Tag: barcode

Benefits of asset tracking

The Top Five Benefits of Asset Tracking

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on The Top Five Benefits of Asset Tracking

Your organization’s assets represent a massive investment; asset tracking provides visibility into their status, location and usage. As a result, these solutions can help optimize your assets’ efficiency and extend their lifecycle, saving your organization money in the short and long-term.

Are you interested in asset trackers for your business but not sure where to start? This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about this essential fleet management technology. 

What Is Asset Tracking?

Asset tracking refers to the process of monitoring physical property. It’s a strategy used by countless organizations to keep tabs on their valuable items and gain insight into the way they’re used.

This concept has been around for decades, traditionally taking the form of paper-based spreadsheets and notes. As technology has evolved, so too has the process, to the point where most asset tracking systems today are entirely digital.

Modern tracking software uses a variety of tools to do its job, including barcodes, QR codes, GPS and RFID tags. Each of these technologies work differently, yet all serve the same function of connecting a physical item’s real-world status to an online database.

What Is Asset Tracking Used For?

Asset tracking is used in a variety of industries and for a number of reasons. In the context of transportation or fleet management, companies usually invest in the technology to keep tabs on their vehicles and/or payload. 

These systems might be applied to ensure that a company vehicle is being used as intended, to recover a stolen vehicle, or to make sure that a vehicle’s contents are delivered on time.

In other industries, such as healthcare and retail, asset tracking systems are used to keep inventory in check. This might involve tracking high-value items such as medical equipment or designer clothes. In some cases, the system might be used to keep an eye on company property, such as laptops and tools.

The Top Five Benefits of Asset Tracking Systems

While there’s no doubt that asset tracking is growing in popularity, there are those who remain hesitant to invest in the technology. The main reason for their reluctance is cost. While some asset trackers may indeed be cost-prohibitive, there are scalable, economic solutions for fleets of every size. In addition, the benefits can quickly outweigh the burden of the initial investment. 

Here are the top five benefits:

1. Increased Equipment Longevity

Maintenance is a key practice in the world of transport – let it fall by the wayside and you’re quickly looking at operational disruptions, accidents and added costs. 

Fleet managers have traditionally relied upon paper-based systems and maintenance logs to keep track of when their trucks, buses and cars are due for maintenance. The problem with this method is that it’s often inaccurate and incomplete, leading to assets being overlooked and neglected.

An asset tracking solution automatically logs vehicle data, including usage and mechanical status. When it comes time to service the vehicle, a tracker will flag the vehicle and send an alert to the fleet manager. 

As a result, assets receive the maintenance they need when they need it, meaning they’re less likely to break down and require repair or replacement.

2. Centralized Data

Another downside of paper-based tracking systems is that data is often stored in a number of different places. From spreadsheets and individual notes to diaries and planners, it can be difficult for fleet managers to get their hands on the information they need, when they need it.

Asset tracking stores all data in one centralized location, meaning it can be accessed quickly and easily by anyone with permission. Instant access to vehicle data helps improve decision-making, maintenance schedules and even route optimization, as managers are no longer working with outdated or incorrect information.

3. Improved Operational Efficiency

Time is money. In transportation, the longer a vehicle is on the road, the more money it’s making for the company.

Asset tracking systems can optimize routes and schedule maintenance in a way that minimizes disruptions and unnecessary travel. This not only saves time, but also helps improve fuel efficiency.

4. Reduced Costs

While asset tracking represents an initial investment, this technology can help reduce costs in a number of ways.

As we’ve already mentioned, asset tracking systems can help to extend the life of your vehicles by ensuring they receive the maintenance they need, when they need it. In addition, collected data can be used to improve fuel efficiency and reduce wear and tear on assets. In some cases, asset trackers can even qualify as anti-theft devices, thereby reducing insurance premiums.

5. Enhanced Customer Service

In the world of transportation, customer service is key. Your clients want to know that their goods will arrive on time and in good condition – anything less and they’ll take their business elsewhere.

An asset tracking system can help to improve customer service in a number of ways. For example, asset tracking data can provide updates on a shipment’s progress. If there are any delays or issues, the system can be used to quickly reroute assets and minimize the impact on customers.

It’s the twenty-first century – why rely on paper-based systems that are inefficient and inaccurate? Asset tracking systems offer a number of benefits that can improve the efficiency of your business. 

From reducing costs to enhancing customer service, there’s no reason not to make the switch. Contact your GoFleet consultant today and find out which asset tracking solution is right for you.

