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5 main types of IoT asset tracking systems

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Internet of Things (IoT) technology is becoming increasingly popular with businesses as they discover all the amazing ways it can help them run their operations more efficiently. 

One of the most exciting aspects of IoT is the ability to track and manage assets in real time, which can bring a number of benefits to businesses. 

In this blog post, we will explore five main types of IoT asset tracking systems and discuss how each differs from the others.

IoT asset tracking as one of the most effective tools for tracking your inventory?

IoT asset tracking is one of the most efficient and effective tools for tracking your inventory. 

Track the location in real time

IoT-enabled devices can be used to track the location of assets in real time, so you always know where your inventory is and how it is being used. 

Avoid losses due to theft or misplacement

IoT inventory tracking can also help reduce losses from theft or misplaced items, improve asset utilization and prevent downtime. 

Keep better track of your inventory

In addition, IoT asset tracking can provide valuable insights into the movements and trends of your inventory, helping you make informed decisions about stock levels and purchases. 

Therefore, IoT asset tracking is an indispensable tool for any company that wants to optimize its inventory management.

Asset tracking systems with IoT - satellites and GPS

IoT asset tracking systems use a variety of methods to keep track of assets. 

IoT systems with GPS

One common method is GPS. IoT devices with GPS can be used to track the location of assets in real time. This is useful for fleet management or monitoring the location of high-value items, for example. 

IoT Asset Tracking

Another common method is satellite tracking. 

With IoT devices that use satellite positioning, you can track objects anywhere in the world, regardless of whether there is a clear line of sight to the object. Well suited for monitoring weather conditions or tracking animal movements, for example.

IoT asset tracking systems are an indispensable tool for businesses and organizations that need to keep track of their assets.

Asset tracking system with IoT - RFID

IoT RFID asset tracking systems are becoming increasingly popular for enterprise inventory management. But how do they work? 

Track your assets by labels

IoT RFID labels are attached to the assets, and IoT RFID readers are used to read the labels. The IoT RFID system then uses the data from the labels to track the assets. 

This data can help companies keep track of their inventory and prevent items from being lost or stolen. 

IoT RFID asset tracking systems are becoming increasingly popular as they provide a more efficient and accurate method of tracking assets than traditional methods.

IoT asset tracking system - cellular radio

Some IoT asset tracking systems rely on cellular (4G, 5G, LTE) to function. 

Cellular radio - Internet connection thanks to mobile radio waves

Mobile radio waves are transmitted by cell towers and received by mobile devices such as smartphones. These waves are then converted into electrical signals that can be processed by the device. The device uses these signals to connect to the Internet and access information. 

Data and location transmission via mobile radio waves

These IoT asset tracking systems use cellular waves to transmit data about an asset's location. This information is then sent to a server via the cellular network. The server stores it and makes it available to the owner of the asset. 

IoT asset tracking systems are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a more reliable and accurate method of tracking than traditional methods such as barcodes or RFID tags.

IoT Asset Tracking Systems - LPWAN - NB-IoT and LTE-M

Low power wide area network (LPWAN) technologies such as NB-IoT and LTE-M are designed specifically for IoT applications, offering low power consumption and long-range connectivity. 

Iot Asset Tracking System

Asset tracking in challenging environments

NB-IoT is particularly well suited for asset tracking as it offers high accuracy and reliability even in challenging environments. LTE-M is also ideal for IoT asset tracking, offering low latency and high throughput. 

When you deploy an IoT asset tracking system based on LPWAN technology, you can be sure that your assets will be located effectively and efficiently.

IoT based asset tracking system - Bluetooth

One type of IoT device is an asset tracking system that uses Bluetooth to keep track of operating equipment and devices. 

How the asset tracking system works via Bluetooth

Each item is equipped with a tag that emits a signal. This signal is received by sensors distributed around the site. The sensors then forward the information to a central database that authorized users can access. 

Asset tracking systems are used in a variety of environments, from manufacturing plants to office buildings. They provide a convenient way to keep track of items and improve efficiency.

Conclusion - Which IoT asset tracking system is right for you?

With all the different IoT options out there, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Here are a few things to consider when choosing an IoT option for asset tracking:

-Satellite and GPS are best for tracking assets in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

-RFID is best suited for tracking high-value goods or goods that need to be monitored in real time.

-Mobile is best for tracking assets that move frequently or are in areas with poor cellular coverage.

-LPWAN - NB-IoT and LTE-M are best suited for tracking a large number of objects over long distances. 

-Bluetooth is best suited for tracking objects over short distances or objects that do not need to be monitored in real time.

We help you find the right asset tracking solution for your use cases.

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Published July 20, 2022

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