Frequently Asked Questions

No, Dakota Software operates with no contracts and no lock-ins. You're not locked into any long-term commitments with our ELD and fleet tracking solutions.

Yes, most hardware including our Azuga and Gorilla Safety ELD devices are plug-and-play. We offer support but installation is typically not needed.

Yes, we serve the overlap area between Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Sioux City, Iowa, plus surrounding regions. We're locally owned and operated.

Dakota Software has been in business since 1979, with over 45 years of fleet technology experience serving regional businesses.

The Yabby Edge offers long battery life measured in years, not months. It's compact, weather-resistant and perfect for smaller fleets and mixed assets.

Yes, we serve towing companies along with trucking, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors. Basically any business that operates vehicles or equipment.

Yes, the majority of our fleet tracking and ELD products are proudly made in the USA, supporting American manufacturing.

The Orbis Taillight Tracker turns your trailer taillight into a hidden GPS tracker. It's tamper-resistant with continuous reporting and low power consumption.

Yes, we provide free consultations to help evaluate your fleet technology needs and recommend the right systems for your operations.

Yes, Geometris dashcams feature dual-facing HD video with event detection, real-time alerts, and cloud storage to support fleet safety initiatives.

Absolutely. We offer FMCSA-compliant ELD solutions, compliance training, audit preparation, and ongoing guidance to keep your business road-ready.

Yes, we focus on personalized customer service and real support after the sale. Call (605) 376-8951 for assistance with any fleet technology questions.

Geometris trackers are real-time GPS devices with geofencing and mobile access, while Orbis units are hidden taillight trackers designed for covert trailer monitoring with tamper-resistant construction. Orbis integrates directly into trailer electrical systems for concealed installation, whereas Geometris offers broader asset tracking with customizable alerts.

Yabby Edge trackers run for years on a single battery due to low power consumption and compact design. The extended battery life makes them ideal for tools and trailers that don't have consistent power sources. Weather-resistant construction ensures outdoor reliability without frequent maintenance visits.

Yes, the Azuga and Gorilla Safety ELD systems include automatic regulatory updates to maintain FMCSA compliance without manual intervention. Real-time driver logs adjust to rule changes as they're published. This eliminates the need to track regulation updates yourself or risk using outdated logging methods.

Geometris and Surfsight dashcam systems provide instant cloud access to video footage from any location through mobile or web platforms. Event detection technology flags incidents automatically and uploads relevant clips to cloud storage. You can review footage, share it with insurance providers, or use it for driver coaching without retrieving physical devices.

Orbis trackers integrate seamlessly into existing trailer electrical systems within the taillight assembly, making them hidden from external view. The design prevents easy removal or tampering because it's embedded in functional trailer wiring rather than mounted externally. Continuous GPS reporting alerts you immediately if power is disrupted or the unit is disconnected.

Surfsight's AI technology monitors driver behavior in real time, detecting distraction, drowsiness, following distance violations, and harsh driving events as they happen. Instant alerts allow fleet managers to intervene before incidents escalate. The system learns patterns over time to identify coaching opportunities and reduce repeat violations through data-driven feedback.

Consulting includes fleet technology evaluation to identify gaps, GPS integration support for new or existing systems, ELD compliance guidance tailored to your operation, and performance analysis tools that track efficiency metrics. With over 45 years of experience, the service focuses on matching technology to operational needs rather than selling unnecessary features.

Yes, Geometris GPS trackers allow you to set virtual boundaries around yards, job sites, or service areas. You receive instant alerts via mobile app or email when assets cross geofence perimeters. This works for both entry and exit monitoring, helping prevent unauthorized moves or theft outside business hours.

The Azuga and Gorilla Safety systems connect through OBD-II diagnostic ports standard in vehicles since 1996. Installation requires no hardwiring or professional setup—drivers plug the device into the port under the dashboard and connect via Bluetooth. Older pre-1996 trucks without OBD-II ports need adapter kits or alternative installation methods.

Compliance services include audit preparation support, where ELD data is reviewed for accuracy and completeness before inspection. The system generates tamper-proof electronic logs that satisfy FMCSA record requirements. Consulting guidance helps you organize supporting documents like driver vehicle inspection reports and shipping records that auditors cross-reference with ELD entries.

Geometris dashcams record both road view and driver cabin simultaneously, capturing what happened outside and inside the vehicle during incidents. This dual perspective proves whether driver action caused the event or if external factors were responsible. Cloud storage preserves footage immediately, preventing disputes over lost or altered evidence.

Telematics tracking monitors route efficiency, idle time, unauthorized detours, and speed patterns that waste fuel. Performance analytics identify which drivers or routes consume excessive fuel compared to benchmarks. Behavior data helps you coach drivers on efficient acceleration, reduce idling during stops, and optimize routing to cut fuel expenses across regional operations.

ELD devices plug into your truck's diagnostic port and automatically record driving hours, reducing paperwork and ensuring FMCSA compliance with real-time data logging.

Battery life varies by device—Yabby Edge trackers last years, while Geometris units provide months of operation depending on reporting frequency and usage patterns.

Yes, dual-facing dashcams with event detection provide video evidence that helps resolve claims faster, often leading to insurance discounts and reduced liability costs.

Local support means faster response times, understanding of regional conditions, and personalized service from people who know your business needs and challenges.

Most GPS trackers are plug-and-play with installation taking minutes. Orbis taillight trackers integrate with existing wiring, while Yabby Edge units are completely wireless.

Yes, our cold-weather tested devices function reliably in South Dakota winters, maintaining GPS accuracy and battery performance even in extreme temperatures below -20°F.

Geofencing creates virtual boundaries around locations, sending instant alerts when vehicles or assets enter or leave designated areas, improving security and operational control.

Yes, Dakota Software operates with no long-term contracts or lock-ins, giving you flexibility to adjust services as your fleet needs change.

Orbis taillight trackers replace standard taillights while secretly providing GPS monitoring, making them tamper-resistant since thieves don't know tracking is present.

Minimal maintenance is needed—battery-powered units may need replacement every few years, while plug-in devices typically run maintenance-free throughout their operational life.