Geocoding Explained: What It Is & How It Works

When shipping efficiency is essential, there are many cogs in the ‘delivery machine’ that aid in the successful completion of mail and package delivery. While there are many different types of address software available, few systems truly encompass the complete workflow needed to accurately handle the mass volume needed as quickly and accurately as SmartSoftDQ. 

One of the most powerful features provided to users is the ability to geocode their addresses.

What Is Geocoding?

Geolocation allows users to create, maintain, and look up geolocation information as defined in their address database. This location information allows the calculation of the distance between two designated points in order to find an address within that radius. Geolocation data can also allow for greater transparency while locating call distribution hubs, customer saturation analysis, and a deeper understanding of targeted marketing.

How It Works

Combining the AccuMail Geocode tools with the AccuMail address correction application, users can easily insert pertinent geolocation data in combination with their address database during the Address verification process. It is available either as a standalone desktop application or as an API that is flexible enough to be integrated into existing company applications to allow for the processing of latitude and longitude data in real time.

How Accurate Is Geocoding?

In general, geocoding can be very accurate. AccuMail GeoCode from SmartSoft provides latitude and longitude coordinates with up to six decimal places. We also include a wealth of address information for each location.

 

 

Accuracy vs. Precision

There is a difference between precision and accuracy; most people often confuse the two terms as one and the same. Accuracy, in the context of information, simply means how correct something is. Scientifically, it’s the closeness of a measured value to an actual true value. Precision, then, is often viewed from the scope of how easily something can be repeated in sequence when a particular result is needed. 

“The address is accurate. We’ve verified the location based on recently acquired data.”

“Our deliveries are precise. We consistently complete package delivery over and over again.”

Especially with geocoding, it’s always best to be both accurate and precise. This would mean accurate location information and the ability to maintain that correct data throughout repeated deliveries.

Benefits Of Geocoding

Geocoding allows businesses a way to quickly find a location within an address database. It also allows for more efficient routing, especially in densely populated areas where multiple distribution centers may reside. As mentioned before, geocoding can target a specific zone or area, such as the Los Angeles metropolitan area or the longitude and latitude coordinates of a specific residential or business location. Having both sets of information will aid in the successful completion of more package deliveries or market penetration, depending on the needs of the business.

AccuMail Is More Than Just A Fancy Name

When it comes to geocoding, AccuMail has the accuracy and precision your business needs for all of your location work. Among our other tools, we offer a complete end-to-end solution that helps your business save time and money while avoiding untimely returns to bad addresses. To learn more about how SmartSoftDQ put the power of location verification on overdrive, contact us today.