What is geofencing?

Geofencing is a technology that is increasingly used in telematics, especially in fleet and asset management, but also by individual owners of cars, campers, boats, or (expensive) tools. It allows fleet managers, fleet operators, and vehicle owners to set up virtual fences (geofences) around specific geographical areas. When vehicles or assets equipped with GPS trackers enter or exit these zones, a notification is automatically sent.

Geofencing is a technology where virtual boundaries are set around a physical location. These boundaries are monitored using GPS and sometimes Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. When a vehicle or device, equipped with a GPS tracker, crosses this boundary, an action is automatically triggered, such as sending a notification via email, push message, or SMS. This makes geofencing a powerful tool for managing and securing vehicles and assets.

Geofencing works by combining GPS technology with software that defines zones or 'fences' in geographical space. Managers can set these zones themselves, for example around a warehouse, loading location, or construction site. Or even around a driveway or garage. When a vehicle or piece of equipment enters or leaves this zone, an automated notification is sent to the responsible party. These notifications are flexible to configure, such as when a vehicle leaves a specific location after working hours.

Geofencing offers numerous benefits, especially for fleet managers, asset managers, and fleet operators:

1. Theft Prevention
Use geofencing to alert you when vehicles or assets move outside the designated zones, especially after working hours or outside predefined routes. This helps to act quickly in case of suspicious movements or theft.

2. Efficiency in Logistics
By using geofencing, fleet managers, transport planners, and dispatchers can create accurate schedules. For example, a customer can receive a notification when a truck is nearing the loading or unloading location. This optimizes the process and shortens loading times. It also allows the logistics department to know when capacity can be deployed again.

3. Real-Time Monitoring and Reporting
Geofencing allows for real-time notifications when vehicles move within or outside specific zones. This helps to track driving times, stop times, and location visits, contributing to more efficient reporting and more accurate time tracking.

4. Cost Savings
Geofencing also ensures efficiency in resource use. Through real-time monitoring, unexpected costs, such as extended stop times or route deviations, can be avoided. In addition, fuel savings are achieved by planning the most efficient routes.

Do you want to prevent your vehicles from crossing into another country? Set up a border notification. In our platform, all of the Netherlands is already set as a ‘safe zone.’ If your vehicle crosses the German or Belgian border, you will receive an immediate notification and can take action.

Geofencing offers a wide range of benefits for fleet managers, asset managers, and individual owners who want to secure their vehicles. By leveraging this technology, they can work more efficiently, save costs, and better protect their assets. Geofencing is a valuable tool that helps maintain control over vehicles and resources.