GPS Tracking
GPS tracking integration provides real-time location data for your equipment and vehicles. This visibility improves asset management, helps prevent theft, enables accurate time tracking, and provides operational insights about how and where your equipment is being used.
Quick Start: Set Up GPS Tracking
- Go to Settings > Integrations
- Select GPS provider (Motive or GPS Trackit)
- Enter API credentials or authorize connection
- Map GPS devices to equipment records
- Verify data sync on equipment page
Supported GPS Providers
DrillerDB integrates with two major GPS tracking platforms.
Provider Comparison
| Provider | Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Motive (formerly KeepTruckin) | GPS, ELD, diagnostics, driver management | Fleets with DOT compliance needs |
| GPS Trackit | Equipment tracking, utilization, geofencing | Equipment-focused operations |
Data Available by Provider
| Data Type | Motive | GPS Trackit |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time location | Yes | Yes |
| Location history | Yes | Yes |
| Engine hours | Yes | Yes |
| Idle time | Yes | Yes |
| Distance/miles | Yes | Yes |
| Diagnostics | Yes | Limited |
| ELD compliance | Yes | No |
| Geofencing | Yes | Yes |
Setting Up GPS Integration
Configure GPS tracking through Settings > Integrations.
Step-by-Step: Connect GPS Provider
- Go to Settings > Integrations
- Find GPS Tracking section
- Select your provider (Motive or GPS Trackit)
- Click Connect
- Enter API credentials or token
- Authorize DrillerDB access
- Wait for initial device sync
- Verify devices appear in list
The integration synchronizes automatically, pulling location and usage data at regular intervals (typically every 5-15 minutes).
Pairing Devices with Equipment
After connecting your GPS account, assign GPS devices to specific equipment.
Pairing Methods
| Method | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Details | Open equipment record, GPS field | Single equipment setup |
| GPS Integration Page | Settings > Integrations > GPS | Bulk fleet setup |
Step-by-Step: Pair from Equipment Details
- Open equipment record
- Click Edit or find GPS Device field
- Select GPS tracker from dropdown
- Save equipment record
- Location data begins syncing
Step-by-Step: Bulk Pair from Integration Page
- Go to Settings > Integrations > GPS
- View list of connected GPS devices
- For each device, select corresponding equipment
- Click Save Assignments
- All pairings activate immediately
Proper device pairing ensures location data appears on the correct equipment records and flows into utilization reports accurately.
Location Tracking
Once GPS devices are paired, DrillerDB displays real-time and historical location data.
Location Features
| Feature | Shows | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Current Location | Real-time position on map | Find equipment now |
| Location History | Movement over time | Verify job site attendance |
| Geofencing | Entry/exit from defined areas | Theft prevention, site tracking |
Step-by-Step: View Current Location
- Open equipment record
- Click Location tab or map icon
- View equipment position on map
- See last update timestamp
- Click for address details
Step-by-Step: View Location History
- Open equipment record
- Click Location History
- Select date range
- View movement path on map
- Click points for timestamps
- Export history if needed
Step-by-Step: Set Up Geofence
- Go to Settings > Geofences or GPS settings
- Click Add Geofence
- Name the area (e.g., "Main Yard", "Job Site A")
- Draw boundary on map or enter coordinates
- Set alert preferences (enter, exit, or both)
- Assign to specific equipment (optional)
- Save geofence
Geofence alerts only work when GPS devices have cellular connectivity. Remote areas with poor signal may delay or miss alerts.
Usage Tracking
GPS data enhances equipment utilization monitoring with automatic readings.
Usage Metrics
| Metric | What It Tracks | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Hours | Engine run time (automatic) | Triggers maintenance schedules |
| Idle Time | Running but not working | Identifies fuel waste |
| Distance Traveled | Miles driven | Mileage-based maintenance |
| Utilization Percentage | Active vs idle time | Fleet optimization |
How Automatic Readings Work
| Data | Source | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Engine hours | Vehicle ECM via GPS device | Every sync (5-15 min) |
| Miles/odometer | Vehicle ECM or GPS calculation | Every sync |
| Idle time | Engine on + no movement | Calculated from GPS data |
| Utilization | Hours operated ÷ available hours | Daily calculation |
Automatic engine hour and mileage readings eliminate manual meter entry and ensure maintenance triggers at the correct time.
Understanding Utilization Data
| Utilization Rate | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 80%+ | High demand | May justify fleet expansion |
| 50-80% | Normal usage | Balanced fleet size |
| 25-50% | Underutilized | Evaluate need |
| Under 25% | Low usage | Consider selling or renting out |
Integration with Other Features
GPS tracking data connects with other DrillerDB features for enhanced automation.
