Vehicle technology has changed dramatically over the past two decades. Aftermarket car audio systems, alarms, and remote starters once dominated the work of professional 12V installers. But today, it’s GPS tracking, dash cameras, telematics devices, and other connected technologies that take center stage.
3 Reasons 12V Installers Are Expanding Into Fleet Technology
As commercial fleets continue to invest in new technologies, demand for skilled 12V installers is growing. Let’s take a closer look at the key factors driving the shift from consumer vehicle upgrades to connected fleet solutions.
1. Fleet Technology Has Become Business Critical
Consumer vehicle upgrades traditionally focused on convenience, entertainment, and personal preference, whereas fleet technology supports day-to-day business operations. Organizations rely on their systems to:
- Monitor vehicle locations in real time
- Improve driver safety
- Reduce fuel consumption and unnecessary idling
- Optimize routing and dispatch
- Schedule preventative maintenance
- Protect valuable assets
- Support regulatory compliance
- Improve operational visibility across entire fleets
In short, fleet technology is no longer a “nice-to-have.” Rather, it’s an essential part of running a safer, more efficient, and more profitable operation.
2. GPS Tracking Is Just the Beginning
Today’s systems deliver far more than basic vehicle location. Modern telematics platforms can collect and transmit a wide range of operational data, including:
- Trip history
- Driver behavior
- Harsh braking and rapid acceleration events
- Speeding incidents
- Excessive idling
- Vehicle utilization
- Engine diagnostics (where supported)
- Maintenance alerts
As systems continue to evolve, installers are increasingly deploying connected GPS trackers that integrate seamlessly with cloud-based management and business software.
3. Dash Cams Have Evolved into Intelligent Safety Systems
Fleet dash cams have undergone a similar transformation. While early systems primarily recorded footage for post-incident use, modern solutions actively reduce risk through features such as:
- AI-powered driver coaching
- Distracted driving detection
- Fatigue monitoring
- Following distance alerts
- Collision warnings
- Automatic incident recording
- Cloud-based video uploads
As fleet technology becomes increasingly intelligent and interconnected, professional installation is more important than ever to ensure every feature performs as intended from day one.
The Good News for Experienced 12V Installers
Here’s the encouraging part: the practical side of the job hasn’t changed nearly as much as the technology has. The purpose behind installations may have evolved, but the foundational knowledge and skills required to complete high-quality vehicle installations remain largely the same.
Core competencies of the most sought-after professional 12V installers include:
- Understanding vehicle electrical systems
- Identifying reliable power and ground connections
- Safe fuse protection and circuit management
- Clean cable routing and concealment
- Secure mounting techniques
- Working around factory wiring and interior trim
- Maintaining an OEM-quality finish
- Diagnosing and resolving installation issues
For experienced installers, the transition is a natural one. Rather than learning an entirely new trade, they’re simply applying their existing expertise to a new generation of connected vehicle technologies.
In many cases, the working experience has improved as well. Most installation companies use mobile apps and digital processes to manage job assignments, eliminating the need for excessive paperwork, scanning, and emailing. Not only does this simplify installation admin, it also helps ensure faster, more accurate payment processing.
Why Professional Installation Still Matters
Choosing the right technology is only part of the equation. Fleet managers must also consider the quality of the installation itself:
- Consistency: Whether deploying technology across 20 vehicles or 2,000, every installation should meet the same standards so equipment performs predictably throughout the fleet.
- Functionality: Systems that integrate multiple cameras, sensors, GPS, and cellular connectivity must perform reliably in demanding commercial environments.
- Accuracy: Correct camera positioning, secure mounting, discreet cable routing, and reliable power connections are essential for accurate data collection and long-term system performance.
- Reliability: Poorly installed devices don’t simply inconvenience drivers. They interrupt reporting, reduce data accuracy, and leave critical fleet information unavailable.
- Efficiency: Using digital workflows instead of outdated paper-based processes improves documentation accuracy, project visibility, communication, and overall efficiency.
Vehicle integrity shouldn’t be overlooked either. Professional 12V installers understand how to integrate aftermarket technology without compromising vehicle reliability or day-to-day operations.
Fleet Technology Installation at Scale
Successfully installing a single device is very different from rolling out connected technology across an entire fleet. Successful large-scale deployments depend on:
- Factory wiring protection
- Battery drain prevention
- Appropriate power source selection
- Correct fuse protection
- Secure equipment mounting for commercial environments
- Professional cable routing and concealment
- Comprehensive system testing before vehicles return to service
Of course, large-scale deployments require careful planning alongside these technical criteria, as installation schedules must minimize downtime to keep vehicles operational. Standardization is equally important, especially for fleets that operate across multiple locations or manage mixed vehicle types.
Orbital Installations: Your Trusted Partner for Nationwide Fleet Deployments
At Orbital Installations, we’ve built our reputation on standardized processes, nationwide coverage, and decades of experience delivering consistent, high-quality deployments at any scale. Our commitment to hiring the industry’s most skilled installers helps fleets deploy new technologies with confidence while maintaining consistency, reliability, and long-term performance.
Ready to roll out your next fleet technology upgrade? Contact us today to discuss your needs and deployment schedule.
Are you an experienced 12V installer looking to work with the latest fleet technologies? We’re always interested in hearing from skilled professionals who take pride in quality workmanship. Complete our installer sign-up form to connect with our team and explore upcoming opportunities.
