Product Profile: Feb. 2001, Back On Track

After all, “if you can’t measure, you can’t manage,” he pointed out.

This lack-of-data dilemma - and the inadequacies of relying on two-way radios - prompted Barry to try Mobile-Trak, a vehicle-tracking device from NeoTech Products, Naperville, Ill. Last spring, Battle Creek installed these devices in its five maintenance division trucks to better manage its crews and noticed immediate results, Barry noted.

THE BASICS. Mobile-Trak’s premise is a simple one: The Windows-based device collects a broad range of data while a vehicle is in operation and then later downloads the information into a computer. “Harvesting the information is just a matter of calling up different trucks and reports,” Barry noted, adding that the secure system is accessed by a password.

While Battle Creek opted for the computer-download model, NeoTech Products also offers a streaming data option that downloads information via the Internet. For his company’s needs, however, the once-a-day download approach was a logical fit, Barry said.

Unlike some technology, which presents a daunting learning curve, this system was fairly simple to learn, according to Barry. “The biggest challenge has simply been with technological glitches,” he said. “It’s just like with anything new - you’ve got to work some bugs out of it.”

Barry added that Neotech has been responsive in addressing any problems he experienced with the system. “They’ve been good with support,” he said.

INCREASED ACCOUNTABILITY. By measuring and recording information such as crew members’ in and out times, break times and mileage, Mobile-Trak’s biggest benefit has been increasing employee accountability, noted Barry. “This encourages more responsible behavior,” he said. “They’re taking more responsibility in regard to their actions. I’ve seen some major improvements.”

He added that the system eliminates on-site employee attendance issues that have surfaced in the past. “We’ve had problems with customers calling and saying, ‘Your guys didn’t show up.’ This, however, documents each account we’re at and how long we’re there.”

The system also provides information such as how Battle Creek’s employees handle the company’s vehicles. “This tells us things such as how a driver is, how his habits are, whether he takes off fast or accelerates slowly,” Barry described.

Every morning, Barry reviews the previous day’s data and immediately knows if he has any issues that need to be addressed with his crew. If he discovers a discrepancy between time cards and the actual data collected by the system, for example, he’ll call the employee and deal with it immediately. “The moment I find it, we’ll discuss it,” he explained. “Then (the employee) can’t say, “Well, I don’t remember…”

Mobile-Trak is also helpful for safety purposes, recording critical information such as accidents. “It will show us on a map the location of the vehicle and how fast we were going,” Barry said.

The tracking device also functions as a tool for equipment maintenance, tracking factors such as fuel economy, miles per gallon and other essential information.

As a manager, the tracking devices have given Barry increased peace of mind. “I don’t feel like I’m getting snowballed and taken advantage of,” he noted.

Barry predicts that Mobile-Track will prove most useful during the winter months, when careful time management is critical as crews rush to clear snow and ice, he observed. “This system is going to be even more important for snow removal,” he said, noting that he is so pleased with the results of his initial investment that he plans on adding tracking units to the remainder of his company’s trucks.

Priced from $300 to $1,500, depending upon the model’s level of sophistication, the tracking device is a worthwhile investment, according to Barry. “I have no doubt in my mind that the system is paying for itself,” he enthused.

Based on his experience, he would advise any size landscape company to try Mobile-Trak, Barry said. “We really wonder how we ever did without it."