Feature Integrations
| Feature | GPS Data Used | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Schedules | Hours, miles auto-update | Eliminates manual readings |
| Project Tracking | Location, time at site | Accurate equipment costing |
| Time Tracking | Location verification | Verify job site attendance |
| Fuel Tracking | Usage hours, idle time | Identify efficiency problems |
| Cost Analytics | Utilization data | True cost per hour/mile |
How Integrations Work
| Integration | Automatic Action |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | GPS hours/miles update equipment meters |
| Project costing | Time at project site attributed to project |
| Employee time | GPS location validates time card entries |
| Fuel analysis | Usage correlated with fuel purchases |
Alerts and Notifications
Configure automatic alerts based on GPS data to monitor your fleet.
Alert Types
| Alert | Trigger | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Equipment moves after hours | Theft detection |
| Geofence Exit | Leaves designated area | Unauthorized use |
| Geofence Entry | Enters designated area | Track arrivals |
| Maintenance Due | Usage reaches threshold | Timely service |
| Excessive Idle | Idles beyond limit | Fuel waste |
| Speed | Exceeds speed threshold | Safety monitoring |
Step-by-Step: Configure Alerts
- Go to Settings > GPS > Alerts
- Select alert type to configure
- Set threshold or trigger conditions
- Choose notification method (email, push, SMS)
- Select recipients
- Save alert configuration
Alert Delivery Options
| Method | Best For | Delay |
|---|---|---|
| Push notification | Immediate awareness | Instant |
| Documentation, review | 1-5 minutes | |
| SMS | Critical alerts | Instant |
Movement and geofence alerts help detect theft early. Configure after-hours alerts for high-value equipment.
Privacy and Compliance
GPS tracking involves location data that may be subject to privacy regulations.
Compliance Considerations
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Employee notification | Inform employees about GPS tracking (required in many states) |
| Business purpose | Use location data only for legitimate business needs |
| Data retention | Retain data according to company policies |
| Access control | Restrict location data to authorized personnel |
Best Practices
| Practice | Action |
|---|---|
| Written policy | Document GPS tracking policy in employee handbook |
| Employee acknowledgment | Get signed acknowledgment of tracking |
| Clear purpose | State business reasons for tracking |
| Data limits | Don't track personal vehicles or off-duty time |
Consult with legal counsel about GPS tracking policies and employee notification requirements in your operating locations. Requirements vary by state.
Benefits of GPS Integration
GPS tracking provides significant operational benefits.
Key Benefits
| Benefit | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Asset visibility | Know where every piece of equipment is |
| Theft prevention | Early detection of unauthorized movement |
| Automatic maintenance | No manual meter readings required |
| Project costing | Verified equipment time at job sites |
| Fuel savings | Identify and reduce idle time |
| Customer service | Accurate arrival estimates |
| Fleet optimization | Data-driven sizing decisions |
| Compliance | ELD and DOT requirements (Motive) |
Return on Investment
| Savings Area | How GPS Helps |
|---|---|
| Fuel costs | 10-15% reduction through idle monitoring |
| Theft losses | Early detection prevents major losses |
| Maintenance | Timely service extends equipment life |
| Labor | Reduced time searching for equipment |
| Insurance | Some insurers offer GPS discounts |
The investment in GPS tracking typically pays for itself through improved efficiency and reduced losses within the first year.
Troubleshooting
GPS device not showing in DrillerDB?
- Verify GPS provider connection is active
- Check API credentials haven't expired
- Confirm device is active in provider's system
- Wait for next sync cycle (5-15 minutes)
Location data is stale or not updating?
- Check device has cellular connectivity
- Verify device is powered on
- Review device status in provider dashboard
- Contact GPS provider for device issues
Equipment showing wrong location?
- Confirm correct GPS device is paired to equipment
- Check if device was moved to different equipment
- Verify GPS device has clear sky view
Geofence alerts not triggering?
- Confirm geofence is correctly configured
- Check alert recipients are set
- Verify equipment has GPS device paired
- Review cellular coverage in area
Hour meter not updating automatically?
- Confirm vehicle ECM is compatible with GPS device
- Check device is properly installed
- Some equipment requires manual readings
- Contact GPS provider for compatibility
Integration disconnected?
- Re-authorize GPS provider in Settings
- Check API credentials are current
- Verify GPS provider account is active
- Review integration logs for errors
Related Topics
- Equipment List - View all equipment
- Maintenance Schedules - Schedule-based maintenance
- Costs & Analytics - Equipment economics
- Equipment Assignment - Track deployments