What’s More Expensive: A Dashcam or Not Knowing the Truth?

Why Video Telematics Is the Future of Fleet Management

If your fleet is already using GPS vehicle tracking and fleet management software, you're ahead of the game. Real-time location tracking, driver behaviour insights, and automated NZTA compliance are the backbone of efficient operations.

But there’s a new standard emerging that’s reshaping how smart fleets operate: Video Telematics. This is the beginning of 4D GPS vehicle tracking.

With rising insurance costs, increased compliance requirements, and greater demand for road safety, video telematics gives fleet managers something they’ve never had before—full visibility into what really happened.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• What video telematics is

• The difference between GPS tracking and video-enabled insights

• Key benefits for fleet managers (like driver exoneration)

• Why the Argus Vision AI Dashcam is your next must-have fleet solution

What Is Video Telematics?

Video telematics combines high-quality dashcam footage with GPS vehicle tracking and telematics data to provide a complete view of your fleet’s activity, both on the road and inside the vehicle. This hybrid approach offers real-time visual context to events like harsh braking, speeding, and collisions.

Instead of just reading data points, you see the full story, helping reduce false claims, coach drivers more effectively, and speed up incident resolution.

GPS Vehicle Tracking vs Video Telematics: What's the Difference?

GPS vehicle tracking has long been the foundation of smart fleet management. It gives you real-time location data, route optimisation, driver behaviour monitoring, and cost-saving insights that are essential to running an efficient, compliant, and safe fleet.

Now, video telematics builds on that foundation, offering additional clarity and context through high-definition video footage and AI-powered insights.

Think of it as more than an either-or, it’s next-level visibility. It’s 4D GPS tracking.

Here’s how they work together:

By combining GPS vehicle tracking with video telematics, you get a more complete picture of your fleet’s performance. It allows you to make faster decisions, support your drivers better, and protect your business with real-time evidence.

Three Key Benefits of Video Telematics

Integrating a fleet dashcam like the Argus Vision AI Dashcam unlocks powerful new capabilities for commercial fleets:

1. Safer Driving and Better Coaching

   Our built-in AI detects fatigue, distraction, and unsafe behaviour so you can take proactive action before incidents occur. Use real video clips for more effective driver training and feedback.

2. Faster Incident Resolution and Fewer False Claims

   Dashcam video with timestamped GPS data provides clear, reliable evidence in seconds. This significantly reduces time-consuming investigations or costly disputes, and more importantly protects your team with driver exoneration when they’re not at fault.

3. Greater Accountability and Cost Control

   With eyes inside and outside the vehicle, you gain unparalleled visibility that reduces fuel waste, improving asset utilisation, and creating a stronger culture of accountability.

Why Choose Argus for Video Telematics?

Argus Vision AI Dashcam is a premium fleet dashcam designed specifically for commercial fleets. It’s 4D tracking in action!

Key features include:

• Crystal-clear video quality

• Dual lens system for monitoring both the road and driver

• Built-in AI for real-time driver expressions and behaviour monitoring

• Seamless integration with your Argus dashboard

• GPS tracking with live data and historical playback

• Automated incident detection and recording

• And more!

What truly sets us apart in the market is affordability without compromise. Argus delivers a high-performance video telematics solution at a significantly lower price point than many comparable options without sacrificing functionality.

Is Video Telematics Right for Your Fleet?

If any of the following apply to your fleet, it’s time to consider upgrading your fleet technology:

• You’ve dealt with claims or incidents with no clear evidence

• You’re focused on improving driver safety

• You want better insight into daily operations

• You’re aiming to reduce insurance costs and liability

• You’re building a culture of safety and responsibility

Video telematics is not just a “nice-to-have”. It’s the new standard for responsible, data-driven fleet management. And if you're already using GPS vehicle tracking and a fleet platform like Argus, the Argus Vision AI Dashcam is the next natural step – we’re moving you from 3D to 4D GPS Vehicle Tracking.

Contact Argus today to book your FREE product demo and see how video telematics can transform your fleet operations!

