What is Asset Tracking?

Assets tracked using a GPS tracking device offer a greater depth of data than an asset tracking solution using QR codes, barcode and RFID tags. Barcode labels and NFC tags require specialized handheld scanners and tracking technology and are generally used for keeping track of serial numbers and IT assets for accounting or inventory management.

Assets that are tracked using GPS can transmit their location using mobile phone or satellite networks, or a combination of the two (known as dual-mode) to make sure reporting is not interrupted when equipment moves outside the cellular network.

GPS asset tracking devices can be self-powered (with long lasting batteries) or hard-wired into the asset’s power source. Reporting rates can be set from near real-time (every 2 minutes) to hourly, daily, or less frequently check-ins depending on use case or need for extra long battery life.

GPS asset tracking software then visualizes that data on a map and can provide additional reporting and alerts to help locate, maintain and secure your valuable equipment.

Asset tracking systems help in a variety of ways to directly impact your bottom line:

• Improve maintenance schedules - engine hour alerts can let you know when a generator is in need of preventive maintenance and help extend it’s lifecycle.
• Reduce downtime - understand if your equipment is sitting idle while on the worksite so you can make sure you have the right assets for the right job.
• All your asset data in one dashboard - combine your asset tracking system with GPS vehicle tracking to see where your entire fleet of vehicles, people and equipment are at any time from one web based dashboard or smartphone iOS / Android app.
• Improve security with geofence alerts - know when valuable equipment leaves a geofenced jobsite so you can reduce theft and unauthorized usage of tools.