In today’s ever-evolving digital world, understanding real time Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking is essential for any business leader looking to stay competitive and protect their assets. With the surge of Internet of Things (IoT) asset tracking solutions, it’s essential to know what real time GPS tracking technology offers to make informed decisions and maximize your investment.
In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about real time GPS tracking—from how it works and its features to its applications, benefits, and limitations. We’ll also discuss how IoT asset tracking software can help you create a comprehensive solution that will enable you to leverage data collected through GPS trackers for insights into the operation of your business.
What Is Real Time GPS Tracking?
Real time GPS tracking is a powerful technology that has revolutionized how we monitor and manage assets. It allows us to constantly monitor the real-time location, movements, and status of vehicles, equipment, and other valuable assets, giving us unprecedented visibility and control over our operations.
With GPS asset tracking, businesses can optimize fleet management, improve safety and security, and enhance efficiency. Whether it’s a delivery truck, construction vehicle, or any other high-value asset, real time GPS tracking devices offer an effective and reliable solution for keeping tabs on everything that matters.
How Does Real Time GPS Tracking Work?
How does real time GPS tracking work? Using a series of satellites orbiting Earth, real time GPS works by triangulating the position of the object being tracked and transmitting it back to the user’s device in real-time.
This technology has been a game-changer for logistics, security, and overall supply chain operations, as it boosts efficiency and helps companies make data-driven decisions.
With the growing trend towards automation in various industries, real-time GPS tracking continues to be a leading IoT technology in which companies of all sizes are investing.
Common Applications of Real Time GPS Tracking Technology
Real time GPS tracking has become an increasingly important tool in businesses across a variety of industries for applications such as:
Fleet Management
Real-time GPS tracking is a valuable tool for businesses that operate fleets of vehicles. With real-time tracking, companies can monitor the location of their mobile assets in real time and make sure they are used efficiently. Additionally, businesses can use GPS vehicle trackers to monitor driver behaviors such as speeding and idling, which can help to reduce fuel costs and improve safety.
IoT Asset Tracking
Real-time GPS tracking can also track valuable assets such as company equipment or tools. This allows businesses to know exactly where their assets are and ensure they are not being stolen or misused. Additionally, IoT asset tracking can be used to monitor the maintenance of assets, allowing businesses to schedule timely repairs or replacements when necessary.
Employee Safety
Real-time GPS tracking can also be used to ensure the safety of employees who may be working in remote areas or traveling for business purposes. With real-time tracking, employers can check on the location of their employees at any time and make sure they are safe and secure. Additionally, employers can use GPS tracking to respond to emergencies that may arise quickly.
Delivery Optimization
Real-time GPS tracking is also helpful for optimizing delivery routes for companies that offer delivery services. By monitoring the live location of delivery vehicles in real time, businesses can identify traffic patterns and plan more efficient ways to save time and money while ensuring timely deliveries.
Geofencing
Geofencing is a feature of real-time GPS tracking systems that allow users to define virtual boundaries around an area on a map and receive notifications when those boundaries are crossed by a tracked object (such as a vehicle entering or exiting). Businesses can use geofencing technology to set up virtual boundaries around customer locations or job sites, allowing them to easily keep track of their vehicles in these areas without constantly monitoring them manually.
Route Planning & Optimization
Businesses that utilize fleets of vehicles or returnable containers often need to plan travel ahead of time to optimize routes while minimizing fuel costs associated with long trips or multiple stops along the way. Real-time GPS tracking systems allow users to plan routes easily by viewing traffic patterns on maps to identify more efficient routes ahead of time while avoiding congested areas whenever possible.
By implementing real time GPS tracking, businesses can confidently maintain control over their operations and assets while maximizing operational efficiency and profitability.
The Benefits of Real Time GPS Tracking
Real time GPS tracking technology has revolutionized the business world by providing many benefits for companies that choose to adopt it. By leveraging GPS tracking, businesses can optimize their operations in a multitude of ways, all leading to increased efficiency and cost savings.
One significant benefit is the ability to monitor and analyze the movement of vehicles and assets in real time. This allows companies to make informed decisions quickly, adapting to problems and avoiding delays.
Additionally, GPS tracking reduces the risk of loss or theft of valuable resources, as it can help businesses identify and recover stolen assets or locate lost equipment.
Moreover, by improving communication between dispatchers, drivers, and clients, businesses can ensure delivery deadlines are met and enhance customer satisfaction.
Real-time GPS tracking technology can provide companies with a competitive advantage, leading to increased profitability and growth. However, it has limitations, so it’s essential to understand common challenges associated with GPS asset tracking.
Understanding The Limitations of GPS & Alternative Real Time Tracking Technologies
While GPS tracking technology has revolutionized asset tracking, certain limitations come with it.
For starters, GPS technology depends on signals from satellites and is affected by weather, buildings, and other physical obstructions. This means GPS signals can be easily jammed, leading to inaccurate location data.
Additionally, real time GPS trackers require a lot of power, making it unsuitable for long-term battery-operated devices. This is where alternative technologies like RFID and BLE come in.
- RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, uses radio waves for location tracking and doesn’t require a power source for identification.
- BLE, or Bluetooth Low Energy, is capable of real-time tracking and is better at tracking location within a limited space due to its shorter range. BLE beacons also boast an extended battery life due to the technology’s low power consumption.
While GPS asset tracking remains a dominant technology for large-scale continuous monitoring, it’s essential to consider alternative technologies when accuracy and power are a primary concern.
Is Real Time GPS Tracking Technology Right For Your Business Needs?
Real time GPS tracking has become a powerful and indispensable tool for many businesses that rely on accurate location data, physical asset tracking, fleet management, and route optimization.
With many applications in various industries, GPS tracking systems provide excellent benefits like efficient fleet operations, optimized delivery routes, real-time location updates, and improved employee safety.
However, GPS signals have some limitations which can be overcome with other real-time technologies such as RFID and BLE. Before investing in a real-time tracking technology solution, it is crucial to understand how it works and the benefits it offers for your unique business needs.
If you are ready to integrate a real-time tracking solution into your workflow, our team of experts at Radiant is here to help you determine the best approach for your company’s asset management success. Explore our IoT asset tracking solution and request your demo below to start benefiting from the advantages of real-time location monitoring today.
Last Updated on August 8, 2023 by Radiant