With all of the technology fleets have at their disposal, geofencing is one of the most valuable tools available today. Geofencing involves setting up a virtual perimeter around a physical location using GPS, RFID, Wi-Fi, asset trackers, or cellular data. When an object equipped with one of these features leaves the perimeter, it triggers an alert. Geofencing is used in various settings, including nursing homes, pet tracking, city planning, and even the White House to track drones. Fleets naturally use it to track vehicles and assets from leaving a set perimeter without alerting the fleet manager. This article will break down how geofencing works and how it is helpful for fleets in their everyday operations.
How Does Geofencing Work?
Geofencing uses real-time fleet tracking technology to allow managers to track when vehicles, assets, and equipment leave a specified location. It is usually a feature of fleet management software. Within these programs, a manager can draw a perimeter around a map and then create a configuration. A configuration tells the software what the geofence should do. It can send an alert or coordinate with asset trackers to ensure items stay within the perimeter. Configuring geofences uses an “if this, then that” command. If something happens, such as a vehicle leaving the geofence, then a specified response occurs, such as an alert going off on the fleet manager’s device.
How to Use Geofencing
Track Vehicles
Tracking vehicles is the most apparent use of geofencing technology. It’s possible to set perimeters around a vehicle’s destination, rest areas, loading areas, and more to ensure that your fleet is on track throughout the day. There’s no need to call drivers and ask for an ETA; it’s all easy to access right from the fleet management system. Micromanaging is a massive burden on everyone, so you can ease that weight and focus on other tasks is an immense benefit of geofencing that fleet managers can enjoy.
Time Management
As mentioned, geofencing frees up a fleet manager’s time and energy to work on other tasks. Managers no longer have to call drivers for ETAs, provide ETAs for customers manually, manually log HOS, or try to guess where their drivers are throughout the day. Geofencing allows for virtual time cards that tell managers exactly when their team appears on a site. Not having to record hours or check-in saves an immense amount of time. Technology like geofencing allows fleet managers to focus on more important matters like growth and optimization.
Improve Customer Service
Customer service is a top priority for any fleet business. Customers appreciate being kept in the loop, and providing delivery notifications and status updates to them is an immense benefit that they will appreciate. They can receive alerts when packages are on their way, and the delivery times are more accurate since they utilize real-time GPS tracking. Fleet managers also know that drivers are meeting their delivery objectives, ensuring a positive customer service experience every time.
Prevent Theft
Theft is an immense problem in any fleet, and preventing it can be a challenge. When assets remain in storage for a long time, it can be challenging to know what’s on hand and if it disappears. This is where asset trackers and geofences come in handy. If a vehicle or asset moves outside its geofence, fleet managers will receive an alert so they can respond quickly. Then, they can tell law enforcement exactly where that vehicle is. With asset tracking and geofencing, it becomes much easier to recover a vehicle or asset once it is stolen. Don’t fall victim to thieves ever again.
Decrease Downtime
Downtime happens whenever a vehicle needs repairs. If a manager sets a geofence around the fleet repair shop, they can be alerted as soon as that vehicle is out of repairs so they can get it back out on the road as quickly as possible. This cuts down on downtime significantly and allows managers to get the most use out of their assets.
Proper Use of Assets
Assets often sit in storage for a long time, not getting any use. Sometimes, this results in managers purchasing excess equipment that they already have. With geofencing, managers can see exactly what equipment they already have, where it is, and access it whenever they need.
Conclusion
Geofencing is just one of the many technology options that Azuga offers with its fleet management software. It is an absolute necessity for fleets looking to streamline their operations and get the most use out of the assets they have at their disposal. Find out what Azuga can do for you by reaching out to an expert today.