New Season, New Strategy: Unlocking the Value of Modern Fleet Management

“Is GPS Tracking & Fleet Management Software Worth My Time and Investment?”

If you’re asking yourself, “Is GPS vehicle tracking and fleet management software really worth the time and investment?” — the short answer is: YES, absolutely!

Telematics — which combines GPS tracking with real-time vehicle data — powers modern fleet management systems to deliver far more than just showing where your vehicles are. These technologies help reduce operating costs, automate compliance processes, improve driver safety, lower CO2 emissions, and reduce manual paperwork — all while unlocking the insights you need to help your business thrive.

But before we dive into real-world examples, let’s clear up a few of the terms that can cause confusion:

• GPS tracking is the eye of the system — it tells you where your vehicles are.

• Telematics is the nervous system — it collects and transmits a wide range of data from each vehicle, usually to a cloud-based fleet management platform.

• Fleet management software is the brain — it organises that data and turns it into actionable insights to help you make smarter, faster decisions.

This month, in the spirit of Matariki and new beginnings, we’re exploring how GPS vehicle tracking, fleet management, and telematics technology can elevate people, performance, and planet — and improve how your team works together. Whether you’re a business owner, operations manager, or fleet lead, we hope this blog gives you clarity on the value of these tools, the challenges they solve, and the confidence to embrace a smarter way of working in the year ahead.

Matariki, the Māori New Year in New Zealand

How Argus Fleet Management Software Helps “People”

1.Cuts Down Administration Time

Fleet managers can say goodbye to much of the time-consuming manual work that comes with managing a fleet. With the Argus fleet management system, you can automate key tasks like Road User Charges (RUC), claim back off-road RUCs, receive proactive maintenance alerts, and simplify day-to-day reporting. Less time on paperwork means more time focused on people and performance — and fewer costly manual errors that can lead to compliance breaches, fines, or downtime.

ERUCs Display Screen

At Argus, one of our most popular solutions is Smart ERUCs. This is an in-vehicle digital RUC display screen that automatically stays up to date in real time. Fully NZTA-compliant, it’s one of the easiest ways to cut back mundane (but highly important) administration and stay on top of your compliance.

2.Protects Lone Workers

For teams working alone, including in remote or high-risk areas, GPS tracking can be a lifeline. Know where your team members are at all times, to make sure they’re safe and where you expect them to be. With the ability to use Argus’ geofences, you can get alerts when they enter or leave dangerous areas, to make sure you’re kept up to date on their safety.

In addition, our integration with GetHomeSafe enhances lone worker safety with SOS alerts activated by in-vehicle panic buttons and rollover sensors.

3.Improves Driver Safety

More visibility means better driving. With telematics, you can track individual driving behaviours like harsh braking and speeding. This enables you to recognise and reward safe drivers and deliver training where needed — all backed by real, visible data.

How Argus Fleet Management Software Helps “Performance”

Fleet management systems don’t just make admin easier — they help you get more done with fewer resources, meaning you can focus on truly value-add activities in your business.

1.Reduces Fuel and Operating Cost

Fuel is one of the biggest line items in any fleet budget. With real-time insights into driving behaviour, route efficiency, and fuel usage, you can cut waste and optimise every trip.

Argus Fuel Watch pulls transactional data directly from providers like BP, Z Energy and Mobil giving you full visibility over fuel spend and consumption by vehicle. Take control of your costs, find out where you can improve and what education you might need to take the team through.

2.Minimises Vehicle Downtime

Every idle vehicle is a missed opportunity or expensive resources not earning their keep. With smart pool booking, you can ensure every asset is in action — no more vehicles sitting around unused!

At Argus, our deeply integrated partnership with Fleetwise automatically records vehicle pick-ups and drop-offs, giving you real-time visibility into who’s been driving and whether a vehicle is available. This helps reduce downtime and keeps your fleet running at peak efficiency.

