or employer.

These features within the platform solve the issues surrounding the remote management of staff performance and keep an open line of direct and effective communication. This in turn, saves the employer money as well as improving customer satisfaction due to a reduction of late or undelivered packages.

Protecting Your Assets with GPS Tracking

Misused and poorly maintained assets are potentially a drain on resources within any business, resulting in significant money leakage and a loss of staff performance amongst other things. Damages to company property such as vehicles and devices could be easily handled by installing regulatory devices within them. These include:

• GPS devices
• Harsh turning sensors
• Harsh braking sensors
• Speedometer

Today there is technology available that incorporates all these features into a small, easy to install and operate device.

The Impact of Vehicle Tracking

Apart from encouraging employees to treat the company vehicles with care and respect when they are driven, GPS car trackers can help in a number of other ways. Tracking devices that are connected into the vehicle’s electronics can monitor systems such as the fuel level and schedule regular maintenance checks, with reminders sent to the relevant people.

Tracking the performance of the delivery vehicle can also improve the condition of the delivered packages as damaged to goods is directly related to their transportation and handling. That is, these devices work to protect the customer’s assets, making them less prone to damage by impact or rapid movement.

GPS vehicle trackers are a vital tool in helping delivery and courier businesses to make efficiency and good performance a priority, whilst minimising human error, protecting the company’s property and increasing customer satisfaction.

UniGuard has a range of GPS trackers to suit many different needs. Contact our sales team today to find one that suits you.

The post Staff & Asset Tracking Helping Courier & Delivery Service appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

The conditions and general layout of a mine usually makes it quite difficult to be able to manage all employees at once. Whether the workers are in a different section of the mine or there is no direct access to them, it is important to keep an open line of communication between all the teams. One of the factors that determines how safe a mine is, is the ability to immediately inform other workers of a potential hazard that may have arisen. This prevents any accidents from occurring and worst of all, someone getting seriously injured.

However, these hazards can be drastically reduced if routine inspections of the mine’s layout and integrity are scheduled. Frequent inspections of the surrounding environment and detailed reporting are the key to identifying any weaknesses within the mine so that any potential dangers can be immediately dealt with and avoided altogether.

This is where the use of a management and tracking system becomes essential. Since there is limited access to some areas and communication can be rather difficult, it would be particularly useful to be able to see all workers in the mine in real time. If an incident should occur, management would know exactly where each employee is and be able to give the appropriate instructions to lead them all to a safer environment.

Scheduled inspections within the mining area would also be able to be remotely assigned, as well as ensuring their completion. Individual reports could be assigned to specific high-risk areas and different sections of the mine, ensuring a regular and detailed log of conditions and potential hazards. These reports would automatically be updated to the server for future review if needed.

Performance monitoring of employees would be made easier as reporting could be done on the go through the application itself. Monitoring performance is crucial in such an industry. Not only will management ensure employee compliance and that all daily tasks are being completed, but by making sure that all workers are doing their job, the safety of other employees would not be jeopardised.

Heavy machinery and equipment are also important to be logged and monitored. Tracking equipment and being able to easily locate it through a simple search on a phone would be especially useful for employees to gain access to it quicker and more efficiently. A GPS tracker on a piece of machinery would result in less time wasted looking for it in harsh conditions and an increased organisational standard within the mine.

The implementation of such a system in these conditions would drastically improve the safety of the environment for the employees while increasing the efficiency of reporting and open communication between different teams, making it easier for operations managers to assign tasks and routine checks. It improves the standard of organisation when it comes to archiving previous reports and handling equipment and machinery.

At UniGuard we pride ourselves in being able to provide customised solutions for such industries, assessing every detail and what is needed to address it. Our goal is to provide the safest possible environment for all workers within an industry, as well as ensuring that the workplace is performing optimally and up to standard.

Interested in finding out more about how UniGuard can work in your workplace? Contact us today.

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If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of the following, then GPS tracking and geofencing software could greatly benefit you.

There are a number of benefits to using this technology. They can improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, keep your fleet and assets safe, and allow you to provide better customer service. Thus, giving you an “almost unfair” advantage over the competition.

To help you better understand the benefits of GPS tracking and geofencing technology, consider these useful pointers.

