One of the many challenges that various industries face today is the tracking of their assets. Internet of Things (IoT) has helped us connect most of our everyday devices and industrial assets are no exception. We now have various technologies available to track assets. Bar codes and RFID, are among the most basic and yet most popular tracking technologies. Already used heavily in the retail industry, these technologies have found many applications in other industries as well. These technologies, however, have their limitations relating to range and lack of real-time tracking ability.  Overcoming these limitations, GPS tracking technology is now available to most industries. GPS tracking technologies have been around for a long time and now with all the innovations in the area of sensors, networking, and connectivity, the technology is well-suited as well as cost-effective to track assets and vehicles in real-time.

GPS Tracking Technology: A number of industries can benefit from GPS asset tracking as it prevents theft, loss, and damage, as well as helps better track assets for usage, maintenance, and service. Assets and vehicles can be tracked globally using hardware that combines GPS technology with cellular and/or satellite phone technology. The hardware is usually referred to as a tracker or tracking device. There are millions of shipping containers being used by the shipping industry today. With each container carrying between $10,000 and $1,000,000+ worth of goods, it’s surprising to know that very few of them are being monitored or tracked. The goods news is that technology has evolved making GPS tracking for shipping containers, a viable option to consider.  These are some of the benefits that make GPS container tracking a worthy consideration today.

The tracking device is installed on an asset that needs to be tracked. This device then collects and transmit tracking data via a cellular or satellite network, to a central station. In most cases, this central station belongs to a GPS tracking service provider, which usually hosts the tracking application. The data is then made available to the user through software that offers details about the position, location, and usages of the asset.  The software is made available through a variety of options such as web interface, mobile platforms, and/or integrated with other assets.

Asset trackers: While the above two are well-suited for vehicles, the asset trackers are mainly used for non-powered assets and powered assets that may remain idle for an extended period. Example of such assets includes containers, trailers, heavy equipment, generators, vehicles, boats, and other large equipment.  These trackers usually do not update location information as frequently as vehicle trackers. These incorporate a long-life battery and some version also offer the ability to be configured with an external power source. Some asset trackers also include the capability to monitor parameters such as temperature, pressure, humidity etc. These trackers are mainly used for containers carrying shipments that need to be monitored. These trackers are placed inside the container and use cellular triangulation as a backup to locate the container since GPS signals may not penetrate a container’s metal walls.

As IIoT is evolving at a fast pace, we see continuous improvements in the area of the asset.  JIMI IoT Asset GPS Tracking Device to help you look out your asset’s location and movements if it is for personal or business use. Such as used for farm machinery, construction machinery, maritime equipment to caravans and so on. You can asset tracker your mapping platform from any device with an internet connection and then start receiving location information immediately.

More information at http://www.jimicloud.com/contact/