Over time, this visibility helps you to right-size your fleet by identifying and removing underused vehicles. This leads to lower fuel and maintenance costs, improved overall performance, and more money back in your business.

How Argus Fleet Management Software Helps the “Planet”

Looking after your fleet also means looking after the environment.

The Argus fleet management system can help significantly reduce CO2 emissions by cutting fuel use, optimising routes, and aiding in right-sizing your fleet. Fewer kilometres, fewer vehicles, and less impact — all while improving your company’s productivity.

It’s a meaningful way to support your organisation’s sustainability goals and contribute towards New Zealand’s Net Zero Carbon future.

So, Is It Worth It?

GPS vehicle tracking, fleet management software, and telematics aren’t just worth it — they’re transforming how modern fleets operate. The benefits are real: less admin, lower costs, safer drivers, and a lighter footprint on the planet.

Ready to kick off your new fleet management journey? There’s no better time to begin, so get in touch right now!

A Time For New Beginnings
– Your First Invoice Is On Us!

Matariki marks the Māori New Year, a sacred time when the star cluster rises in the winter sky reminding us to honour those who have passed, appreciate the present, and set hopeful intentions for the year ahead.

At Argus, we recognise the significance of this season and the values it embodies: whanaungatanga (connection), kotahitanga (unity), and manaakitanga (care). In the spirit of giving back to our community and supporting those who keep Aotearoa moving, we’re covering your first month free with Argus. Put that saving towards something meaningful — like sharing a meal with your team.

It’s our way of acknowledging your hard work and helping you start the new year with purpose and confidence.

Offer ends on Matariki — 20 June 2025!

Wondering What Impact Argus Could Have for Your Fleet?

Try our free ROI calculator to see the potential savings and improvements in real numbers.

Or, if you'd prefer a quick chat to explore how we can solve your specific fleet challenges, or to see the platform in action, get in touch today.

Our friendly experts are here to help.

Road Safety Week 2025: 3 Practical Tips from Argus to Enhance Fleet Safety

12-18 May is Road Safety Week!

At Argus Tracking, we’re proud to support safer journeys through smart technology and real-time insights. To mark Road Safety Week, we’re sharing the Top 3 Ways Argus Tracking Can Help Enhance Your Fleet’s Road Safety. Let’s take a look!

The United Nations Global Road Safety Week, running from 12–18 May, is a timely reminder to focus on making our roads safer for everyone. Led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the campaign brings together individuals, businesses, and communities to raise awareness and take meaningful action to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths.

Let’s look at the numbers. According to the WHO website, every year, nearly 1.2 million people lose their lives, and 50 million more are injured in road accidents globally. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for young people aged 5 to 29, with pedestrians and cyclists making up over 25% of all road deaths.

Here in New Zealand, the impact is just as real. Between 2021 and 2023, trucks were involved in 18% of all crashes, including 7% of serious injury crashes and 6% of minor injury crashes, according to the Ministry of Transport.

These figures highlight why fleet safety matters—and why it’s more than just a compliance checkbox. Businesses that operate fleets have an unique opportunity to lead the way in road safety. By using tools like GPS tracking and fleet management systems, fleet managers can reduce risk, respond faster, and make informed decisions that protect your team and others on the road.

Top 3 Ways Argus Tracking Can Help Enhance Your Fleet's Road Safety

1. Protect Your Lone Workers with GPS Tracking

At Argus, we believe road safety means supporting your team both on the road and wherever their work takes them — including those working independently, off-site. Lone workers often face unique risks, especially in busy or remote environments. That’s why Argus partners with GetHomeSafe, a leader in lone worker safety software. Their platform helps give peace of mind that your team is safe and accounted for, while also supporting your business to meet obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Through the seamless integration of Argus Tracking and GetHomeSafe, you can take safety management to the next level.

Here’s how:

• Real-Time GPS Vehicle Tracking: Monitor the location of both your vehicles and lone workers in real-time, ensuring you always know where they are and can respond quickly in case of an emergency.

