Two posts last week introduced the topic of Location-Based Services (LBS). A common LBS feature is Geofencing, but what is it?
A Geofence is a virtual perimeter around a geographic area using Location-Based Services so that when a GPS-enabled device enters and/or exits the area a notification is generated.
This notification contains driver and/or vehicle identification and location data which can be sent to a mobile device or an e-mail account as well as recorded for reporting purposes.
A Geofence can be set for all employees, groups or individual employees. Fences can be either permanent or temporary. There are two kinds of Geofences: polygonal and radial. Examples of both can be seen in the screenshot at the right.
So what are some of the uses and benefits of Geofencing?
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Location-based messaging can be used with radial fencing to send emergency-related alerts.
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A Geofence can be set in a radius around a customer’s site so that an e-mail alert can be automatically sent to the customer advising of the imminent arrival of your driver.
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By capturing both the arrival and departure times, a business can automatically capture the duration of a stop.
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A business can be automatically alerted when either an individual employee or any employees enters an unauthorized location.
Let’s get mobile! DecisionPoint has multiple Location-Based Services solutions. Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to determine which one best meets your requirements and budget.