MT. LAUREL, NJ - Increasing driver productivity was found to be the most common objective for utility fleet managers implementing GPS/telematics systems, according to a recent Utility Fleet Benchmarking Survey conducted by Automotive Resources International (ARI).

"We know through successes with our customers that GPS & telematics systems in company vehicles increase driver productivity," commented Tony Candeloro, ARI director, client information systems. "More industries are asking us for solutions that include two-way messaging, work order and job status updates, voice navigation, Smartphone integration, and so forth."

The study also showed that fuel management, fleet risk, and total cost of ownership are areas that utility fleet managers most target for cost reduction using GPS/telematics. This trend is seen in the increased requests for driver behavior modification systems - which detect and alert for speeding, seat belt usage, sharp turns, hard stops, and rapid acceleration - and in-cab camera systems that provide visual proof of outside conditions and driver behavior.

The ARI survey included electric, gas and water utility companies, propane companies, and utility contractors.