The construction rental industry has always faced operational challenges. Industry leaders have always looked for better ways to prevent theft, streamline deliveries, or meet customer needs. Several technology solutions have come and gone over the years, but one is currently reshaping the way rental companies operate — GPS.
GPS for construction rentals provides revolutionary new ways to track and manage assets. GPS-powered asset management provides real-time visibility into the location and status of rental equipment. The technology’s advanced security features deter theft and expedite recovery efforts. Improved inventory management and optimized deliveries improve customer satisfaction.
In short, GPS provides the solutions the construction rental industry has long sought. GPS represents a better way to build for both rental companies and construction contractors. Here’s a look at what GPS can do for construction rental companies and their customers.
What Makes GPS Essential for Construction Rentals
So, what makes GPS so essential for construction rentals? The answers may not be obvious if you’ve only used GPS-enabled devices as a navigation tool. However, a brief look at what the technology can do reveals the unique value GPS adds to the rental ecosystem.
Real-Time Equipment Visibility
With its ability to track assets in real time, GPS provides rental companies with around-the-clock accurate tracking of equipment. Construction rental providers can now know where their equipment is, whether it’s in their rental yards or not. Real-time visibility not only safeguards equipment but can also provide insights into how it is used, allowing companies to safeguard their investments.
Actionable Insights into Equipment Usage
GPS systems also record a lot of data. Taking advantage of this wealth of information lets rental companies tap into the power of data-driven insights. For example, a utilization analysis based on GPS data can help rental companies identify underutilized assets and refine their offerings. GPS-based usage data can also be used to develop performance metrics, inspiring better purchase decisions.
Safeguarding Against Theft
GPS helps deter theft and aids in recovery efforts. Considering how construction rental companies lose millions of dollars to theft each year, this may be the most crucial benefit of all. If equipment is stolen, GPS technology helps pinpoint its location. Law enforcement can use the location data to get a jumpstart on the recovery process. Criminals will think twice before attempting to steal rental equipment tracked with GPS technology, as there is an increased chance that police will track down the equipment (and them).
How GPS Works in the Context of Rentals
While GPS technology can be complex in its entirety, it’s relatively simple for construction rental companies to implement. Here’s a breakdown of how GPS works in the context of rentals:
Device Installation
You install the device onto rental equipment to get started with GPS tracking. GPS devices are typically small, rugged units designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and rough usage scenarios. Most devices can be easily attached to heavy machinery, trailers, tools, and other equipment.
The installation process is relatively straightforward. Just affix the device securely to equipment with strong adhesive or magnetic mounts. Other mounting methods can work, too, as long as there is minimal risk of damage and the device can receive an adequate signal. Once installed, the device is ready to be activated and configured to transmit data to a centralized monitoring system.
Satellite Communication
At the core of GPS technology is a network of satellites orbiting the Earth, each transmitting radio signals received by tracking units, such as those installed on rental equipment. Each GPS receiver analyzes the timing and strength of the satellite signals to calculate its geographic location accurately.
Most GPS units track multiple satellites to more accurately determine their position on Earth. This process involves measuring the time it takes for signals to reach the receiver. Comparing the time it takes for signals to arrive from multiple satellites allows a GPS tracking unit to calculate its latitude, longitude, and altitude precisely.
Data Transmission
Once the GPS device has determined its location data, it transmits this and other relevant information, like battery level and ambient temperature, to a cellular network. From there, the GPS data is sent to tracking software, which is typically a cloud-based platform today. The tracking platform allows rental companies to access the location of tracked assets, historical data, and various analytics.
Centralized Dashboard
The final step in the GPS tracking process for construction rentals is for the tracking platform to present the collected data in a centralized dashboard. The user interface can cater to the specific needs of construction rental companies. For example, you can view the current location of each piece of equipment on an interactive map. This way, you can monitor real-time deliveries, pickups, or job site activity. A historical data view enables you to analyze equipment usage patterns, identify trends, and optimize your fleet management processes.
Within the dashboard, you can set up other features like geofencing. You can define virtual boundaries around specific areas like job sites or warehouses here. If equipment moves outside those boundaries, the tracking software generates alerts to help prevent theft or unauthorized use.
Other analytics features can be configured to report on metrics of interest. For example, idle time monitoring metrics could track periods of inactivity to help you identify opportunities to improve equipment utilization. The platform can be configured to send alerts when equipment is due for service or maintenance.
How Rental Companies Use GPS to Enhance Services
Given all the features discussed so far, it’s easy to see how GPS technology can revolutionize the way rental companies operate. With real-time tracking and a wealth of data, many opportunities exist to provide faster and more cost-effective service. Here are a few ways rental companies can use GPS to enhance their services:
Optimized Delivery Routes
GPS-enabled route optimization software helps rental companies plan the most efficient delivery schedules, minimizing travel time and fuel consumption. Optimized delivery routes benefit timely deliveries, enhanced customer satisfaction, and reduced costs.
Proactive Maintenance
By monitoring equipment usage patterns, rental companies can proactively schedule maintenance and repairs, preventing unexpected breakdowns and minimizing downtime. By making preventive maintenance the norm, rental companies ensure their equipment is always ready to be rented out without problems.
Enhanced Security
Advanced security features like geofencing and IoT motion sensors can deter theft and help recover stolen equipment. Rental companies suffer fewer losses, while construction contractors enjoy a more reliable rental fleet.
Improved Fleet Management
GPS data provides valuable insight into equipment utilization rates. Rental companies can use this information to optimize their offerings. Identifying and removing underutilized assets helps reduce costs while improving overall efficiency.
Competitive Pricing
Rental companies stay lean by leveraging GPS data to optimize operations and reduce costs. They can, therefore, offer competitive pricing to attract and retain customers, stay ahead of the competition, and maintain a strong market position.
Transform Your Rentals With LandAirSea
GPS technology provides solutions for several industries, but it’s a secret in the construction rental industry. That seems likely to change as more rental companies realize the benefits of real-time equipment visibility, improved inventory management, and how they can safeguard against loss. If you own or operate a construction rental equipment company, now is the time to find an experienced partner to help you transform your rentals with GPS.
LandAirSea has years of experience helping rental companies secure their equipment and optimize their operations. We offer GPS tracking devices with intuitive, cloud-based software and consulting services to tailor our solutions to each customer’s specific needs. LandAirSea’ tailored GPS solutions provide the benefits of real-time tracking, improved equipment management, and enhanced safety for contractors and rental companies alike.
To get started with a customized solution from LandAirSea for your construction rental equipment business, contact us today.