Improved fleet safety–

By installing a simple tracking device to your fleet, this will enable you to monitor your fleet via a smartphone, laptop, desktop computer or other Internet-enabled device. You can track their location, set custom routes, and even monitor their fuel usage, speed, travel history and more.Plus, you have the freedom to track as little or as much information as you like.

However, when it comes to fleet management, one of the greatest safety features is geofencing. What is geofencing? It is a location-based service, in which an app or other piece of software, uses GPS, RFID (Radio-frequency identification), Wi-Fi or cellular data to trigger a pre-programmed action when a mobile device or RFID tag enters or exits a virtual boundary.

Put simply, if you install a GPS tracking device or RFID tag on your fleet, you can then set up a virtual boundary around them. This boundary can be as small or large as you like. And you can draw it in any shape or configuration. Once set up, each time a tracked vehicle enters or leaves the virtual boundary, an alert notification (via push notification, text message or other alert) will be sent to all suitable devices.

Best of all? You can automate the virtual boundary to switch on or off depending on the time of day. So, if you want the boundary to be smaller – for example, when the vehicle is stationary and stored overnight – then you can do that. As a result, you will be instantly notified if there is any suspicious movement, even if it is outside of normal business hours.

Route planning for reduced response times–

GPS tracking gives you the power to plan your routes in advance. With the help of real-time traffic information, the software can also help you choose the fastest, most optimal route, so that you arrive at your destination sooner and consume less fuel.

As a result, you will be able to improve fleet operational efficiency, and provide a faster turnaround for deliveries. Which, in turn, will make your customers happier, and ensure they use your business again in the future.

To discover the true benefits of GPS tracking and geofencing software, request a FREE demo of UniGuard today.

Monitor employee performance and conduct–

Driver safety is paramount to the success of your business. For this reason, unsafe driving not only puts your fleet – and the general public – at risk of danger, it can also tarnish the reputation of your business.

GPS tracking software is a seamless, non-intrusive way to monitor employee performance. As mentioned previously, you can use the software to monitor a range of conditions, such as fuel consumption, speed, travel history, and even accident history.

This means, you can quickly spot any discrepancies in each driver’s history, and then take appropriate steps to solve the problem.

Improve employee communication–

These days, the benefits of GPS tracking and geofencing go beyond just location tracking and monitoring.

Featuring in-built task assignment capabilities, instant messaging, alert notifications and more, software like UniGuard makes it easier for staff and employers to stay in touch around the clock, no matter where they are located.

Want to assign tasks and reminders to key staff members? Want to give your employees the ability to quickly report field incidents? Or perhaps give your lone workers a direct line of communication to support staff?

All of these benefits (and more) are available to you with the right GPS tracking and employee management software.

Since 1997, UniGuard has been helping businesses streamline their workforce, improve the quality of their service deliveries, and stay compliant with the latest industry and government standards.

To request a FREE demo of UniGuard, contact us today.

The post Top 4 Benefits of GPS Tracking and Geofencing appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

Digital Proof of Service

A big part of the Mobile Security Patrols Code of Practice focuses on the security operator’s responsibility to communicate and report effectively to their clients. This goes beyond simply making an occasional phone call or sending out an invoice once a month.

The code requires some sort of digital proof of attendance with the security guard at the client’s premises. This means using an electronic system such as a guard tour management system (GTMS) that tracks when and where security staff have been on their patrols, along with a GPS location tracking device installed in the patrol car.

UniGuard supplies a range of GPS car trackers and attendance recorders. Together with the UniGuard software these allow you the flexibility to create a system that both works for your workforce and also meet contract requirements. Within the software, a range of features allow you to create custom automated reports that prove that your security officers attended the client’s premises according to the contract. Additional features allow you to provide extra information about the patrols or incidents if required. All this has been designed to make your work easier, while maintaining your contract obligations and meeting the ASIAL requirements.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Another important part of the Mobile Security Patrols Code of Practice involves the safety of the mobile patrol officers. Along with a range of other PPE, the code stipulates that a security guard needs to carry some form of mobile communication device, which can be either a radio or a mobile phone.

PTT is a revolution in telecommunications technology, combining the features and convenience of both a 2-way radio and a smartphone. This allows your staff to communicate across the country at the push of a button without the need for traditional radio infrastructure. Smartphone functionality means that the device can also incorporate patrol tours, checkpoint scans, photo attachments and incident reports.

