Tag: assets

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.

construction tracking, gps, gofleet, construction, equipment

Have A Construction Site? Here’s Why You Need Asset Tracking

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on Have A Construction Site? Here’s Why You Need Asset Tracking

Employing asset tracking solutions for your construction business allows you to access and assess critical performance data of your assets in real-time, whether you’re on-site or not. When you can collect and access data, you’re able to maximize the utilization of assets that are essential for the daily operations across your sites and operations

 

With so many asset tracking and management options available to the construction industry, it’s difficult to know which one is the best option for you. In this post, we’ll help guide you towards the best choice for your assets and your business. Below, we’ve listed some of the most important things that asset trackers can provide to your construction business.

 

Modular Construction Tracking

 

Building something offsite? Modular projects require many of the same protocols as on-site builds. “There’s definitely a benefit, especially depending on how they’re putting these modules together,” says William Hudson one of GoFleet’s Sales Consultant’s. “I’ve had a use case with a construction company that wanted different asset tracking for different pieces of pipe. So they had a lay down yard, then put an asset tracker on everything to differentiate which piece was which, as well as where they were located at any given point in time.” 

 

Asset trackers have a number of similar applications, allowing project managers to access critical data, such as equipment details and materials used. “So now, instead of walking through a massive field of all these different parts, you can actually know exactly where they’re located by the name of the device, instead of wasting time and productivity looking for each individual piece,” says Hudson.

 

Reduced Theft

 

One of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry is theft. People will often target small assets because they can be hidden and removed easily. But even larger assets are at risk for theft. Asset trackers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, helping improve the security of your construction assets and reduce the risk of theft and loss by tracking and tagging your tools, machinery, vehicles, equipment and building materials. 

 

As an example, GoFleet’s BeWired asset tracker is an end-to-end asset tracking solution for non-vehicle assets of all sizes, including trailers, dry containers and heavy equipment. BeWired can be integrated by third-party software to provide data such as movement alerts, detailed location and movement history, triggering updates and much more.

 

More Safety For Your Construction Workers

 

Recent reports claim that accidents on a construction site are among the most frequent causes of injury or accidental death. Faulty equipment represents significant safety hazards to workers on your site; by effectively tracking, managing and maintaining construction machinery and other assets, you can help prevent accidents. 

 

Schedule Repairs And Maintenance

 

Your site’s assets are critical for your business operation. One of the most important factors in managing construction equipment and tools involves knowing exactly what you have and how much they cost to operate. It’s also important to know when your assets require maintenance, repair or replacement. 

 

Use asset tracking to record an asset’s lifecycle and determine its peak performance, as well as when it needs to be repaired. “When an asset is actually plugged into a vehicle, you’re getting a lot more data coming in, like engine health, how the vehicle is being treated, how is this vehicle being driven?” says Hudson. 

 

Construction vehicles are no exception. “If you think in terms of construction, for example an excavator, a spreader, backhoe, trackers can plug into those as well,” Hudson continues. “There’s a lot more data coming in once you plug a tracker into a vehicle, because that vehicle has its own computer.”

 

Collected data can generate an asset profile that enables you to plan a preventative maintenance schedule and avoid unplanned downtime. By assessing your asset’s overall “health”, you can determine which ones are profitable, and which ones have a greater cost of ownership than your budget allows.

 

What To Consider Before You Purchase An Asset Tracker For Your Construction Business

 

Asset trackers can be used in the construction industry in a number of different ways, and most solutions are scalable, meaning they can apply to small and medium construction businesses, as well as larger construction enterprises with multiple sites and plants. 

 

As part of a comprehensive, end-to-end solution service, GoFleet can help you choose the right asset tracker for your construction operation. Here are some of the key pieces we would help you determine before making a purchase decision:

 

What Data Can Your Asset Trackers Provide?

 

In construction, the asset lifecycle starts with the decision to acquire or rent an asset, which can then be identified and tracked from acquisition to removal. 

 

The right asset tracker can gauge the entire cycle process of your assets, allowing contractors and project managers to determine the operational lifespan of an asset. By tracking your equipment, tools, plants, and vehicles, construction companies can begin to understand the need for certain assets and help avoid costly outcomes such as unplanned downtime. It also enables you to figure out the remaining service life of all assets, so you can plan ahead and invest in new equipment when needed. From these data sets, you could ostensibly create reports such as maintenance schedules to help your assets operate at maximum efficiency. 

 

Is Data Tracked In Real-Time?