• SOS Alerts and Panic Buttons: In the event of a distress situation, the panic button sends SOS alerts directly to the GetHomeSafe platform, ensuring faster emergency response and better safety for your workers.

• Comprehensive Safety Management: All this data is centralised in one dashboard, allowing businesses to manage health and safety protocols effectively and provide real-time updates to supervisors.

By integrating GPS vehicle tracking with lone worker safety systems, you ensure the security of your team members while enhancing operational efficiency.

2. Reduce Driver Accidents with Fleet Management System Insights

Accidents are a significant concern for fleet managers, and we are here to help you reduce them! At Argus, we provide detailed Driver Behaviour Reports that give deep insights into your fleet’s performance and individual driver behaviours.

With fleet management system insights, fleet managers can compare their fleet’s safety performance against the national average (which data is exclusive to Argus!) and quickly identify areas for improvement.

Here’s how these reports help:

• Fleet Behaviour Insights: These insights help you see how your fleet is performing in terms of safety. By comparing your fleet’s safety scores against national benchmarks, you can spot trends, identify risks, and implement corrective actions.

• Driver Behaviour Insights: Understand where your drivers may be most at risk. These insights help you pinpoint the behaviours that need attention, allowing you to reward good driving habits and address areas for improvement. By motivating good drivers and providing targeted training to those who need it, fleet managers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

To further improve safety, the Driver Behaviour Report offers actionable data that empowers your team to take proactive steps in driver coaching and accident prevention.

3. Ensure Drivers Are Taking the Required Rest to Avoid Fatigue-Related Incidents

Fatigue is a major cause of accidents, with long hours behind the wheel putting drivers at risk. Argus Tracking’s Fatigue Reports help your team stay compliant with legal and company rest period policies. Our Fatigue Reports tracks total drive time, ensuring your drivers don’t exceed safe limits. Multiple short trips can easily add up, and fatigue is a hidden danger.

Here’s how our reports keep you on track:

• Daily Fatigue Report: This report tracks the total driving time for each vehicle and driver, ensuring they don’t exceed safe limits. By monitoring this data, you can prevent fatigue-related accidents and ensure your drivers are well-rested and safe on the road.

• Fatigue Trip Report: This report identifies trips where drivers may have exceeded safe driving limits without adequate rest. It helps you take corrective action, such as adjusting schedules or providing more frequent breaks.

Ensuring your drivers get adequate rest and manage their fatigue effectively not only helps reduce accidents but also improves overall fleet productivity and driver satisfaction.

Join Argus Tracking This Road Safety Week!

As the colder months roll in across New Zealand, road safety becomes more important than ever. Our data reveals that risky driving behaviour spikes from April, peaking in July and August. That’s why now’s the time to monitor your fleet closely and make informed decisions backed by reliable data.

At Argus Tracking, we’re all about giving you accurate insights into your fleet’s performance, empowering you to make data-driven decisions that improve safety. Our cutting-edge technology is trusted for its precision, while our dedicated customer support ensures you get the most out of every feature. And with our tailored pricing plans, you’ll only pay for what you need most.

Ready to take your fleet’s safety to the next level? Get in touch with us today to learn how Argus Tracking’s GPS vehicle tracking and fleet management system can make a real difference!

Earth Day: Save Green by Going Green!

6 Smart Tips to Cut Fleet Costs & Carbon Emissions

22 April is Earth Day—a global movement to celebrate our planet and act for sustainability. At Argus Tracking, we believe sustainability benefits both the planet and fleet management businesses. Our vision is to provide intelligence that improves people, performance, and the planet. Sustainability drives success for both businesses and the environment, creating a stronger future. With our cutting-edge vehicle GPS tracking technology and fleet management solutions, we have been supporting Kiwi businesses to streamline operations, reduce admin time, lower costs, and shrink their carbon footprint for more than 18 years. Sustainability and cost-effectiveness go hand in hand!

Ready to make a difference? Let’s dive in!

How Does Argus Contribute to Green Fleet Management?

Here are 6 simple, practical ways to reduce your fleet’s carbon footprint while saving money.

