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The Fastest Way to Reduce Project Delays Using GPS
Jul 5, 2025
Energy projects—solar farms, wind turbines, transmission line builds, oil & gas fields, and power plants—rely on hundreds of mobile assets. From vehicles and heavy machinery to generators and field tools, every delay impacts budgets, safety, and operational timelines.
This article explains how GPS tracking reduces downtime in energy projects by improving asset visibility, streamlining field operations, and preventing equipment-related delays.
Why Downtime Happens in Energy Projects
Poor Visibility Into Equipment Locations
Energy project sites often span large geographical areas, making asset location difficult.
Common Issues
Field teams unable to locate vehicles
Machinery stranded in remote zones
Time wasted driving between sites
Miscommunication on asset availability
Summary: GPS provides real-time location visibility to eliminate search time.
Delays Caused by Unplanned Maintenance
When maintenance isn’t scheduled properly, machinery can break down mid-project.
Issues Without Tracking
Overused equipment without monitoring
Late identification of mechanical issues
Service teams unaware of asset location
Projects experiencing sudden work stoppages
Summary: GPS usage + engine-hour monitoring enables timely maintenance.
Inefficient Deployment of Resources
Different teams often compete for shared equipment, and delays occur when assets aren’t allocated effectively.
Examples
Excavators sitting idle at one work zone
Vehicles leaving sites underutilised
Tools forgotten at previously completed sections
Summary: GPS helps teams coordinate which assets should be deployed where.
Fuel Waste and Idling
Unmonitored vehicle activity increases operational costs and delays.
Downtime-Related Problems
Heavy idling generates fuel waste
Vehicles unavailable due to misuse
Fuel shortages delay field operations
Summary: GPS tracking reduces fuel-related downtime through usage monitoring.
Difficulty Managing Multiple Contractors
Energy projects often involve subcontractors using project assets.
Challenges
No visibility into contractor equipment usage
Poor accountability
Misplaced or unreturned equipment
Summary: GPS improves oversight, accountability, and project-wide coordination.
Best Practices for Using GPS to Reduce Downtime
Track All Critical Mobile Assets With GPS Tags
Every high-value or frequently moved asset should be equipped with a GPS device.
Useful For
Vehicles
Generators
Earthmoving equipment
Utility trailers
Fuel tanks
Mobile substations
Summary: Location tracking prevents bottlenecks caused by missing or idle tools.
Use GPS Data for Predictive Maintenance
GPS devices record usage hours, mileage, and operation cycles.
Benefits
Plan maintenance before breakdowns occur
Reduce unexpected repairs
Extend asset lifespan
Optimize service team scheduling
Summary: Predictive maintenance avoids unplanned downtime.
Monitor Utilisation to Improve Asset Allocation
GPS shows how often equipment is used.
Insights Help You
Identify underutilised assets
Redistribute machinery to critical zones
Justify equipment rentals or purchases
Reduce costly overstock
Summary: Optimised allocation accelerates project timelines.
Improve Field Coordination Using Real-Time Location Data
Teams know exactly where equipment is and can mobilise faster.
Useful For
Solar farm installations
Wind turbine construction
Transmission line maintenance
Pipeline builds
Power station upgrades
Summary: Faster coordination equals fewer delays.
Strengthen Security to Prevent Theft-Related Downtime
Energy sites are often remote and vulnerable to theft.
GPS Benefits
Alerts for unauthorised movement
Geo-fencing around restricted areas
Quick recovery of stolen assets
Summary: Reduced theft leads to uninterrupted project execution.
Practical Example: Reducing Downtime in a Wind Farm Construction Project
A wind energy contractor manages dozens of cranes, trucks, tools, and support vehicles across a remote site.
Before GPS Tracking
Crane operators waited hours for missing support vehicles
The wrong equipment delivered to the wrong turbine location
Maintenance teams struggled to locate machinery needing service
Project delays increased costs
After Implementing GPS
Supervisors located all assets instantly
Equipment shared more efficiently between turbine pads
Preventive maintenance scheduled based on usage hours
Travel time reduced significantly
Outcome: Equipment-related downtime decreased by 45%, accelerating project completion.
How MapTrack Helps Reduce Downtime in Energy Projects
MapTrack extends GPS capabilities with a complete asset tracking ecosystem tailored for field operations.
Real-Time Equipment Visibility
MapTrack provides accurate GPS-based location data for tools, vehicles, and machinery.
Fast Check-In/Check-Out
Assignments with photos, timestamps, and conditions help identify who used what and when.
Condition Reports & Checklists
Teams capture inspections with photos and structured workflows.
Smart Lock Integrations
Secures equipment containers and restricts access to authorised staff.
Summary: MapTrack combines GPS tracking with operational tools to reduce downtime and improve project efficiency.
FAQ
What equipment benefits most from GPS tracking in energy projects?
Vehicles, heavy machinery, generators, trailers, fuel tanks, and mobile tools.
Can GPS work in remote project locations?
Yes—modern devices support satellite-based connectivity for remote areas.
Does GPS help reduce fuel usage?
Yes—GPS monitoring reduces idling, optimises routes, and prevents misuse.
What types of downtime can GPS prevent?
Equipment searching, maintenance delays, fuel shortages, theft, and resource misallocation.
Can GPS be integrated with MapTrack?
Yes—MapTrack supports GPS data, asset records, condition reporting, and real-time visibility.
Is GPS suitable for large multi-zone energy projects?
Absolutely—GPS is essential for wide-area coordination and resource optimisation.
Conclusion & Actionable Takeaways
To reduce downtime in energy projects, organisations should:
Install GPS on all mobile assets
Use GPS usage data for predictive maintenance
Track asset utilisation for efficient allocation
Improve field coordination with real-time data
Secure assets with geo-fencing and alerts
Integrate GPS with digital asset management platforms
MapTrack empowers energy companies to minimise delays, boost productivity, and ensure safer, more efficient project execution.
