Specifically, there are at least four ways a do-it-yourself installation can go horribly wrong.
2. The system doesn’t work like it should. Getting all devices connected to the platform is one of the greatest points of frustration when self-installing a telematics solution. In addition to having dedicated professional installers who can ensure all devices are connected and working as they should, some providers even give installers access to a tool inside the telematics app that confirms connectivity and/or identifies issues that need to be addressed during the process.
3. There’s a lack of clarity about how to troubleshoot and solve installation-related problems. When doing a self-installation, who can you call if you run into problems or have questions? You might be instructed to contact the provider’s customer service team, but there’s no guarantee the person who answers your call, email, or online chat inquiry will have the knowledge to help you.
A telematics solutions provider that can handle your installation also is likely to stand behind their installation with customer support to promptly resolves issues, answer questions, and ensure your satisfaction.
4. Costs of a poor installation outweigh any money saved. Admittedly, buying a system online an installing it yourself can often be a cheaper option. But the cost-savings can be overshadowed by the problems described above and other “costs” such as installation-related equipment downtime, time spent resolving issues, and delays in getting access to the fleet data you need – your reason for investing in the telematics solution in the first place.
When Good Enough Just Isn’t Good at All
If you are considering investing in a relatively inexpensive telematics solution that requires you to do the installation yourself, you should probably ask yourself, “Where else might the provider be cutting corners?”
While a cheaper solution might appear to be good enough to meet your needs, remember, there’s also the possibility that the system instead just isn’t very good at all.