 

Real-time tracking produces specific data around asset usage and location. An effective asset tracker can help you register and account for all of your construction assets; knowing their exact location helps increase productivity and reduce job lead times. For example, GoFleet’s BeWired asset tracker comes network and application-ready, protecting and tracking your equipment and other assets with a detailed history of their movement and location, usage reports, maintenance monitoring to prevent breakdowns, misuse alerts and more.

 

Do Your Employees Need Training?

 

Depending on the teams that require access, you’ll need to know how much training your workers need to operate the trackers. You should also be aware of training costs and how long it takes to train key stakeholders. The BeWired trackers are easy to install, maintenance-free and there’s no reader required, providing full support for a large number of devices and workers.

 

Conclusion

 

Asset tracking allows your business to maximize the assets you have, as well as their utilization. By using them within the construction industry, asset tracking also allows project managers, contractors and managers to enhance the lifespan of their assets, and improve business operations. At GoFleet, our consultants will help you identify your company’s goals, as well as determine the trackers you need based on size and scope, to deliver optimal results. Moreover, our experts will help you build an asset tracking system that’s scalable and can evolve with you as your business continues to grow. Contact us today!

Operational congestion occurs in highly localized environments such as airports

Part I: More People Are Affected By Operational Congestion Than You Think

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on Part I: More People Are Affected By Operational Congestion Than You Think

The backlog of stationary assets can result in operational delays, lengthy completion of tasks and will add additional costs to projects. If we focus on the costs of congestion, one thing becomes clear – the ongoing costs are too much to bear for businesses. 

Below we discuss how congestion in business operations, where environments are highly localized, must be addressed to reduce operational losses. As well how this affects airport resource management. 

 

Where Congestion Is Not Yet Understood

When the general public thinks of congestion, they think of the travel delays between two points during high-demand times or peak hours. However, it is important to emphasis that congestion happens way more than you think and is not limited to the roads during rush hour.

Operational congestion occurs in highly localized environments such as airports and warehouse distribution hubs. These environments often have few routes available for transportation and there is limited data collected about the movement of assets. With few route options and limited data – congestion is bound to occur.

While some delays are inevitable in these environments, allowing it to continue for too long is too costly for businesses to ignore. If businesses focus on the costs of grid locking and backlogs, they will find that many resources are wasted as staff are unable to maintain a steady workflow. Such delays cause a ripple effect and can adversely affect customer relations – as customers become frustrated standing in long waiting lines.

In comparison, non-localized environments (what much of the public encounters when travelling on highways or city streets) have data sources available to help alleviate congestion. Sources like Google Maps has been implemented to collect, display and analyze congestion information on an ongoing basis and in real-time to the masses. 

In fact, this flow and analysis of information has inspired operation managers to be specific in how and where they want to reduce operational congestion in localized environments. 

 

Congestion In Airports

With thousands of assets moving daily – highly localized environments like airport grounds are a prime example of where congestion can be found. With constantly moving assets, airport operations have a goal to optimize flow of traffic, reduce gridlock and lower wait times of assets in detention. 

To properly stop asset detention, an entire framework of what congestion is in an airport environment must be understood by equipping assets with various telematics solutions. By using connected sensors to see how equipment is being used, as well as GPS tracking to note the location and speed of vehicles – businesses can gain proper visibility into operations. Doing so will allow for assets to remain in movement, shortening servicing turnaround time and as a result, increase revenue.

 

The Repercussions of Congestion In Airports And Airport Resource Management

Airports cannot afford to allow congestion to be ongoing. Not only does it cause for asset detention or the pause of asset movement, but it results in a myriad of issues: 

  • Overall fleet performance will drop as work is at a standstill 
  • Some operations are at risk for being charged for the waits
  • Heavy financial losses are experienced as employees are paid even if work cannot be performed – causing a potential spike in higher ticket prices
  • Resources are wasted when equipment or vehicles are idling 
  • Passengers suffer lengthy delays when travelling 
  • Attention to detail and safety decreases as staff rush to complete tasks to stay on time  

It’s important to note that these repercussions of operational congestion may seem specific to airports, but very similar issues can be noticed in other highly localized environments. Distribution hubs, for example, are seen to encounter very similar productivity, financial and consumer effects. 

 

Triggers of Congestion

Airports are highly localized as there are few roads that thousands of assets must utilize at predetermined speeds. Since there can be numerous assets such as refuelers, tugs and tractors, water trucks, passenger boarding steps and more servicing, each aircraft – from the second it lands to moments before it takes off – can contribute to congestion. 

The problem of congestion is compounded when aircrafts take off and land every few minutes – meaning that they must undergo routine aircraft maintenance by servicing crews. This causes longer than necessary turnaround times, especially during high-traffic and peak times. 

Part II: The Solution To Operational Congestion – A Congestion Management Strategy