The Global Positioning System (GPS) is has changed the way people go about their daily lives and activities. This technology allows individuals to navigate through their current surroundings, whether it’s on foot or in a vehicle. Its abilities are groundbreaking, but it can be used for so much more thank hiking in the woods or getting directions to a new park. The strides GPS has provided society has also changed the way businesses operate.
Companies around the world work with supply-and-demand necessities. Some supply chains are shorter than others, while others have numerous stages. GPS can help ease the transitions between each step with its tracking and navigating capabilities. This has changed the way businesses interact with consumers.
Without this innovation, many enterprises wouldn’t be able to operate in the same capacity that they do today. Navigation, tracking, logistics, and locating businesses are where GPS comes into play for companies.
Table of Contents
How Does GPS Work?
GPS is a navigational platform that operates on satellite signals. The transmission of these signals provides a location of a certain receiver that’s somewhere on Earth. The more satellite signals, the better — each one adds more accuracy to the exact location.
The accuracy of GPS devices can vary. However, because of improving capabilities from systems and satellites, the location tends to be more accurate than not.
Most people use GPS when driving. However, it’s also useful for walking or public transportation. As GPS continues to improve, its reach expands. For businesses, location tracking is an important factor. GPS goes above and beyond to help operations and customer satisfaction, though.
The satellites and abilities GPS now possess work to improve overall dynamics between companies. This is a simple transition that often goes overlooked. Business use of GPS shows its importance in the modern world.
Navigation
Navigation is the most common way to use GPS. Smartphone apps have now replaced physical maps. GPS systems still exist separate from smartphones, however, and are a benefit to the supply chain.
When transporting products or goods, drivers need to figure out the most efficient routes to take. Navigation can provide real-time information that updates as the driver continues on their course. Certain products may come with deadlines for delivery throughout the supply chain. GPS can help transport those items efficiently and quickly.
With data about traffic, slowdowns, hazards, and timing, truckers can take the best possible routes. This expands beyond truck drivers, though. Transportation by airplane, boat, and even on foot all benefit from GPS. For planes and boats, air turbulence or ocean conditions come into play. In these instances, GPS improves safety on top of efficient delivery for businesses.
Tracking
A developer can install a GPS tracker in anything, including radios, phones, specific products, or even a fleet of trucks. Ensuring the successful transportation of items helps improve communication. Tracking improves the management of deliveries, inventory, safety, and movements, as well as preventing theft.
For instance, high-value items like laptops could be vulnerable to theft. When a business uses GPS for the transportation of the laptops — and before that, its parts throughout the supply chain — real-time tracking helps ensure safe delivery while reducing fuel costs. From there, the company can take inventory and see that each of their items has arrived successfully.
With tracking, businesses ensure no issues arise and, if they do, they know where to take action. Then, they can track a delivery right to a customer’s doorstep. The United States Postal Service (USPS), or delivery companies like FedEx and UPS, can then provide tracking information for the customer to check on their package.
Supply Chain Logistics
Supply chain logistics includes several things. It’s a system that provides information on the status of products throughout the process. This includes inventory, movement, and the flow of goods and services, as well as the data in the chain itself. Navigating and tracking are part of these logistics, but its wheelhouse goes above and beyond to help businesses.
The supply chain can have many stops and steps. From raw materials to the customer, each step involves making sure the parts get to where they need to go. Tracking inventory with GPS is one of the best ways to do this.
Many industries will see benefits from supply chain logistics, too. People in the agriculture industry, for example, can use GPS technology to pinpoint the best areas to grow crops. Then, they can pass them along the supply chain for efficient production. GPS technology works its way into even the most unsuspecting parts of a business.
Finding Businesses
GPS has evolved dramatically since its introduction. Companies now have significant control over their supply-and-demand practices. Another area that can drive profits is when customers are in control. GPS isn’t just popular for navigating or tracking — it’s also a way to find businesses nearby or at a specific location.
Google Maps, for example, has a feature that allows users to search for nearby establishments. This ranges from gas stations to restaurants, cafes, malls, shops, and more. As companies improve their listings on Google or elsewhere, they stand out more to consumers. Thus, they bring in more profit with the simple use of GPS.
This innovation is useful for people who are new residents, are traveling or just want to discover new places by them. GPS fosters this connection and ultimately provides customer satisfaction with a profit for businesses.
GPS and the Bottom Line
For any business, the bottom line is one of the most important things. Ultimately, customer satisfaction is the driving factor. Using GPS technology ensures that products depart and arrive throughout the supply chain efficiency. With proper timing, customers can provide customers with products sooner.
GPS technology also provides tracking that can prevent theft, which leads to fewer missing products. Businesses also maintain proper operations with GPS technology that ultimately optimizes the rate at which the customer receives their item. In addition, when searching for nearby facilities, people are likely to spend more based on GPS location and listings.
These factors improve any company’s bottom line. An investment in GPS services, therefore, can boost a business’s future.
Featured image source: Freepik (Affiliate Link)
