Recently on The Road Forward we spoke with Lucas Schorer, co-founder of Kestrel Insights. In this episode we took a deep dive into what geofencing is and how Kestrel Insights is using their software to help the trucking industry.
What is Geofencing?
Trucking companies need some way to tell when their drivers get from point A to point B, and this is mainly done using geofencing. This means companies have a database of locations (shipping facilities, distribution centers, etc.) and can use GPS to track arrival/departure times to and from these locations.
Many companies use circular geofencing. While this is the most efficient way to import a large amount of locations into a database, it can lead to a lot of inaccuracies. For example, if multiple locations on the map are close together, their circular boundaries can easily overlap. A driver could be marked as arriving at a hub when he is actually at the truck stop across the street, or even just driving down the road.
The only surefire way to eliminate this issue is to create customized borders around each location, so that each destination is mapped accurately and not just within a general area. Unfortunately, to do this with complete accuracy means it needs to be done by hand. Companies with thousands of locations to map could spend countless hours on this task.
This is where Kestrel Insights comes in.
Polygon Geofencing Without the Hassle
The team at Kestrel Insights has a global database of locations that is constantly being updated. Companies using their software get the benefits of having accurate boundaries for all their locations without having to sacrifice efficiency. Shippers and receivers get accurate in and out times for their drivers.
Not only does Kestrel Insights’ polygon geofencing allow you to accurately map location boundaries, but their software also allows for nesting locations. This means that at large hubs like sea ports and distribution centers, specific points can be mapped inside a larger location.
Many of the companies that work with Kestrel Insights are logistics tech platforms that are looking to improve their existing geofencing system. Kestrel Insights also works with large carriers who want to build their own geofencing system.
As they continue to grow, Kestrel Insights is able to make a bigger data set available for companies to use and build upon.
How Did It Come About?
Before they got into trucking, Lucas and the rest of the team that founded Kestrel Insights had experience in data in agriculture. Although not knowing much about trucking itself,
They saw a need in the trucking industry for greater efficiency behind the scenes. Their goal was to create a system for better accuracy in geofencing and to help eliminate some of the problems we’ve discussed.
What’s in the Future?
Defining a two-dimensional shape on a map might seem simple enough, but what about mapping locations in 3D? Looking ahead, Kestrel Insights seeks to improve their software to meet the needs of advancing technology. 3D mapping could help with this, as we hear more and more about things like drone delivery where accuracy becomes vital.
Kestrel Insights hopes to continue to encourage companies to look at how data sharing can actually benefit them in the long run. They strive to promote a partnership mentality among businesses that can work together to improve the industry as a whole.
Check out what Kestrel Insights has to offer here, and be sure to watch the full episode to learn more.
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