Keeping track of construction equipment has historically been a priority and something of a headache in the industry. With assets continually moving from one worksite location to the next, coordinating operations was often challenging. Nowadays, with GPS tracking for construction equipment as the norm, it’s easier to ensure your valuable machinery is where it should be, fully protected and productively deployed.
What is GPS tracking and how does it work? What is the best value GPS tracking solution for construction businesses? Here’s what to know and a list of the best GPS trackers for construction equipment.
What Is Construction GPS Tracking?
Construction equipment GPS tracking solutions have several benefits in the industry, both for powered and unpowered assets. Battery-operated tracking solutions are ideal on nonpowered equipment since their many shapes and sizes make them adaptable and easy to include.
Wired tracking systems can connect straight to the power sources of electrically or battery-powered equipment, from delivery trucks to heavy-duty machinery. The best GPS solutions deliver diagnostic monitoring alongside the primary locational needs through top-notch, user-friendly software.
Although tracking systems all use the Global Positioning System, a United States government-owned utility, construction GPS tracking solutions still vary substantially in quality, price and technology. Some need mechanical installation, and others require software that operators must be educated on. Still others come with downloadable Android and iOS phone apps. Some battery-powered trackers are wireless and weatherproof to withstand harsh conditions.
Decent provider technical support backs a quality construction GPS tracker — a real plus point should you ever need specialized or other assistance.
The Best Construction GPS Tracking Solutions
Before choosing a GPS tracking system, assess which one is most suited to your construction needs. Weigh the pros, including cost-effectiveness, technology reliability, technical support and ease of implementation, in your current operations. GPS optimization for your various types of machinery is also necessary.
1. Best Overall: Track Your Truck
Track Your Truck is primarily a GPS fleet tracking solution, but it also effectively monitors heavy equipment, wrecker service, truck and trailer tracking, and even boats. The Track Your Truck GPS trackers use a minimum of four satellites to monitor your equipment’s velocity, elevation, longitude and latitude.
Fitting the GPS takes seconds. It connects through a vehicle’s OBD-II port or near-dash hardwire. Clear instructions accompany the device, so installation is quick and straightforward. With Track Your Truck, you’ll always know your equipment’s location, whether its engine is active, how far it travels and whether its operation is authorized. The GPS software also accurately reports engine hours, idling, mileage and past services.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Full-function tracking
- Onboard and battery GPS solutions
- Competitive pricing
- Multi-GPS industry capability
- Passive GPS tracking with the premium trailer tracker
- Android and iOS mobile apps
- Integration with existing tools and applications
- Quality U.S.-based support staff
- Over 20 years of experience
Cons:
- None
2. Best for Workforce Scheduling: Workyard
Workyard is a GPS tracking solution designed for construction equipment management. It allows you to track your machines within employer-set geofences while monitoring your workforce times and their activities. Its automated solutions include specific job tracking, costing, scheduling, reporting, labor compliance and a time clock.
While Workyard has an easy-to-install employee GPS tracking solution with an Android or iOS app, its focal point is monitoring workers rather than equipment. Workyard has real-time vehicle tracking capabilities, trip history reporting, and an excellent alert and notification system.
Pros:
- Multiple workforce solutions
- Real-time equipment tracking
- Customizable geofencing
- Live employee location and activity monitoring
- Android and iOS mobile apps
- Efficient time tracking
- Employee arrival and departure detection
- Drag-and-drop scheduler
- Cost coding and breakdown
Cons:
- Construction industry dedication only
- Costly due to the array of features
- Advanced features can be confusing
3. Best Economical Option: Hapn
Hapn’s GPS solutions cover a broad industry scope, from construction to security to rental to retail, and are rugged and competitively priced. The Hapn construction GPS solution will streamline your operation with a focal point on individual projects. It includes several battery-powered and hardwired GPS systems of varying shapes and sizes that provide flexibility and save time and money.
Although Hapn’s solutions don’t use satellite tracking, its cellular coverage is outstanding. Response times to problems are minimal due to highly rated customer support, and the utilized technology boasts almost 100% uptime. Hapn GPS is an effective solution for its affordable price, but it has limitations, like an inability to provide access to very remote construction sites.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to install
- User-friendly apps for Android and iOS devices
- Affordable
- Easily adjustable update frequencies on a broad spectrum of trackers
- An excellent support team
- Reliable GPS technology
- Caters to four diverse industry sectors
Cons:
- No satellite tracking
- Limited or no connectivity on some outlying sites
- Difficulty with some engine fault code retrieval
Finding the Best GPS Tracker for Construction Equipment
These three GPS tracking solutions serve their purposes for businesses in the construction industry. Each has its benefits, and it’s up to you to ascertain which will best cater to your specific needs. If you require an all-around GPS with no equipment and vehicle monitoring limitations, Track Your Truck will likely better suit your requirements than the others. However, if you need on-site employee monitoring or a more cost-effective solution, the others may be best.
Ultimately, the best GPS tracking solutions for your construction business are those with designs and focal features that meet your specific purposes.
