Choosing fleet management software comes down to one core question: does it give you the data you need, where you need it, when you need it? The best solutions combine real-time GPS tracking, driver behavior monitoring, and maintenance management in a single platform accessible from any device. Rastrac delivers all of that, including full mobile functionality through PocketRastrac, so your team stays informed whether they’re at a desk or in the field.
Not every platform is built the same. Some solutions offer strong desktop dashboards but fall short the moment a manager steps away from the office. Others load up features that look impressive in a demo but create confusion during daily operations.
When evaluating your options, focus on these core capabilities:
If a platform checks those boxes and works reliably on mobile, you have a strong foundation.
PocketRastrac is Rastrac’s dedicated mobile application, available for both iOS and Android. It brings the core functionality of the Rastrac platform to your phone or tablet so you’re not tied to a desktop to monitor your fleet.
Here’s what you can do directly from the app:
This matters because fleet problems don’t wait for business hours. A vehicle operating after hours, a driver speeding through a school zone, or an asset leaving a designated area are all situations that require a fast response. PocketRastrac makes sure you can act on that information from anywhere.
Experience shows that fleet managers who rely solely on desktop dashboards respond more slowly to field issues. Mobile access closes that gap.
Consider a few common scenarios:
In each case, a mobile-capable platform resolves the problem in seconds. Without it, the manager waits until they’re back at a computer, and the situation either escalates or gets handled by guesswork.
Rastrac’s platform supports access from desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and any internet-connected device running a modern browser. Google Chrome is the recommended browser, though Firefox, Safari, and Edge are also supported.
Driver behavior is one of the highest-impact areas in fleet management because it directly affects fuel costs, vehicle wear, insurance rates, and liability exposure.
Rastrac monitors and alerts on the following driver behaviors:
Alerts are delivered via email or SMS to the recipients you configure. You can set active time windows, assign alerts to specific vehicles or groups, and customize the message content. This process keeps the right people informed without flooding inboxes with irrelevant notifications.
Reports covering driver behavior are available in multiple formats and can be scheduled for automatic daily, weekly, or monthly delivery.
Reporting is where raw GPS data becomes actionable business intelligence. Rastrac provides 25 or more standard report types, including:
Reports export to Adobe PDF, HTML, Microsoft Excel, CSV, and tab-delimited formats. Automated scheduling means your team receives the reports they need without manual effort each week.
For operations that need custom data flows, Rastrac provides a RESTful Web API that connects the platform to ERP systems, billing software, dispatch tools, and custom dashboards.
Deferred maintenance is one of the most preventable sources of fleet downtime. Rastrac’s maintenance management feature lets you build custom schedules based on mileage, calendar days, engine hours, or a combination of those factors.
Each maintenance plan can be assigned to individual vehicles or across your entire fleet. When a vehicle approaches a service interval, Rastrac sends an automated email or text alert to the appropriate person. Maintenance history is logged within the platform, giving you a documented record of completed service for each vehicle.
This approach shifts maintenance from reactive to scheduled, which reduces emergency repairs and extends vehicle lifespan.
Q: What devices can I use to access Rastrac fleet management software?
A: Any internet-connected device works, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones (iPhone and Android), and tablets. The recommended browser is Google Chrome, though Firefox, Safari, and Edge are also supported. PocketRastrac is available as a dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android.
Q: How often does Rastrac update vehicle location data?
A: Rastrac provides near-real-time updates at configurable intervals. Standard fleet tracking typically updates every 2 minutes while moving. Law enforcement applications can update as frequently as every 10 to 15 seconds. This approach delivers timely location data without generating unnecessary data volume.
Q: Does Rastrac lock you into proprietary hardware?
A: No. Rastrac devices are not locked to the Rastrac software platform. Devices are compatible with other fleet management systems, and customers own their hardware after purchase. There is no vendor lock-in.
Q: Can Rastrac integrate with other business systems?
A: Yes. Rastrac provides a RESTful Web API that allows developers to build custom integrations with ERP systems, billing platforms, dispatch tools, and mobile applications. Standard data export formats (PDF, Excel, CSV) also support manual data sharing with accounting and operations tools.
Q: How long does it take to get a fleet set up on Rastrac?
A: Onboarding timelines vary by fleet size and device type. For Rastrac Fusion (OEM-connected vehicles), fleets are typically live within one business day after VIN numbers, consent, and proof of ownership are provided. No vehicle downtime is required for that process.
Rastrac has provided GPS fleet tracking and telematics solutions for 32 years. Whether you manage 5 vehicles or 5,000, the platform scales to fit your operation, and PocketRastrac keeps you connected from anywhere.
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