By RAM Tracking on 13 Oct 2023

Asset tracking systems

Asset tracking is employed by fleet managers to precisely oversee and document the position, condition, worth, ownership, and maintenance records and schedules of the tangible assets within a fleet.

A fleet's assets encompass everything owned by a business that contributes to their ongoing operational activities, focused on generating sustained income rather than seeking short-term profitability. Asset tracking is particularly important for businesses that rely on a fleet of vehicles, machinery, or equipment, as it enables them to optimise resource utilisation, reduce downtime, prevent theft, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

How does gps asset tracking work?

Automated asset tracking has become the preferred approach due to the efficiency it promises within asset management. It removes the need for:

  • Physically writing, taking up time.
  • Filling out spreadsheets.
  • Difficult calculations.

The likelihood of automated asset tracking is made possible by the current state of technology, which has revolutionised how organisations manage and monitor their assets. This shift towards automation not only streamlines the asset tracking process but also:

  • Minimises the potential for human errors.
  • Frees up valuable time for fleet managers to focus on more strategic aspects of their operations.

The popularity of automated asset tracking is mostly driven by the technological advancements that have transformed the landscape of asset management. With this technology, fleet managers can:

  • Make data-driven decisions.
  • Optimise asset utilisation.
  • Ensure that assets are maintained and replaced proactively.

All of which contribute to improved productivity and cost-efficiency.

What are the different kinds of asset trackers?

Organisations today employ asset tracking solutions to monitor a wide variety of assets, including heavy-duty equipment, trailers, and high-value items. Each of these asset categories serves a unique purpose in industries such as construction, logistics, and high-value asset management. Let's discover these asset tracking types in more detail:

Equipment tracking:

Heavy-duty equipment, such as:

  • Loaders.
  • Cranes.
  • Bulldozers.
  • Excavators.

Represent a significant investment for many businesses. Effective tracking of these assets ensures that they can be deployed to job sites, reducing downtime, and increasing productivity.

Asset tracking systems provide real-time location data for this heavy machinery, enabling fleet managers to optimise their usage, schedule maintenance, and prevent theft.

Trailer tracking:

In logistics and transportation, monitoring the whereabouts of trailers is crucial for efficient operations. Whether you have containers being transferred to various destinations or stored in a yard, trailer tracking offers visibility and control.

With the use of an app like the RAM Tracking mobile app, fleet managers can access up-to-the-minute information about the location and status of every trailer in their fleet, regardless of their physical location. This aids in:

  • Route optimisation.
  • Load planning.
  • Theft prevention.

High-value asset tracking:

Many industries deal with high-value assets, such as specialised tools and equipment that are essential for specific tasks. Ensuring these assets are readily available when needed is vital.

High-value asset tracking systems offer peace of mind by providing real-time information about the location and condition of these valuable items. This reduces the risk of assets being:

  • Misplaced.
  • Lost.
  • Stolen.

Ultimately contributing to improved project efficiency.

In all these cases, asset tracking solutions help organisations optimise their operations and resource allocation. They offer a layer of security by providing instant insights into asset locations and usage. As assets move or are relocated:

  • The tracking system ensures that their whereabouts are continuously monitored.
  • Allows for better decision-making, enhanced asset utilisation, and a proactive approach to asset management.

This leads to increased efficiency, cost savings, and a higher level of confidence in asset tracking and management.

What are the benefits of asset tracking?

A system that provides fleet managers with an increased level of visibility over their organisation's assets is priceless. This heightened visibility means:

  • Receiving timely notifications when fleet assets reach checkpoints.
  • Precise real-time location information for each asset, enabling prompt action in the event of theft or unauthorised use.
  • Centralised control and monitoring of functions such as maintenance scheduling, optimisation, and dispatches.

Considering the volume of data generated in asset tracking, handling these tasks manually can be both time-consuming and demanding. Integrated asset tracking solutions, on the other hand, distinctly simplify this responsibility. The result is a significant reduction in fleet-related costs, coupled with extensive improvements in operational efficiency.

Let's examine further the benefits of an asset tracking solution:

  • Enhanced visibility:

Tracking solutions provide fleet managers with a comprehensive overview of their asset fleet's whereabouts. This visibility ensures that managers are informed when assets reach key points in their journey, allowing better decision-making and response to incidents, such as theft or unauthorised use.

  • Real-time asset location:

Knowing the precise location of every asset at any given moment is a key benefit. This information not only aids in asset recovery but also helps in optimising asset deployment, ensuring they are in the right place at the right time.

  • Streamlined control:

Centralised control over functions like maintenance scheduling, utility optimisation, and dispatches simplifies day-to-day operations. Fleet managers can make data-driven decisions and adjustments to improve asset performance and minimise downtime.

  • Cost savings:

The result of introducing these solutions is a noticeable reduction in fleet costs. Improved asset management, reduced downtime, and optimised resource allocation lead to cost savings and increased profits.

  • Operational efficiency:

With streamlined processes and access to real-time data, operational efficiency is significantly improved. This results in faster response times, reduced delays, and a more agile and competitive fleet management approach.

Conclusion

In summary, asset tracking is an important factor of modern fleet management, offering precise control and oversight of tangible assets. It helps:

  • Optimise resource use.
  • Reduce downtime.
  • Prevent theft.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance.

Different asset tracking solutions cater to various asset types, such as:

  • Heavy equipment.
  • Trailers.
  • High-value assets.

Providing tailored control and security. The benefits are clear: improved visibility, real-time tracking, streamlined management, cost savings, and enhanced operational efficiency.

In essence, asset tracking is a strategic advantage in fleet management, helping organisations make informed decisions and maintain a competitive edge.

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