A request call-back button is incorporated in both the UniGuard recorders and mobile phone app, allowing you to see if a security officer needs help. This feature is also incorporated in the UniGuard push-to-talk (PTT) radios.

Cash In Transit

ASIAL has other industry standards, codes and guidelines including the ASIAL Code of Practice for Cash In Transit vehicles. Along with other equipment, UniGuard can supply GPS trackers for these vehicles which include the best tracking on the market, along with remote vehicle immobilization.

If you’d like to know more about how to meet ASIAL standards, click here to see a demo of UniGuard in action.

The post 3 Ways UniGuard Helps You Meet the ASIAL Code of Practice appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

Over time these issues can build up and cost your business in lost profits, reduced customer satisfaction, and increased employee turnover due to unsafe lone working conditions.

By implementing a smart GPS fleet tracking system into each of your vehicles, you can regain control of your fleet and reap the rewards of a safer, more productive, and profitable business.

Here are 4 ways GPS fleet tracking can produce winning results for your business.

1. Reduce fleet operating costs

GPS tracking can help reduce operating costs in a number of ways.

Firstly, the presence of a GPS tracker can help curb unsafe driving habits such as speeding, fast braking, tailgating, and frequent overtaking. As a result, drivers are less likely to get a speeding fine, lose their license, or get into a road accident.

Furthermore, GPS fleet tracking can be used to reduce idle vehicle activity.

When vehicles are idle they burn unnecessary amounts of fuel. So they need refuelling more often, more frequent maintenance due to engine wear-and-tear, and they produce more harmful emissions. Thus, costing you money and negatively impacting the environment.

With a GPS tracker, you can help curb unnecessary idle activity. You can also take the opportunity to promote best eco-friendly practices, by instructing drivers to switch the vehicle off when:

• Loading and unloading
• Processing paperwork
• Parked and talking on the phone
• Eating or sleeping

Find out how UniGuard can reduce your fleet operating costs. Book a FREE demo with a UniGuard specialist today!

2. Optimise travel routes for faster deliveries and increased customer satisfaction

With real-time GPS tracking you can plan trips ahead of time and optimise each route to ensure faster deliveries.

By taking into account a variety of factors – such as type of vehicle, narrow roads, low bridge clearance, traffic congestion, weather, and much more – the device can automatically produce the safest, most optimal route for the driver.

Of course, you can fine-tune the journey if you need drivers to slightly deviate from their intended destination for other purposes.

As a result, your drivers are more likely to avoid delays caused by construction, road accidents, and peak hour traffic jams. This way, drivers will arrive at their destination sooner and keep customers satisfied.

3. Improved safety

Lone drivers who travel to remote locations are at a greater risk of danger than other drivers.

For this reason, you need a system that enables you to keep an eye on your fleet at all times, and be instantly notified when a problem arises.

With real-time GPS tracking, you can not only track the precise location of your drivers, but also notify them of unsafe driving conditions and be notified if they run into trouble. This way, if a driver becomes lost or stranded, you or another staff member can quickly respond to assist the driver.

By providing a safer work environment for drivers, you’ll be able to retain key workers for longer and avoid the costly burden of insurance claims, delivery delays, and worker’s compensation claims.

Most importantly? Your workers will have peace of mind knowing they’re in safe hands, no matter where they are.

4. Reduce the risk of theft

According to recent studies, 53,564 vehicles were reported stolen in Australia in 2018 – that’s one every 10 minutes!

That’s why it’s vital to implement GPS fleet tracking into each of your vehicles. Let the experts at UniGuard provide you with the right GPS system to complement your business needs.

The reason for this is simple: when a thief detects the presence of a GPS tracking device, they’re more likely to avoid it and move on.

And, in the event a thief does manage to steal the vehicle, the tracking device makes it easy for both you and the authorities to quickly track it down.

You can even increase response times by setting up a temporary geo-fence around the perimeter of the vehicle. So, if the vehicle leaves the virtual perimeter during a designated time period, you’ll be instantly notified so you can take swift action.

UniGuard is an advanced platform designed to put you back in control of your fleet. To discover the benefits of GPS fleet tracking for yourself, book a FREE demo with a UniGuard specialist today.

Fill out the online form to get started.

The post Using GPS Fleet Tracking to Boost Productivity and Profits appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.