Understanding the "Auto-End" Feature: Seamless Trip Completion

In a fast-paced environment, the last thing on your mind after a long shift is whether you remembered to click "End Trip" in an app. To make your workflow smoother and keep our fleet ready for the next user, we’ve introduced the Auto-End feature.

This system acts as a digital safety net, automatically closing out reservations that have physically finished but are still showing as "In Progress" in the system.

How It Works (Activation Parameters)

The system uses specific "Smart Triggers" to ensure you have actually finished your trip before it takes action. A reservation is only automatically closed when all of the following conditions are met simultaneously:

• Home Geofence: The vehicle is detected within its assigned home station radius (typically 0.3 miles / 500m).
• Reservation Status: The reservation is currently marked as "In Progress."
• Time Window: You are within the "Early End" window (This is configurable) 
• Dwell Time (Stationary): The vehicle has remained stationary with the engine off for a set period. 
• Flexible Finalization: Choose the workflow that fits your fleet. Enable the 'End & Lock' setting for maximum vehicle security, or select 'End Only' to make the vehicle available for the next driver while keeping the doors accessible for easy unloading.

IMPORTANT Customizable Timing: The "Dwell Time" (the buffer period the car sits idle before ending) is fully configurable by your organization. While the default is often 30 minutes, your Fleet Manager may have set a different threshold to match your specific workflow.

How Auto-End Calculates: Examples

Assumes a 30-minute Dwell Time and a 4:00 PM scheduled end time with an early end Reservation Ruleset at immediate. 

Scenario A: The Early Return

Timeline: Driver returns to the home station at 3:45 PM and turns off the engine.

• The Math: 3:45 PM + 30-minute Dwell Time = 4:15 PM.

• Result: The system triggers Auto-End at 4:15 PM.

• Why? The vehicle remained stationary at home for the full 30-minute buffer.

⚠️ Key "Auto-Lock" Precaution Important: In Scenario A, if the driver leaves their phone or keys in the car while unloading gear, the doors will Auto-Lock at 4:15 PM. Because the session is officially ended, they will be locked out and unable to re-enter via the app or NFC card. We recommend setting a Dwell Time that provides a comfortable buffer for your specific team’s unloading habits.  Note: If a lockout occurs, the driver should contact support immediately. An administrator can remotely unlock the vehicle through the Mission Control.

Scenario B: The "Just Passing Through"

Timeline: Driver returns to the home station at 3:45 PM to drop off a passenger but leaves again at 3:55 PM.

• The Math: The timer starts at 3:45 PM but resets to zero the moment the vehicle moves.

• Result: No Auto-End. The reservation remains "In Progress" because the 30-minute threshold was never met.

Scenario C: The "Forgot to End"

Timeline: Driver returns at 4:05 PM (after the scheduled end) and walks away.

• The Math: 4:05 PM + 30-minute Dwell Time = 4:35 PM.

• Result: The system triggers Auto-End at 4:35 PM.

• The Benefit: This "kills" the stale reservation 35 minutes after the scheduled end, making the vehicle available for the next driver without manager intervention.

Quick Comparison Table

Scenario	Return Time	30-Min Dwell Met?	Final Status
Early Return	3:45 PM	Yes	Auto-Ended at 4:15 PM
Passing Through	3:45 PM	No (Left at 3:55)	Still In Progress
Late Return	4:05 PM	Yes	Auto-Ended at 4:35 PM

⚠️ Important Precautions To Consider: Personal Belongings

Because this feature can trigger an Automatic Door Lock command, users must be diligent about their equipment. 

• Avoid Lockouts: Once the Auto-End triggers, the digital session is closed. If the "Auto-Lock" command is active for your fleet, the vehicle will secure itself.
• The "Phone/Key" Rule: Always ensure you have your smartphone, physical keys, and all personal belongings out of the vehicle before walking away.
• No Re-entry: Once a session is auto-ended and locked, you will not be able to re-open the doors via the app or NFC card without creating a new reservation or contacting a Fleet Manager.

Why Use Auto-End?

Benefit	Description
NFC Support	Ideal for drivers using NFC cards where the hardware doesn't support a manual "End" action.
Increased Availability	Prevents "ghost bookings," making the car available for the next person the moment you're done.
Automatic Locking	Optional security that ensures vehicles aren't left sitting unlocked in the lot overnight.
Notification	You will receive an automated email the moment the system closes your session.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• Home Location Only: To prevent ending a session while you're just grabbing lunch or making a delivery, the logic only applies when the vehicle is at its assigned home station.
• Connectivity: The feature relies on GPS and cellular signals. In "dead zones" (like underground garages), the auto-end may not trigger.
• Single Command: The "Lock" command is sent only once. The system does not "check" if a door was left ajar, so please ensure the vehicle is physically closed before leaving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I'm still using the car but I've been parked at home for a while?

As long as the engine is running or the vehicle is moved occasionally, the "Dwell Time" timer will reset. If you are performing a long unload at the home station, keep your phone/NFC card on you in case the session ends.

Can I still end the trip manually?

Yes. Manually ending your trip via the app or NFC interface remains the best practice. It provides the most accurate data and ensures the vehicle is ready for the next user immediately without waiting for the "Dwell Time" to expire.

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For details on your organization's specific Geofence or Dwell Time settings, please contact your Customer Experience Team at Launch Mobility.