Geofencing: Getting started
A guide to EVA Check-in’s geofencing feature for automatic check-in and check-out.
Geofencing can make staff check-in easier. When staff opt in, EVA Check-in can check them in when they arrive at a site and check them out when they leave.
For the best results, staff need to allow background location access and keep the EVA Check-in app available on their phone.
Quick links
Create a geofence
To set up geofences, go to Site information > Geofences. Geofences are a paid add-on for EVA Check-in and are charged per site.
- Select + Create geofence.
- Start typing to search for your site address, then select the correct address.
- Follow the on-screen hints to create the geofence.
Polygon: Place points around the intended geofence. Select the starting point or Finish to close the polygon.
Circle: Place the cursor at the centre of the geofence. Click and drag to create the circle, then release when it is the required size.
The geofenced region must be at least 100 m in radius for a circle, or 10,000 m² for a polygon. If the region is red, it is too small. If it is green, it meets the minimum size.
Enable your geofence
When you are happy with the geofence, assign it to a site or zone, then select Save.
The geofence is now active. People using the EVA Check-in mobile app can choose to use automatic check-in and check-out for that location.
Help staff use automatic check-in and check-out
After you assign a geofence to a site or zone, staff can choose to use automatic check-in and check-out in the EVA Check-in mobile app.
For automatic check-in and check-out to work reliably, staff need to:
- Check in at the site using the EVA Check-in app at least once.
- Turn on Auto check in and Auto check out for that location.
- Allow location access:
- Always on iPhone
- Allow all the time on Android
- Allow EVA Check-in to run in the background.
- Have mobile or wifi coverage when entering or leaving the geofence.
Automatic check-out may not always happen immediately. If the phone does not complete a geofence check-out, EVA may later close the check-in automatically using server-side rules.
For help with automatic check-in or check-out problems, see Geofencing: Troubleshooting.
Roll out automatic check-in
Once you have set up your geofences, let your team know how to use them.
To check in automatically, staff need to download the free EVA Check-in app for iOS or Android:
They need to allow background location access and turn on Auto check in and Auto check out for the relevant location.
To make rollout easier, use the email template below to introduce automatic check-in at your workplace and answer common questions.
See Geofencing: Troubleshooting for help with common geofence problems.
Introduce geofencing to your team
Copy the suggested email content below into your email or team communication channel.
Replace <your location> with the location of your geofence, such as your office, site, or premises. Replace any other highlighted text before sending.
Subject: Do you sometimes forget to check in or out? We have a simpler way
Preheader: Automatically check in and out at <your location> using the EVA Check-in app.
Email template
Our visitor management and staff check-in system, EVA Check-in, includes location features that can check you in and out automatically.
Enable location features when prompted in the EVA Check-in mobile app. Download the app for iPhone or Android.
How does it work?
Automatic check-in uses a geofence, which is a virtual boundary around <your location>. The EVA Check-in app detects when you enter or leave the geofence.
Set up automatic check-in and check-out
- The next time you check in at <your location>, use the EVA Check-in mobile app to scan the QR code.
- Allow location access when prompted.
- Choose Auto check in and Auto check out.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
For automatic check-out to work
Keep location access enabled while you use EVA Check-in. Your phone needs to detect when you leave the geofenced area.
If you are not checked out automatically, select Check out in the EVA Check-in app. You can also review Geofencing: Troubleshooting.
What permissions does the app require?
The EVA Check-in app needs background location access so it can detect when you arrive and leave. It also uses Motion & Fitness information to reduce battery use by checking for location updates when you are moving.
The EVA Check-in app needs an internet connection through wifi or mobile data. It does not require Bluetooth.
Does EVA Check-in record my location?
The EVA Check-in mobile app does not send your location to EVA Check-in servers. It only sends whether you entered or left a geofence. The app stores recent location information locally on your phone for troubleshooting. Only you can access and share this information.
Is automatic check-in compulsory?
No. You can still check in by scanning the QR code at each office or using a kiosk. However, you must still check in where required by your organisation.
How accurate is it?
Geofencing uses background location data, which is less accurate but uses less battery than navigation apps. Geofences are usually generous in size, and check-in or check-out notifications may arrive several minutes after you enter or leave.
Troubleshoot common geofence problems
The most common reasons automatic check-in does not work are:
- You have not checked in using the app at least once.
- Location services are set to While Using the App or are turned off.
- Your phone has offloaded or restricted the app.
See Geofencing: Troubleshooting for detailed help.