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What is geofencing?

Explore what geofencing is and how it can be used in the management of motor transport companies.

Geofences for vehicles create virtual boundaries that trigger user-defined actions when a vehicle with a GPS tracker enters, leaves, or remains within these boundaries. The benefit of this tool is its ability to monitor vehicle activity in areas defined by the user and receive alerts based on predetermined actions, both expected and unexpected.

To help you learn more about how to use the geofencing feature in your fleet, we’ve collected all the relevant information. This includes general information about geofencing (shown below) and specific instructions on how to configure it in your fleet management software. You can find the user guide for the software at the link provided. Additionally, if you have any questions about the Pilot platform or geofencing specifically, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our team members. To do this, please indicate the information you are interested in in the comments to the application.

User’s Guide: Geofences

Disclosed issues:

What is a geofence?
What is geofencing ?
How does geofencing work?
What are geofences used for?
What types of geofences are there?
How to use geofencing for business management?
Pilot solutions with geofencing technology
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a geofence?

A geofence is a user-defined virtual area corresponding to real geographical coordinates on the map, which is used to track events taking place inside it. On the map, geofences are depicted as a rectangle, circle, or other shape and act as an invisible boundary.

The user — the operator or the head of the company — uses geofences to assign and then receive notifications about events occurring inside and outside the permitted zone. For example, if it is necessary to inform whether a particular action is allowed or prohibited depending on the location, or if the vehicle crosses specified boundaries.

In addition, the system automatically accumulates data for each geofence in relation to each corresponding vehicle, which are subsequently used in data analytics.

What is geofencing?

Geofencing is a technology that creates virtual boundaries on a map, allowing users to set rules for notifications about events within those boundaries. As a result, the system makes automated decisions or waits for the operator’s reaction, depending on the settings chosen.

For instance, when an object crosses a geofence, the system can perform user-defined actions. If traffic jams are frequent in a particular area, the platform may suggest alternative routes. Installing geofences around loading and unloading points can help track the movement of trucks in a delivery area.

How does geofencing work?

Creating a geofence

A virtual area of any shape can be set on the map. The boundaries of this area are defined by the program based on specified coordinates.

Tracking

Positioning technologies track the location of objects and compare it with the boundaries of the geofence.

Notification

The platform captures an event and sends a notification, updates the status, or starts automated processes when an object crosses the geofence boundary or other user-defined events.

What are geofences used for?

The use of geofences helps to manage facilities, improve processes and achieve goals in transport monitoring, marketing, tourism, and manufacturing.

Movement control

In logistics, the installation of geofences around storage points records the movement of freight transport within a selected area on the map. In monitoring commercial vehicles, the technology allows you to monitor the driver’s compliance with planned routes and record trip statistics.

Security and monitoring

Fleet operators set up geofences around vehicle routes. If the car leaves a certain area, makes an unplanned stop, the system sends a notification to the dispatcher.

Geofences are used to create safety zones around objects or in relation to objects. The system sends an alert if the specified object is moved within or outside the boundaries in a planned or unauthorized manner.

Equipment management

The technology helps to manage fleets, construction machinery, agricultural machinery and other equipment. You can determine where an object is located and how it is used.

Маркетинг и реклама

Trading companies use technology to send promotional offers to customers when they are near a point of sale.

What types of geofences are there?

Static geofencing

Creating fixed boundaries of an area on the map. Such zones are used for access control, movement monitoring and security. For example, enterprises install static geofences to track the entry and exit of employees.

Dynamic geofencing

Changing the boundaries of the geofence depending on conditions, for example, time of day or traffic congestion. Thus, logistics companies change delivery routes depending on current road conditions, and taxi services adapt fares depending on the time of day and location.

Radial geofencing

The selection of an area around a specific point with a specified radius in the form of a circle. This is the most common type for sending notifications to clients located in a specific zone.

Polygonal geofencing

Creating a zone of any shape for accurate coverage of the territory. In agriculture, irregularly shaped fields can be allocated to monitor the state of the crop. Companies can build precise boundaries of geofences by areas of settlements, areas of transportation and personnel responsibility.

How to use geofencing for business management?

Logistics and delivery optimization

By setting up route geofences, companies can respond in a timely manner to changes in the traffic situation, avoid traffic jams and minimize delivery time. This reduces fuel costs and improves the quality of service.

Targeted marketing

With the help of geofencing, enterprises manage advertising offers for customers of a certain zone. This attracts more customers and increases sales. For example, a restaurant notifies customers about discounts or new dishes when they are nearby.

Inventory and resource management

Tracking systems automatically update data on the functioning of objects (for example, when using the trash can management module), the availability of goods, depending on their location.

Virtual zones track the location and use of construction machinery, agricultural equipment, or other equipment. This prevents the loss and misuse of resources.

Personnel management

The technology is used, among other things, to record the time of arrival and departure of employees to their workplaces. If employees frequently move between multiple locations, mobile geofences allow you to plan optimal movements, improving productivity and reducing costs.

Behavior analysis

Geofencing technology helps to collect data on the movement of objects over specified areas. Accordingly, the data obtained is used to analyze the behavior of buyers, couriers, and so on.

Pilot solutions with geofencing technology

Motion control

The Pilot platform tracks statistics on trips, gas stations, toll road usage, and the purposes of transport trips.

The Pilot platform tracks various aspects of trips, including gas stations visited, toll roads used, and the purpose of each trip. It also helps analyze compliance with traffic schedules and notifies the dispatcher when a vehicle deviates from its route or or goes beyond the boundaries of the zone. Thus, it becomes possible to prevent unauthorized trips and improve driver discipline. This solution is designed for use by transport and logistics companies, delivery services, construction and manufacturing organizations, garbage collection services, and taxi services.

Transportation management

The solution utilizes geofence parameters to calculate efficient routes, considering restrictions. It offers alternative routes in the event of traffic congestion or road closures. The technology controls pre-defined routes by tracking vehicle arrivals and departures from specific locations, such as warehouses or loading/unloading points. Upon approaching warehouses, notifications are sent to drivers or managers. Geofencing aids in optimizing routes and controlling traffic schedules, thereby reducing transportation expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is geofencing the same as tracking?

Geofencing is a technique for creating virtual boundaries on a map to identify and control objects within these zones when they enter or exit specified boundaries. The method tracks border crossings and performs actions based on these crossings. In turn, tracking is the process of constantly monitoring and recording the location of objects, including collecting data on movements and positions at any given time.

What is the difference between geofencing, geotargeting and geolocation?

Geofencing is a method of creating virtual boundaries on a map to manage and control objects as they cross borders. It can be used to restrict access to certain areas, optimize routes, manage logistics, and receive notifications when objects enter or leave specific zones.

Geotargeting is a technique that delivers content, advertisements, or offers based on a user’s current location. This allows content to be tailored to specific regions, such as sending personalized advertising based on a person’s location.

Geolocation is the process of determining the physical location of a device or user using electronic means, such as GPS, IP addresses, or mobile networks. This is the basic technology on which geofencing and geotargeting are based.

Where can I purchase geofencing software?

To receive detailed information about the Pilot platform and its capabilities, please fill out our online form. If you need to use media files and detailed descriptions of the request, e-mail at info@pilot-telematics.com

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