Fleet tracking is the first step toward creating the most effective and efficient fleet in the field. However, you may miss out on many of its benefits if you don’t do all of your research. Geofencing is one of the many advantages of fleet tracking that many businesses miss. It’s not too late to get started with geofencing if you haven’t already been taking advantage. Let’s break down what geofencing is and its benefits now.
What is Geofencing?
Geofencing is an element of fleet tracking that allows managers to track assets and vehicles in real time. Managers enact a virtual perimeter around specified locations and specify what these boundaries do. All you need to do to create a boundary is draw it on a digital map. Then, decide what the geofence does whenever vehicles or assets enter or exit these perimeters. They coordinate with asset trackers using an “if this, then that” command; this means that if an event occurs, such as a vehicle exiting the geofence, a specific response occurs, like the fleet manager receiving an alert.
The Benefits of Geofencing
No. 1: Easier Tracking of Vehicles
The number one use of geofencing is for tracking vehicles. Managers will often set perimeters around a vehicle’s destination, rest areas, loading areas, or other places and check that the fleet is on track throughout the day. There’s no longer a need to call drivers asking for an ETA; all the information you need is easily accessible directly from your fleet management system. Nobody wants to be a micromanager, so ease that burden on yourself and focus on other tasks.
No. 2: Decreased Downtime
Downtime occurs whenever a vehicle needs to undergo repairs. It is a significant drain on your fleet’s resources and should be avoided whenever possible. While geofencing won’t affect your vehicles’ maintenance, it can impact their time in the shop. Managers can set a geofence around a vehicle’s shop to be alerted when that vehicle is out of the garage. This means it can get back on the road as quickly as possible, and the fleet will get the most use out of its assets.
No. 3: Fewer Instances of Theft
Theft is a common problem among fleets, and preventing it is an immense challenge for any business. If you have an asset in storage for a long time, you may not notice when it disappears, and you may not realize it’s gone for a while. That’s why asset trackers and geofences are here to eliminate this problem. Set them up so that you receive an alert whenever your assets leave your designated perimeter. With this tool, you can immediately alert law enforcement and tell them exactly where that vehicle or asset is. Recovering stolen items becomes easier than ever, and you likely won’t fall victim to thieves again.
No. 4: Improved Customer Service
Customer service is key to any business that wants to stay afloat; it’s a basic principle! Your customers want to be in the loop as much as possible. If your fleet can provide delivery notifications and status updates, it will be an immense benefit that customers will appreciate. Geofencing helps you provide these alerts when packages are on their way, and these times are more accurate because the system utilizes real-time GPS tracking. Also, fleet managers know that their drivers are meeting delivery objectives, so customers receive a positive experience every time.
Set Up Geofencing Today!
You can see that geofencing can benefit any fleet, so why not take advantage? Get the best fleet tracking software when you partner with Azuga. We serve various industries and can help your fleet accomplish its goals. Set up a demo with one of our experts and see what we can do together!
