More industries are benefiting from the capabilities of wireless technologies to optimise operations, such as high-precision location applications in automotive and low latency cellular for industrial robotics. GPS is one of these technologies that presents various business opportunities to track assets via its precise locational capabilities. These GPS asset trackers are being used to optimise operations and improve the management of assets via reliable and real-time locational data.
What are GPS Asset Trackers?
GPS asset trackers are global positioning devices that are used for locating business assets. They communicate with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) networks via GNSS antenna to provide precise locational data at scale. These modules receive transmissions from satellites and use distance calculations to provide real-time locational data.
GPS asset trackers need to be integrated with performance in mind to be successful. Due to their remote nature, these trackers need to be able to run for extended periods on limited battery power; They must balance efficiency with performance, navigation and positioning accuracy to be effective in their respective application. Moreover, minimal intervention should be needed to maintain the operation of asset trackers due to the sheer amount of them in some applications, such as tracking truck-loads of perishable and sensitive goods in the cold chain.
Applications for GPS Asset Trackers
Logistics and supply chain
Deliveries, cold-chain, taxi services and other logistics industries all require devices with similar traits; fuel efficiency, effective route planning, and the avoidance of potential traffic disruptions. Oftentimes these factors are either unimprovable or unavoidable, such as with an unforeseeable traffic incident that leads to increases in vehicle idle time.
These three areas can all be optimised by GPS asset trackers. These trackers provide up-to-date locational data on the goods vehicles are carrying; their time in transit, how long they have spent outside of temperature-controlled containers, and anticipate delivery times. Not only can this information help maintain the quality of perishable goods, but it can also keep the supply chain informed of the status of different logistics.
Construction
The wide range of assets used in the construction industry can make it a complicated task to record, document and analyse their use throughout a project. This data is vital in managing assets that require maintenance, have visibility of the assets available on a project, and ensure qualified drivers are using them.
GPS asset trackers provide construction admin teams with the relevant data and visibility to efficiently manage assets on-site. Teams can document when assets are used, assign notifications to prevent them being used until maintenance is performed, and can pinpoint their location in real-time to optimise projects. Moreover, teams can analyse how and when assets are used to find areas that could be improved in future.
Insurance
In each industry that has held critical or high-value assets, there is always a significant security risk involved that only grows with their value. Where many security protocols are focused on prevention, there is little that offers any real capabilities in the recovery of stolen assets.
GPS asset trackers represent an insurance policy that is visible in real-time. Businesses can track their assets of where they are and when, which can lead to the identification of possible security risks in certain locations. If an asset is lost, businesses can then begin the process of reclamation to minimise impact to operations.
Discover the perfect GPS antenna solution for your device
GPS asset trackers present a range of operational advantages to businesses. Whether it be via the efficient management of assets, real-time locational analysis or improved security capabilities, GNSS presents a world of opportunities for devices. In order to capture these capabilities, you need a GNSS/GPS antenna solution that suits the features and integration requirements of your device. In some cases, you’ll need an efficient GNSS/GPS module that acts as an all-in-one digital receiver as opposed to a transmitting antenna.
At Antenova, we have GNSS and GPS modules available in a variety of configurations, each offering designers a different set of features and advantages. We understand that every application will have an optimum solution, which is why we provide an integration hub to find the perfect antenna for your device.