1. Right-Size Your Fleet with Argus Utilisation Reports

Cutting emissions starts with the basics—right-sizing your fleet. But how do you know which vehicles to keep? Argus’s Utilisation Report is your go-to tool for this! It gives you a detailed breakdown of vehicle usage, including time on the road and CO2 emissions. With these insights, fleet managers can quickly spot underutilised vehicles, reduce fuel and operational costs, minimise environmental impact, and improve fleet management efficiency.

Learn More about Argus Fleet Reporting HERE

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2. Maximise Fleet Efficiency with Pool Vehicle Booking

Managing a fleet doesn’t have to be a hassle. With Argus's integration with Fleetwise's Pool Vehicle Booking System (PVBS), you can automate vehicle reservations, pick-ups, and drop-offs. This means fewer vehicles on the road and less wasted fuel. By reducing the number of vehicles, you’ll cut emissions and improve the overall efficiency of your fleet management.

No more wasting time on manual booking processes and reduce unnecessary carbon emissions with automated solutions!

Learn More about Pool Booking HERE

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3. Cut Fuel Costs with Fuel Watch

Fuel is a major cost for any fleet, and it’s also one of the biggest contributors to CO2 emissions. Argus’s Fuel Watch feature lets you track your fuel expenses in real-time, making it easier to spot trends and areas for improvement. The best part? It integrates with fuel cards from Z Energy, Mobil, Caltex, and BP, so all your fuel transactions are automatically imported into the system.

By optimising fuel usage, you’ll not only reduce your operational costs but also decrease your fleet’s carbon footprint. With our extremely accurate vehicle GPS tracking technology, you can also monitor fuel consumption in real time, ensuring your fleet runs as efficiently as possible.

Learn More about Fuel Watch HERE

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4. Optimise Routes for Fuel Efficiency with Argus

Could your routes be optimised for better fuel efficiency? With our Route Planning and Optimisation function, you can identify the most fuel-efficient paths for your fleet. The tool calculates the best route with just one click, reducing travel time and lowering fuel consumption. This means fewer emissions and more savings for your business.

Better route planning equals better fleet management in New Zealand—more productive drivers, less fuel used, and a cleaner environment.

Learn More about Route Planning & Optimisation HERE

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5. Never Miss Vehicle Maintenance with Alerts

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your fleet running smoothly and minimising CO2 emissions. Argus’s fleet management system sends automated reminders for WOF, COF, RUC, and service due dates, so you’ll never miss an important maintenance task. With Argus handling your fleet maintenance reminders, you can focus on what matters most - optimising your fleet management. We’ll ensure your vehicles stay in top shape, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Enjoy smarter vehicle GPS tracking and improved fleet performance, with the details taken care of for you.

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6. Smooth EV Transition with Argus & Power Trip

Thinking about going electric? Transitioning to EVs requires careful planning, but with Argus and Power Trip, the process is simple. Through our integration, we help businesses transition to electric vehicles with ease, leveraging vehicle GPS tracking and telematics data to build the perfect EV transition strategy.

From choosing the right EV models to planning charging infrastructure, we ensure your fleet moves toward low-emission vehicles smoothly and successfully.

Learn More about the EV Transition HERE

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Ready to Make a Difference?

Every business has the power to drive change. By optimising your fleet’s efficiency and sustainability, you’re reducing costs while actively contributing to a greener future for New Zealand. The road to sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right technology and strategy, your fleet can become leaner, greener, and more cost-effective.

This Earth Day, let’s unite to build a brighter, more sustainable future for our planet and generations to come. Together, we can make a real difference.

Ditch Compliance Hassles This Autumn – Argus Has You Covered!

As the intense summer heat fades into crisp autumn nights, fleet managers across New Zealand know it’s time to get their vehicles in order. Winter is coming.

March is always a busy season for fleet management with compliance updates and regulatory checks - just hearing the word "compliance" might make you sigh. But what if you could ditch the hassle and let Argus take care of it all for you?

