GPS check-ins in DrillerDB provide location-based verification that field personnel and equipment are at the correct project sites. This feature enhances operational visibility, improves customer service, and provides documentation of field activities.
Quick Start: GPS Check-in
- Enable location services on mobile device
- Open project in DrillerDB app
- Tap Check In
- Location captured automatically
- Office receives notification
How GPS Check-ins Work
GPS check-ins capture coordinates and verify site attendance.
Check-in Process
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Tap Check In | GPS coordinates captured |
| Timestamp added | Date/time recorded |
| Location compared | Verified against project address |
| Notification sent | Office alerted in real-time |
| Record created | Permanent log of site visit |
Multiple Check-ins
| Use Case | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Start of day | Document arrival |
| Between sites | Track movements |
| End of day | Document departure |
| Project transitions | Chronological record |
GPS check-ins can be performed multiple times throughout the day, creating a complete chronological record of field activities.
Automatic Location Capture
The system automatically captures GPS with certain actions.
Automatic Capture Events
| Event | Location Captured |
|---|---|
| Daily log creation | Yes |
| Tower Up/Down | Yes |
| Field report submission | Yes |
| Manual check-in | Yes |
Passive location tracking requires no additional action from field personnel while providing valuable verification.
Geofencing and Alerts
Project locations can be configured with geofencing parameters.
Geofence Configuration
| Setting | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Center point | Project address coordinates |
| Radius | Acceptable arrival zone size |
| Entry alert | Notify when crew arrives |
| Exit alert | Notify when crew leaves |
Geofence Alerts
| Situation | Alert Type |
|---|---|
| Check-in outside zone | Warning to field user |
| Check-in outside zone | Alert to office |
| Entry into zone | Status update option |
| Exit from zone | Departure notification |
Step-by-Step: Configure Geofence
- Open project settings
- Go to Location section
- Set geofence center (usually project address)
- Set radius (e.g., 500 feet)
- Enable alerts as needed
- Save settings
Geofencing helps catch navigation errors before they cause project delays. Particularly valuable for companies with many project sites.
Integration with Scheduling
GPS check-in data integrates with scheduling for real-time updates.
Automatic Status Updates
| GPS Event | Status Change |
|---|---|
| Check-in at scheduled project | "In Progress" |
| Check-out from project | "Crew departed" |
| Arrival notification | Stakeholders alerted |
Scheduling Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Real-time visibility | Know where crews are |
| Scheduling conflicts | Identified early |
| Routing optimization | Data-driven improvement |
| On-time tracking | Performance metrics |
Location History and Analytics
All GPS check-ins are stored permanently for analysis.
History Uses
| Use | Application |
|---|---|
| Verify site visits | Customer inquiries |
| Mileage tracking | Vehicle maintenance, reimbursement |
| Pattern analysis | Optimize routing |
| Performance review | On-time arrival rates |
Step-by-Step: View Location History
- Go to Reports > GPS History
- Select employee or project
- Set date range
- View map of check-ins
- Export data if needed
Privacy and Data Security
GPS location data is handled with appropriate protections.
Privacy Safeguards
| Protection | Description |
|---|---|
| Work hours only | Data collected during active work |
| User awareness | Personnel know when tracked |
| Encryption | In transit and at rest |
| Access control | Authorized personnel only |
Location data is used solely for operational purposes like verifying site attendance and optimizing routing.
Troubleshooting
Location not capturing?
- Enable location services on device
- Allow DrillerDB location permission
- Check GPS signal (indoor locations may fail)
Check-in showing wrong location?
- Wait for GPS to acquire signal
- Move outdoors for better accuracy
- Verify device time/date correct
Geofence alerts not working?
- Verify geofence is configured
- Check alert recipients set
- Confirm alerts are enabled
Related Topics
- Daily Logs - Activity documentation
- Tower Up/Down - Drilling time tracking
- Real-Time Updates - Notification system
- Scheduling - Calendar and assignments