What is a geofence?
A geofence is a virtual boundary that is defined by GPS coordinates. Geofencing relies on a computer or mobile device’s ability to identify its location using GPS. This information is used to create a virtual barrier around a specific location. When a device enters or exits that virtual barrier, an alert can be triggered. Many GPS tracking platforms also allow you to set up automatic actions based on a device’s geolocation. For example, you can program your software to send an alert whenever an employee leaves work and enters a geofenced area. The alert could include the employee’s name and the time they left work. This information can be extremely useful when an employee is expected to be at a specific location.
The benefits of geofencing
- Improved safety
When you use geofencing to monitor critical assets like vehicles, a breach in the geofence can indicate that the vehicle has been stolen. This can prompt an alert that lets you know the vehicle has been taken. If you are monitoring a person, geofencing can alert you if they are in danger. For example, if a child is being bullied at school, a breach in the geofence can let you know that the child is in danger. - Improved efficiency
Geofencing can be used to make sure employees are where they’re supposed to be. This can be helpful if you need to track salespeople, if employees have specific tasks to complete, if you manage a fleet of vehicles, or if you have children who should be at home. - Improved productivity
If you need to track employees’ hours or productivity, geofencing can help you track this data accurately. It can also be used to make sure employees are getting enough breaks.
The advantages of using geofence in vehicle tracking?
- Data accuracy
Since the software is managing the geofences, you can be sure that the data is as accurate as possible. If a device enters a geofenced area, you’ll know that it did so. If a device doesn’t enter a geofenced area, you’ll also know that. - Customization
You can customize geofences as needed to fit your business needs. For example, you might want to set up different geofences for different vehicles. Or, you might want to set geofences around multiple areas. - Information and alerts
A GPS tracking platform with geofencing can send you information and alerts when a certain vehicle leaves an area, enters a geofence, drives too quickly, or arrives at a specific location.
How geofencing can be used to improve efficiency
- Driver route optimization
If you use employee-driven vehicles, you can track the driving route taken by each vehicle. This can be helpful if you have places to be and want to make sure the vehicles are taking the fastest route. - Repetitive routes
If your employees have repetitive routes, geofencing can help them avoid taking shortcuts by letting you know when they’re taking an unexpected detour. - Driver speed
Geofencing can also let you know if an employee is speeding. This can be helpful if you want to monitor driving habits and avoid accidents. - Idle time
Idle times can be tracked by a GPS tracking platform. You can use this data to make sure employees are not wasting company time.
How geofencing can be used to improve productivity
- Workstation optimization
If heavy machinery operators work at construction sites, you can track the amount of time spent at each site. This can be helpful if you want to make sure each person is working at the right place. - Driving between sites
You can also use geofencing to keep tabs on vehicles driving times. This can be helpful if you want to enhance driving skills to save time on the road.
Conclusion
Geofencing is a powerful tool that can be used in a variety of ways. It can help keep people safe, make driving more efficient, and help you get more done at work. A GPS tracking platform with geofencing is the best way to take advantage of these benefits.
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