The End-of-Summer Compliance Checklist for Fleet Managers

End-of-summer To-Do List

March isn’t just about cooler temperatures - it’s a crunch time for fleet managers before the financial year ends on 31 March. Here’s what’s on most of our customer’s to-do lists.

Keep reading for how Argus can help you with each of these below, saving you time, effort and compliance fines!

1.Road User Charges (RUC) Rate Updates

Waka Kotahi NZTA sometimes adjusts RUC rates in March, so staying informed and purchasing in advance can help avoid unexpected costs. Keep an eye on the NZTA website for updates.

2.Warrant of Fitness (WOF) & Certificate of Fitness (COF) Renewals

Warrants for light vehicles are due every 6-12 months, depending on the vehicle's age.

And don’t forget your COFs for heavy vehicles and passenger service vehicles, required every 6 months for most fleets. Many businesses registered their vehicles at the start of the financial year (1 April), leading to a March rush for renewals.

3.Driver Details & Licensing

Fleet managers need to ensure all driver records are current and compliant with NZTA regulations. How are you doing?

4.End-of-Summer Servicing

Prepping vehicles for cooler months means tackling maintenance and compliance checks before budgets reset and small issues turn into big ones.

5.Optimising Fleet Management for the New Financial Year

It might be time to review your driver routes - adjust for weather changes, road conditions, and increased congestion as schools are back in session.

Fuel management is another key to managing your costs effectively, make sure you’re looking for ways to optimise fuel usage as driving patterns shift in the colder months.

Optimise Fuel Usage

With Argus, you can automate these key tasks above and focus on what really matters—running your fleet management efficiently. Keeping up with compliance doesn’t have to be a constant worry!

Automate everything with Argus!

Why waste billable time on manual compliance tasks when Argus Tracking can handle it all?
Here’s how:

1. Smart ERUCs – The Future of Road User Charges

Argus automates RUC purchases directly through NZTA and displays them digitally on our Smart ERUCs screens. No more manual errors, last-minute panic, or paper waste—just seamless, real-time compliance!

Argus Smart ERUCs Display Screen

Learn more about Smart ERUCs HERE

2. Automated WOF & COF Reminders

Never become the victim of missed renewals again. Argus alerts you well in advance so you can book inspections without scrambling at the last minute.

Ask our team about our Smart Renew product as well, which will help you automate the purchasing of WOFs and COFs, meaning you can spend time on more valuable revenue generating work.

3. Driver Identification & Tracking Reports

Stay ahead of licence expiries with automated alerts and real-time data insights to keep your fleet management compliant and efficient. With the most accurate GPS tracking in New Zealand, Argus provides detailed visibility into driver behaviour, speed trends, impact detection, and more.

Having the most accurate GPS tracking in New Zealand, Argus gives you real-time insights into driver behaviour, speed trends, and impact detection—helping you improve fleet efficiency and reward top drivers.

Learn more about Fleet Behaviour Insights HERE

4. Fleet Management Route Optimisation

Make every journey smarter with Argus’ route optimisation tools. Plan, compare, and adjust routes in seconds to cut costs and reduce fuel consumption:

• Easily upload job lists by CSV or enter addresses manually.

• Auto-generate the fastest route with a single click, saving time and fuel.

• Compare planned vs. optimised routes to maximise efficiency.

• Export run sheets in CSV, printable PDF, or web format for seamless operations.

This boosts sustainability and slashes fuel costs—a win-win for your fleet and your budget.

Reduce Fuel Cost with Route Optimisation

Learn more about Route Planning & Optimisation HERE

Why Is Argus the Best Fleet Compliance Solution in New Zealand?

Fleet compliance automation is essential, but why Argus?

With over 18 years of experience, Argus has been supporting Kiwi businesses with New Zealand’s most accurate GPS tracking system. Our solutions are fully customisable, so you only pay for what you need, and we are trusted across all industries and fleet sizes.

Take the stress out of fleet compliance. Contact Argus today and let’s make fleet management effortless!