SiteConnect uses geofencing to help automate check-ins and outs at worksites—saving you time and making site access effortless. This article explains how it works, what permissions you’ll need, and how we keep your privacy and battery life protected.
What is Geofencing?
Geofencing lets SiteConnect set up virtual boundaries (called geofences) around real-world locations like worksites. When your mobile device enters, exits, or dwells within these zones, SiteConnect automatically performs location-based actions—like signing you in or out.
This all happens in the background, so once it’s set up, you don’t need to lift a finger!
Your Privacy & Transparency
You may notice a small location indicator:
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iOS: A blue pill bar at the top of your screen
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Android: A location notification
These are built-in privacy features by Apple and Google to let you know that location tracking is running in the background. Don’t worry—we’re not tracking you all the time. We only use your location when a geofence event is triggered (e.g. entering or leaving a site).
How Geofencing Works
Here’s a step-by-step look at what’s happening behind the scenes:
1. Location Permission is Required
To work properly, SiteConnect needs permission to access your device’s location at all times, even when the app is closed.
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On Android: Enable both Precise location and Allow in background
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On iOS: Set location access to Always Allow
2. Your Worksite Geofences Are Downloaded
Once you’ve logged in and granted permission, SiteConnect automatically downloads your geofences (the sites you're linked to) and stores them locally on your phone.
3. Smart Monitoring Begins
Your device’s operating system monitors your location in relation to these geofences using battery-friendly motion detection.
4. Geofence Events Trigger Actions
There are three types of geofence events:
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Entry – When you arrive at a worksite
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Exit – When you leave a worksite
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Dwell – When you stay within a worksite for a set time
5. Only Event-Based Data is Sent
When a geofence event is triggered, SiteConnect sends:
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Your device ID
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The geofence (site) ID
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Your location at the time of the event
Important: SiteConnect does not constantly track your location or send live updates.
✅ Android
Android devices may limit background processes to save battery. If geofencing isn’t working as expected:
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Check that background location is enabled
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Consider disabling battery optimisation for SiteConnect
(Settings > Apps > SiteConnect > Battery > Don’t optimise)
🍎 iOS
Make sure the app has Always Allow location access in your iPhone settings for geofencing to work correctly in the background.
In Summary
SiteConnect’s geofencing system:
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Makes automatic site sign-in/out easy
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Is battery-efficient and privacy-focused
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Only works when you’ve given the correct permissions
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Never tracks your location continuously
🔋 Battery Friendly by Design
SiteConnect uses the Transistor Software background-geolocation plugin, which is designed to be efficient. It detects movement using your phone’s motion sensors and only activates GPS when needed—helping conserve your battery.
🛡️ Your Privacy Matters
We only use your location for essential features like automatic site sign-in/sign-out. We don’t use your data for marketing or unrelated purposes.
For more details, see our Privacy Policy.
Need help?
Reach out to support@siteconnect.io or call 0800 748 763