Geotab Academy

Configuring your MyGeotab™ ELD Database

With your initial setup complete, it's time to configure your database to get the most out of your GO device data. In this configuration, you'll review our ELD Compliance and Implementation Guide for the Geotab Drive mobile app, then install two key add-ins from Geotab Marketplace (opens in a new tab). With the ELD elements taken care of, you'll set up Safety rules, maintenance reminders and dashboard reports to make MyGeotab work the way that's best for you.

Still need to set up your database? Open the initial setup site.

Want an easy way to track your progress? Use the ELD database initial setup and configuration checklist (opens in a new tab).

Ready? We recommend opening your database in another tab and completing each step as you go.

ELD Compliance in the US and Canada

An essential part of remaining compliant in the US and Canada is the Geotab Drive mobile app. Available for both Android and iOS devices, the Geotab Drive app provides drivers with a mobile interface for accessing key information and functionalities related to their vehicles and fleet operations. To remain compliant, your drivers will need to install the Geotab Drive app.

To help with implementing Geotab Drive for your fleet, we offer a full guide and companion checklist:

Tip: Click the links below to open the documents in their own tab.

New User Tip: Questions? Please use the "I Need Help" button in the onboarding emails.

Configure the ELD Settings Validator add-in

The ELD Settings Validator Add-In is a MyGeotab Add-In designed to help administrators view important driver and vehicle information necessary for roadside inspections. Verify that the driver and vehicle are set up correctly across your database. These details are necessary for error-free ELD data transfers at roadside inspections.

Select your preferred format (Tutorial, Video or Article) and follow the how-to instructions below:

New User Tip: In MyGeotab, select the Show Help button at the top of the ELD Settings Validator page to display field explanations.

Install the ELD Information add-in

The ELD Information add-in is a Geotab Drive add-in designed to simplify access to support information for your drivers. The add-in includes:

To install the ELD Information add-in, follow the how-to instructions below:

New User Tip: This add-in may result in increased mobile data usage. The add-in features are available only when used with a device with a cellular data connection.

Set up your Safety Rules

One of the most useful reports you'll find on your Dashboard is the Driver Safety Scorecard. This report helps identify risky drivers in your fleet. MyGeotab measures performance using built-in Safety rules and grades drivers from 0 to 100. Repeated unsafe driving behavior leads to a higher risk profile, while better driver performance leads to a lower risk profile. Fleet managers can use these safety scores to create rewards programs and coaching opportunities.

To get the most out of the Driver Safety Scorecard, we recommend configuring the ABCs of Safety:

These rules are triggered by excessive G-forces exerted on the GO device. Each rule has a slider to adjust the rule's sensitivity depending on the type of vehicles in your fleet. The larger the vehicle, the more sensitive the conditions should be. Open a PDF guide on how to classify each vehicle by its weight class. (opens in a new tab)

Have different weight classes in your fleet? We recommend creating groups for each weight class and customizing the ABCs for each group. Open an article from Geotab on how to create groups. (opens in a new tab)

To customize built-in rules, select your preferred format (Tutorial, Video or Article) and follow the how-to instructions below:

New User Tips: Besides the ABCs of Safety, we suggest reviewing two more rules that contribute to the Driver Safety Scorecard.

Add Maintenance Reminders

Preventative maintenance is a tactical approach to vehicle maintenance and servicing. Regular checks, servicing, and repairs take place at scheduled intervals or are based on usage. Prioritize preventive maintenance to optimize your fleet performance, reduce risks, and save costs. Open the Geotab blog post about the benefits of usage-based preventative maintenance. (opens in a new tab)

In MyGeotab, you can add maintenance reminders for the vehicles in your fleet. These reminders help support your preventative maintenance plan and ensure long-term success.

To add a maintenance reminder, select your preferred format (Tutorial, Video or Article) and follow the how-to instructions below:

New User Tip: When creating a maintenance reminder, you can select more than one Repeats by criterion. For example, if you select both Time: Every 6 months and Distance: 10000 km, the reminder will be sent when the asset reaches either one of the criteria.

More Fleet Reports

Reports are one of the best tools available in MyGeotab. They contain aggregated data from your database and can provide insight on your fleet. You can use the built-in reports to monitor activities such as:

If the selection of built-in reports does not meet your needs, you can also create limitless custom reports in Microsoft Excel. You can also add custom reports that include a chart to your Dashboard for quick fleet summaries.

Along with the Driver Safety Scorecard, you can add other built-in reports to your Dashboard. For example, the Idling Violations report displays the top percentages of asset idle time. Idle time compares the total asset idling duration to the amount of engine-on time. This report is ideal for fleet managers looking to increase efficiency by optimizing fuel usage.

Not all reports need to be part of the Dashboard. For example, MyGeotab offers an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) report (opens in a new tab). IFTA simplifies fuel tax reporting and payments for motor carriers in the US and Canada. The IFTA Report is a required document that fleet managers must submit to comply with IFTA regulations. Open an article from Geotab on how to pull an IFTA report. (opens in a new tab)

To set up a dashboard report, select your preferred format (Tutorial, Video or Article) and follow the how-to instructions below:

New User Tip: Want to receive periodic reports by email? MyGeotab can do that! Open an article from Geotab on how to set up an emailed report. (opens in a new tab)

What's Next?

With your configuration complete, you're ready to start collecting and analyzing fleet data!

Have questions? Contact Geotab Support or search the Geotab Knowledge Base.