How non-powered asset tracking benefits the supply chain

For many companies, certain parts of the supply chain can feel like a mystery—products leave the manufacturer and are shipped to customers, retailers, or distributors, but until they arrive, their status and location remain unknown. Not only can the lack of visibility be a point of frustration, but it can also impact customer service and security efforts. 

However, non-powered asset tracking can provide much-needed visibility and augment your existing supply chain management processes. 

How does non-powered asset tracking work?

Non-powered asset tracking utilizes small, mountable battery-powered units, like the Verizon Connect equipment asset tracker with battery (EAT-B) hardware device, to monitor the location and status of products as they move through the supply chain.

Integrating asset tracking with your existing telematics technology can offer a greater depth of data—and security—than other solutions such as barcodes and RFID tags. Fleet managers can also easily monitor and track equipment, trailers, drums, or other assets or inventory via a laptop or smart device.

The small, discreet trackers easily attach to shipping containers, drums, larger pieces of equipment, or other inventory with a variety of use cases. 

How can I locate assets and set up alerts?

Some companies that transport or ship large items, such as RVs or commercial equipment, can use non-powered asset tracking to overcome one of supply chain management's biggest challenges: knowing where your assets are.

The trackers allow companies to view the assets’ location in near real-time on live maps that can be viewed from laptops or mobile devices via an intuitive app. For instance, a company can set up geofences that will send automatic alerts whenever their equipment moves through critical points in the supply chain. This also allows them to update customers and other stakeholders on pending deliveries.

How can I track time on site and boost security efforts?

A potential use case here would be a chemical supply company where time is critical. They need to ensure that customers don’t accidently use expired chemicals. And for those companies still using spreadsheets to manage their inventory, this can be a very manual process where there is a risk of human error. A company can help mitigate risk and streamline the tracking process by utilizing asset trackers attached to the chemical drums. Implementing trackers provides the inventory visibility necessary to monitor and trace the drums, and help prevent, or reduce the likelihood of expired chemicals from being used.

The trackers also add a layer of security. Each chemical drum is an expensive investment that costs thousands of dollars and lost or stolen drums can have a significant impact on business. Battery-powered trackers allow a company to see if the drums are being moved to unauthorized locations and can help a company locate them if they are stolen. In the unfortunate event that one is stolen, the asset tracking system’s capabilities make it possible to accelerate recovery.

In each of these use cases, once the product has completed its journey through the supply chain, the trackers can be simply returned and reused on another shipment of inventory, which saves time and helps the environment by reducing waste.

Is it time to upgrade your asset management solution? Check out our buyer's guide to learn what to look for in an asset tracking solution. 

What should I look for in an asset-tracking solution?

Modern asset tracking devices increase the level of customer convenience with desirable features—including the ability to select how often you’re notified of alerts, the ability to self-install the device on your own time without the need for a third-party installer, and the ability to have more power for a longer period thanks to long-lasting batteries.

Regardless of whether you’re shipping chemicals, equipment, RVs, or other valuable inventory, investing in asset-tracking technology can provide a wealth of benefits. But it’s important to look for a solution that provides comprehensive features and a platform that addresses your unique needs.

Look for an asset tracker that’s powerful but compact enough to fit into any space. You also want to ensure your devices can run on a reliable network that offers a cellular data option and can send strong tracking signals from the most remote locations—to make sure all assets are accounted for.

The right solution should include the following:

• The ability to track and have visibility into all kinds of assets or inventory, big or small
• A compact, discreet unit with a long-lasting battery
• Offers configurable location reporting intervals (ping rates)
• Designed to withstand the elements, including dust and rain
• A solution that integrates with your existing technology systems, including fleet tracking and other software (e.g., billing, maintenance)
• A platform that is intuitive, comprehensive, and easy to use. Additionally, it should allow for self-service installation and fast, convenient onboarding
• A reliable, accommodating solution provider with a trusted brand reputation

EAT and EAT-B devices from Verizon Connect are flexible enough to work on both  powered and non-powered assets and can be easily self-installed, which reduces disruptions to business operations. Get peace of mind with up to five years of battery life for powered assets and 10+ years for non-powered assets. The small units are easy to conceal, and fleet managers can conveniently view the asset’s location from either the web or a mobile app.

Verizon Connect has extensive experience helping businesses in a variety of industries. Our asset tracking solution allows businesses to monitor the status of their assets and inventory, reduce the risk of theft, and gain greater control over supply chain management.

* Battery life is estimated for use under optimal conditions. Factors such as low network signal strength, obstacles and temperature can reduce battery life.