Understanding and Improving GPS Accuracy in the ServeManager Mobile App

Process servers depend on precision. Documenting where and when an attempt to serve was made is more than just good practice. It’s a critical part of the legal record that may be submitted to law firms, courts, and clients. One of the ways ServeManager helps servers meet this standard is through automatic GPS capture during service attempts in our mobile app. 

However, from time to time, users report that location data recorded during an attempt is inaccurate or missing altogether. We understand how frustrating this can be especially when you're out in the field doing your job correctly and the app doesn’t seem to reflect that.

Here’s what you need to know about this issue, how you can troubleshoot it, and what we’re doing to improve the experience going forward.

 

Why GPS May Not Be Accurate

There are a few common causes for inaccurate GPS data:

1. Cellular & Data Signal

GPS accuracy is heavily dependent on signal quality. In areas with poor cellular or mobile data coverage such as remote rural areas or dense urban environments GPS readings can be delayed, jumpy, or off by hundreds (or thousands) of feet.

2. “Precise Location” Setting (iOS)

If you’re using an iPhone, double-check that "Precise Location" is enabled for the ServeManager app. This setting helps Apple Maps, which ServeManager relies on capture a more exact GPS location.

To verify:

• Go to Settings > ServeManager > Location
• Ensure Location Access is set to "While Using the App"
• Ensure Precise Location is toggled ON

3. Low-Power Mode

When Low-Power Mode is enabled on your phone, the device may reduce the frequency and accuracy of GPS signals to conserve battery life. This can result in location data that’s either missing or inaccurate.

4. Being Indoors

If you're inside a building or a covered location (like a parking structure), your phone may not have a clear view of the satellites or cell towers needed to lock your position. This can interfere with accurate location capture.

5. App Initialization

If you’ve just opened the ServeManager mobile app, it may take a few moments for GPS services to stabilize. A helpful tip is to open Apple Maps (on iOS) or Google Maps (on Android), wait for your position to be locked in, then return to the ServeManager app and tap “New Attempt.” This “warms up” the system and improves accuracy.

 

What You Can Do in the Moment

• Stay outside when logging attempts, if possible.
• Wait a few seconds for the device to lock in your GPS position before tapping “New Attempt.”
• Ensure good signal strength when documenting attempts.
• Restart Apple/Google Maps first as a workaround if GPS is inaccurate in the ServeManager app.

 

What We’re Doing to Help

We are actively exploring solutions to give servers more control and flexibility when GPS accuracy becomes a challenge. Specifically:

• 🧪 Internal Testing & Monitoring: Our dev team continues to monitor GPS performance reports and identify patterns to improve app behavior in low-signal scenarios.
• 📣 Better In-App Education: We’re adding clearer in-app guidance and reminders for settings like “Precise Location” and power mode warnings.

 

Let Us Know

If you encounter an issue with GPS accuracy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team. Providing specific details such as the location, time, and device type helps us pinpoint the root cause and improve future performance.

We know how important it is that your service attempts are properly documented. Thank you for your feedback, your patience, and your commitment to professional, accountable service.

—
The ServeManager Team