Geofencing Technology - how it works with GPS tracking systems

Today's vehicle tracking systems come with several advanced features, one of which is geofencing. In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about geofencing technology, including how it works and its numerous applications.

In addition, you will learn how your business can use geofencing to secure your assets and improve your fleet operations. 

What is a geofence?

In simple words, a geofence is a virtual fence around a real-world geographic area. When you set up a geofence around a specific area, it is like creating a boundary around the location. With geofencing, you can determine when your vehicle or other business asset enters or exits a set location. 

How does geofencing technology work?

Geofences are typically set up using geofencing tools that come with GPS tracking devices, which use Wi-Fi, cellular networks, GPS, Bluetooth, or a combination of these methods to determine the location of the device. Once you establish virtual boundaries using this geofencing software, you can then determine the actions that occur immediately when the GPS device enters or leaves the set boundary. These actions could include the device sending you a text message to your mobile device or activating specific functionalities.

Some common applications of geofencing technology

Below are some of the common use cases of geofencing technology:

• For private car owners

Car owners can create a geofence around their homes to know when a family member takes the car out and when they leave. Beyond this, it can also alert you when someone is trying to drive your vehicle away from your home after you have parked it. Likewise, you can create geofences around the places your family visits regularly, as this can save you from running multiple trips.

For example, if you set up a virtual fence around your favourite grocery store, you will receive a notification whenever someone drives your car to the geofenced area. With this, you can call or text them to get some items for you at the store. Furthermore, you can create geofences around places where you don't want a member of your family to go. You will be alerted whenever your car enters the location.

• For fleet managers 

Fleet management is another area where GPS technology is commonly used. Fleet managers create boundaries around designated zones to ensure their vehicles are not moving outside the set routes. Likewise, geofencing helps companies prevent theft and minimize unauthorized use of their vehicles or other business assets. 

Furthermore, geofencing allows fleet managers to enforce safe driving zones as they will immediately receive notifications when any of their vehicles enter restricted areas. What's more, you can use some geofencing software to generate timestamps for when a vehicle enters or exits a particular area. 

• For marketing and advertising

Geofencing technology is also becoming very popular in the marketing world. Marketers use geofencing to deliver personalized promotions or marketing ads to individuals who enter a specific area. For instance, a retail shop can use geofencing to deliver targeted marketing advertisements to passersby, with the goal of drawing them to the store. 

• For business owners

Owners of businesses in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics can use geofencing technology to monitor the movement of their equipment and other assets within their distribution centers, factories, and warehouses. With this functionality, you can receive alerts as soon as your assets exit designated areas, thereby helping you prevent theft or minimize inefficient use of your assets. 

• For monitoring employees

Companies with remote workers or those with multiple job sites can use geofencing to keep a tab on their employees and verify their presence at designated job sites.  In addition, you can use this technology to track the time employees spend at a particular job site. 

• For wildlife conservation

The application of geofencing technology also extends to wildlife monitoring and conservation. Using GPS tracking devices, conservationists create virtual fences around the habitats of endangered species to monitor their movements. If any of the animals exit the geofenced area, the relevant authorities will receive a notification, and they can intervene almost immediately. 

Benefits of geofencing

• Security: Geofencing can help you prevent vehicle or asset theft, as you will be immediately alerted if they enter or leave a set boundary.
• Optimized fleet management: Using geofencing technology makes it easier to track your fleet and ensure they are following the best route. This can help you maximize fuel efficiency and improve your fleet's profitability.
• Improves drivers' behaviour: Geofencing can encourage your drivers to be more disciplined and accountable.
• Streamlined communication: With geofencing, you can know when your driver arrives or leaves designated areas without them constantly contacting you. 
• Versatile use: Almost all market segments, including private vehicle owners, fleet managers, construction companies, retail businesses, and logistics companies, can use this technology. 

Ready to start enjoying the benefits of geofencing?

If you would like to secure your vehicle or optimize your business operations with geofencing technology, please contact us now. We will listen to your needs and guide you on how to get started.