Find the best mileage logging solution for you

 

Logging mileage today is much easier than in the past. With technology advances such as the internet, GPS, and communication, you can find a solution that fits your need:

• Paper-based Logs
• Smartphone Logging Apps
• Smartphone GPS-Based Apps
• Special-purpose built GPS tracking systems
• Milo™

Paper-based Logs

A paper log is the traditional way of logging mileage. It is simple and inexpensive. Click here for a FREE mileage log template and simple guidelines on how to use it.

If this was a usable solution, obviously we would all be using paper logbooks. In reality, 99% of business drivers do not keep accurate paper records, even when they attempt to do so. The challenges are:

• Effort – Finding the log and recording data at the beginning and end of each trip requires too much effort and discipline
• Recoverability – Once you forget to record a trip, it is impossible to recall accurate information
• Loss of data – The log can easily be lost and all the data with it

PC and Smartphone Log Form Apps

There are several software application for computers and smartphone that allow you to record mileage trip data. These apps are essentially the same as running a paper-based logbook in that they require trip details to be entered manually. Something even more cumbersome than using paper. The only potential advantage of this method over paper logbooks is that some applications store their data on a server and thus losing the phone doesn’t mean you’ve lost your records.

The challenges are essentially the same as with paper logs:

• Effort – Finding the log and recording data at the beginning and end of each trip requires too much effort and discipline
• Recoverability – Once you forget to record a trip, it is impossible to recall accurate information
• Loss of data – The log can easily be lost and all the data with it

Smartphone GPS-Based Apps

These apps use the phone’s built-in GPS unit to record mileage traveled. While this may be an acceptable alternative in some cases, there are several practical considerations which in most cases result in users abandoning the use of the app.

While some users download and try to use these mobile apps, there are several issues which limit the longer term consistent use of these apps to generate a complete and accurate mileage log:

• Missing trips – the app must run at all times to automatically track business trips. If the phone is not in he car or discharged, trips are not recorded.
• Reduced accuracy – GPS accuracy of smartphone varies widely depending on the specific model and where it is placed in the vehicle – a phone in your coat pocket may not have sufficient GPS reception to provide an accurate position
• Manual intervention – users often have to start the app and push buttons to indicate the beginning and end of trips. This defeats the purpose of mileage log automation.
• Limited functionality – most apps still require the user to assign each trip as business or personal, and require entering the trip purpose manually.
• Battery discharge – because such apps require frequent use of the smartphone’s GPS, they tend to drain the phone’s battery much faster.

Wireless GPS loggers

Another class of products includes GPS devices that are hard-wired or simply plugged to a 12V adapter in the car. They wirelessly transfer trip information to a server after each trip. This has the convenience of being able to view the trips from a web browser at any time. However, this approach has several limitations as well:

• Cost – These solutions often require an expensive monthly subscription as the data is transferred over carriers’ network
• Privacy – the driver does not have the ability to view and filter the data before it is sent to the server. This results in some employees concern of “big brother watching” – even if they are doing personal trips.
• Limited functionality – most solutions still require the user to assign each trip as business or personal. Manually identify commute trips, and entering the business purpose.

The Milo™ Difference

Milo™ combines the best attributes of all alternatives to provide a truly automated mileage log.

Milo™ is a mileage logger without the cost of a wireless carrier data plan, but with all the business process features required to truly automated mileage tracking.

• Accurate and complete- Milo™ is always plugged to the vehicle and uses motion sensing to determine when the vehicle is in motion – no need to push buttons at any time
• Inexpensive – Milo™ does not need a carrier data plan. Milo™ stores the mileage data and uploads it to the server through a USB port when you need to generate a report.
• Protected privacy – Milo™ allows drivers to review and modify their trips before the business trips are reported to a manager.
• Full automation – Milo™ Inteligent Log technology automatically separates Business and Personal trips, identifies Commute trips, and fills the Purpose of trips using its link to Microsoft Outlook™ Calendar and Contacts.

Click here to find out how Milo works.
Click here to give Milo™ a try!