Managing a dispersed workforce across various jobsites can be a logistical nightmare in construction.
Traditional methods like paper timesheets and manual headcounts are prone to errors and inefficiencies.
A survey revealed that nearly half (44%) of employers using manual time tracking methods face issues with time theft.
In contrast, 67% of business owners employing electronic time tracking reports seldom or never encounter time theft.
These figures highlight considerable losses in time and productivity։
It underscores the importance of implementing efficient systems for managing time and attendance.
This is where geofencing emerges as a game-changer.
Geofencing is a location-based technology that utilizes GPS, RFID, or cellular data to create virtual perimeters around a physical and geographical location.
The real power lies in its ability to trigger pre-programmed actions when a device (usually a smartphone) enters or exits this virtual boundary.
Fortune Business Insights reports that the global geofencing market was estimated at $1.83 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand from $2.20 billion in 2023 to $8.89 billion by 2030.
This growth represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22.1% throughout the forecast period, highlighting its growing adoption across various industries, including construction.
One of the most impactful applications of geofencing in construction is establishing clearly defined perimeters around jobsites.
This virtual fencing eliminates the ambiguity of traditional signage and creates a precise digital zone.
As more than 90% of construction workers use mobile devices for work purposes, geofencing via mobile phones is convenient.
When workers or authorized vehicles with GPS or cellular-enabled devices enter the geofence, the system can automatically trigger actions like clocking in for work or sending a welcome message.
But geofencing goes beyond just streamlining arrival and departure.
The real security advantage comes from monitoring the physical location of authorized devices within the geofence.
Here’s how:
Deterrence Against Theft: Knowing exactly which authorized devices are on-site provides real-time awareness.
If an unauthorized device enters the geofence, the system can trigger alerts, allowing security personnel to investigate potential theft attempts.
Restricting Unauthorized Location Access: Geofences can be configured to restrict access to specific areas within the site.
For example, a restricted zone around heavy machinery can prevent unauthorized personnel from entering, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Geofencing goes beyond simple perimeter marking.
Construction sites often have restricted areas with specific access protocols, which geofencing software and authorized devices can restrict access to.
For instance, a geofence around heavy machinery can prevent unauthorized personnel from entering, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
This granular access control strengthens site security while streamlining foot traffic within the construction zone.
In 2022, construction workers experienced 4.5 million injuries that required medical consultation, surpassing workers in any other industry.
Geofencing technology can offer a data-driven solution to mitigate this risk in a way.
Worker safety is paramount in construction, and geofencing technology can be a powerful tool in this regard.
Imagine creating a geofence around a trench excavation zone.
When a worker with an authorized mobile device enters the zone, the system can trigger an automated safety briefing or a notification to wear specific personal protective equipment (PPE).
This location-based approach ensures workers know potential hazards before entering high-risk areas.
Furthermore, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology can be integrated with geofencing software for even more precise location tracking.
For example, a geofence around a designated smoking area can help enforce smoking restrictions and promote a safer work environment for everyone.
Geofencing isn’t just about people; it can revolutionize asset and fleet management within the virtual fence.
Imagine tracking the location and utilization of heavy machinery in real time.
This allows for:
This data can be used to schedule preventative maintenance and ensure equipment is readily available when needed, reducing downtime and boosting project efficiency.
This eliminates time wasted searching for equipment and ensures resources are allocated efficiently.
When a worker with an authorized mobile device enters or leaves the geofence, the system can automatically trigger clock-in/out functions, eliminating the need for manual entries.
This ensures:
This allows for better labor allocation and ensures the right personnel is available at the right time for specific tasks.
MobiClocks®’s geofencing technology ensures operational precision and regulatory compliance by creating virtual perimeters around job sites and automating attendance verification.
This automation reduces the need for manual oversight, allowing project managers to concentrate on more crucial tasks.
Moreover, the geofences are customizable to fit the unique dimensions of any jobsite, ensuring all employee movements are accurately recorded within these specified areas.
The GPS breadcrumbing feature of MobiClocks® significantly improves project management capabilities.
It logs detailed information about the routes and locations employees visit during work hours, providing a transparent overview of workforce movements.
Furthermore, the insights gained from analyzing these breadcrumb trails can lead to operational improvements, such as optimizing job site layouts and adjusting team allocations to boost efficiency.
MobiClocks®’ geofencing and breadcrumbing technologies enable accurate labor cost management and project forecasting, essential for submitting competitive bids and securing contracts.
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