Asset Trackers

Five Types of Asset Tracking Technology

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on Five Types of Asset Tracking Technology

(And How to Select the Best One)

If you’re anything like most fleet managers, you’re aware of the benefits that asset tracking technology can offer your business. But with all of the different options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start and what solution to invest in.

In this article, we’ll break down the five main types of asset tracking technology, as well as the top considerations to keep in mind when choosing a solution for your fleet.

The Top Five Types of Asset Tracking Technology

1. Barcodes

Barcodes are one of the most popular and well-known asset tracking technologies. From store shelves to boxes and clothing tags, they offer a degree of simplicity and cost-effectiveness that make them ideal for a range of applications.

Standard one-dimensional barcodes work via laser-scanning technology. Their dense series of black and white lines reflect light in unique patterns that create analog signals the scanner can interpret as digital data. This data is then passed on to a software application that uses it to track the associated asset.

While conventional barcodes are still in use today, their storage capacity is quite limited. This necessitates the use of multiple barcodes to track a single asset, which can quickly become cumbersome and impractical. 

Another challenge of barcodes lies in their implementation; because the codes are printed onto labels that are applied to assets, they can be easily removed or tampered with.

2. QR Codes

Quick Response (QR) codes are a slightly different version of the conventional barcode. Rather than relying on a single analog set of black and white lines, QR codes use square-based patterns of dots that can store more data in a much smaller space.

Like barcodes, QR Codes are scanned and read by an imaging device. Data is then interpreted by a software application to track the asset. Their increased capacity for data storage allows these unique codes to store far more information than barcodes. This means that an organization can use a single QR code, rather than multiple barcodes, to track an asset.

Because of their digital nature, QR codes are harder to tamper with, but printed QR codes can still be removed from an asset.

3. Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)

Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, is a radio-based technology used for tracking assets. It consists of three main components: tags, readers, and software.

RFID tags are small devices that emit radio signals. They can be either active or passive. Active RFID tags have their own power source and can transmit signals over long distances, while passive RFID tags rely on the power from the reader to transmit signals over shorter distances.

RFID readers are devices that receive and interpret the radio signals emitted by RFID tags. They are connected to a software application that uses the data from the tags to track assets.

One of the main advantages of RFID technology is that it does not require a line of sight to work. This means that assets can be tracked even if they are hidden from view, making it ideal for tracking inventory in warehouses. 

The only downside is that while tags themselves can be inexpensive, the readers can be cost-prohibitive.

4. Near Field Communication (NFC)

Have you ever paid for something by tapping your debit card or even your smartphone? Chances are you’ve used Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. 

This short-range, wireless communication technology is similar to RFID in that it uses radio signals to communicate data. 

However, the key difference is that NFC requires physical contact between the tag and the reader, while RFID does not.

5. GPS

GPS is already widely-used in the world of fleet management. Companies have long used it to plan routes, give directions and identify vehicle locations. Currently, GPS is finding utility in asset tracking.

By equipping assets with GPS trackers, companies can see where they are at any given time, as well as where they’ve been and how long they’ve been there. This information is valuable for tracking inventory, particularly if products are being delivered to multiple locations. 

How to Select the Right Asset Tracking Solution for Your Fleet

With so many options to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the process doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a quick rundown of the main factors you should keep in mind when selecting a. asset tracking solution.

Business Goals

While asset trackers serve the same function, they aren’t always used for the same reason. Some companies implement them to improve fleet safety, while others use them to boost efficiency or cut costs. It’s important to know what your goal is before selecting an asset tracking solution, so you can narrow down your options.

Budget

Asset tracking solutions can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. You don’t necessarily have to invest in the biggest, most expensive technology to reap the benefits of asset tracking. It’s important to have a realistic budget in mind before beginning your search, as this will help you rule out any products that are out of reach.

Work Environment

If you’re planning on tracking assets that are outdoors, you’ll need a solution that can stand up to the elements. This might mean opting for a waterproof tracker or one with a long battery life.

Similarly, you’ll want to ensure that the solution you choose has a wide enough range to track assets through walls, or find assets that have been moved out of range.

Assets

There are tons of asset tracking technologies on the market, each with their own pros and cons. With that in mind, you should select a product that makes sense for your specific assets and how they will be used. 

For example, if you’re looking to track long-distance vehicles, GPS would likely be the best solution.

As technology continues to evolve, the opportunity to take advantage of asset tracking solutions will only grow. Understanding the different types of technology will help you select the right one for your business needs. 

Don’t wait to improve the safety, efficiency and overall effectiveness of your operations. Contact your GoFleet consultant today and ask about our asset tracking solutions.