We’ve all been through the pain of losing one’s keys or wallet. Time and stress, phoning the bank to cancel cards and then finding them down the sofa. It’s no different when you get an urgent call from a customer needing a generator or a team requiring some traffic management equipment and you going off to try and locate where the temporary traffic lights are near Manchester.
Wouldn’t life be great if you knew where everything was all in one place that also updated you as a reminder?
There are a few ways to track assets including QR and RFID tags which we will come on to but the best way to track assets that are on-the-move and from a reach perspective is using a GPS asset tracking solution covering both U.K.and beyond.
GPS asset trackers are placed on the asset you wish to track whether it’s a technical piece of measuring equipment to an industrial generator via a simple magnet self-install. The trackers are:
The advantage of GPS asset tracking is that it is the most powerful, able to track on the move and has full coverage anywhere in the world.
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The Global Positioning System, (GPS) uses a network of orbiting satellites that transmit unique data to a GPS receiver to determine the position of the asset in question which can be seen via our interface using Google maps integration.
No data transmission is needed from the user, so it operates independently of internet or telephone signal and is freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver.
By using several satellites designed for GPS asset tracking they can determine exactly where the tracker is. Our asset tracking devices have full coverage from anywhere in the world.
The more assets are moved the quicker the trackers will need to be recharged to ensure that the trackers can continue to transmit their location. We track many different types of assets including:
RAM Tracking specialises in only GPS asset tracking however there is another type of asset tracking used for internal spaces:
There are two types of RFID tracking systems.
In both instances the key here is close proximity so if you are looking for warehouse inventory management or monitoring assets within a series of buildings on site then this is very much the right option over GPS tracking systems. If the assets are likely to be moved a distance away or likely to be used over a wider field the GPS asset tracking comes into its own for being able to track all tagged assets very easily and quickly.
RFID issues that tend to crop up the most are to do with collisions:
Security is the other main gripe with this system as anyone with a reader can access the tag information. In some businesses or government departments this can be a concern as items can also be potentially tagged with consumer data. RFIDs can come with additional protection such as the ones found in passports however this is an additional expense and can be cost prohibitive if you are tagging thousands of assets within your inventory.
The higher the range the more costly the asset tracking system will be.
RAM specialises only in GPS asset tracking as well as vehicle tracking for any kind of commercial vehicle from van tracking and truck tracking to company car tracking too. If you would like a demonstration of our tracking software solutions get in touch.
When a company is looking to track their valuable assets, an asset tracker is able to be placed on or in these valuable assets allowing the main office to monitor their location, movement and usage. These devices utilise GPS technology, which uses satellites to triangulate the current location of a tracked device and present it to the central system allowing it to be tracked, analysed and managed.
Asset trackers ensure that a business is able to increase the efficiency of their operations by providing the main office with real-time information on where their important assets currently are. This ensures that no time is wasted on finding where something is, as the information is already in front of you. This helps you to improve safety and security whilst also lowering your costs.
Asset trackers allow you to track various different things, this includes, but isn't limited to, heavy equipment, trailers and your high-value items, such as tools and machinery. This ensures that you know where your items are and if they are being used when they are not supposed to be.
Asset trackers utilise GPS technology, which makes use of multiple satellites to get the position, this method of tracking is accurate to within a few meters.
You will find that most asset trackers that are currently available will provide your main office and the people who require the information with real-time location data that they can view through a web-app. However, we recommend that you speak with your provider to ensure that you will receive real-time tracking if that is something you will be relying on.
Many asset trackers will store historical data which can be looked at later on, this includes their location history, which allows you to see where specific assets have been and when they were there. By utilising this, you can not only improve overall fleet management but you can also use it to identify patterns, such as patterns of use, this means you can make informed decisions, such as where an asset will be required most and when.
Asset trackers are usually very simple to set up and most can be activated simply by using a web-based interface. We recommend that you talk to your provider about a professional install to not only ensure that it is set up properly, but that it is also discrete, this ensures it reduces the likelihood of tampering or theft.
Most asset trackers these days allow you to set up notifications that will alert you to specific events, such as if it were to leave a predetermined area. This can ensure you understand if there is an attempt of stealing the asset. We recommend that you talk to your provider and talk to them about your specific needs so they can give you the best information and help you get it set up properly.
This will all depend on your specific needs. From the features you require from it and the length of your contract it will change between providers. You will also find that some providers have subscription fees or data charges. It is best to talk to your provider and understand the costs that you will receive so you can get an accurate quote by telling them exactly what you need.
As asset trackers provide you with detailed reporting and analytics on how and where they are being used, your company is able to better manage your inventory and you can schedule maintenance when required. If you notice a pattern that a certain asset is not usually required on a certain time and day, you can schedule the required maintenance.
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