How is Cellular IoT Enhancing Asset Tracking Systems

Components of IoT asset tracking

While details vary depending on the industry and the use case, all IoT asset tracking systems must include these elements:

• Tracking devices. The size and shape of the tracker vary depending on the use case and the object that needs to be tracked. They may serve one purpose, such as straightforward location tracking, or have multifunctional uses, like vehicle dash cameras, and utilise telematics data. 
  
  
• Connectivity. Consider how your tracking devices are connected and send data back to your systems. There are many ways to connect a device, and this is especially true for international asset tracking. You’ll need reliable network access everywhere your tracking devices may be deployed. Many commercial and industrial IoT applications leverage cellular networks to track assets because of their reliable connection and scalability.
  
  
• Management platform. Remote connectivity management becomes challenging when we consider a large number of assets. Perhaps the best example would be tracking fleets of transportation vehicles spread across the world. In this case, you will need a way to remotely provision and manage your connections, including on the device level. You can do so through your IoT platform.

Benefits of Cellular IoT asset tracking

Cellular IoT asset-tracking solutions differ from other asset-tracking systems in several key ways.

• Real-time asset tracking.
  Cellular connectivity allows for real-time tracking and monitoring of assets, providing instant access to location and status data. This level of immediacy is crucial for time-sensitive applications such as personal safety or theft recovery.
  
  
• More automated processes.
  Additionally, cellular IoT asset tracking systems offer more automation in the tracking process, streamlining operations and making asset management more cost-effective. By leveraging IoT technology, businesses can automate processes throughout the supply chain, reducing manual work and human error.
  
  
• A recovery plan.
  Moreover, cellular IoT asset-tracking solutions provide a recovery plan in the event of asset loss or theft. With continuous connectivity, businesses can quickly locate lost assets, improving overall security measures.

Overall, the integration of cellular IoT in asset tracking systems brings innovation, reliability, and efficiency to the management of physical assets, making it a dynamic and supportive solution for businesses looking to enhance their operations.

IoT asset tracking use cases

IoT asset management takes many different forms, including but not limited to the following. 

Transportation IoT

Devices that track location data are heavily utilised in transportation asset management. IoT enables the smart tracking of fleets, vehicles or even micro-transports like e-scooters and bikes over borders and through different coverage zones.

• Do you have robust connectivity for your fleet management?
• Read more about Transportation & Logistics IoT

IoT for Health & Safety

In the healthcare and medical fields, IoT systems are often used to track equipment or other high-value assets. Sometimes the asset being tracked is not a physical object, but a person. People tracking could be considered an extension of asset tracking, especially when the system plays a role in health or safety.

• Why is Cellular IoT-based pharmaceutical cold chain management important?
• Read more about Healthcare IoT

Manufacturing & Fixed Systems IoT

IoT asset tracking is frequently utilised in manufacturing environments to monitor warehouse inventory and/or supply materials. It can also be used to monitor your equipment and other fixed systems. In that case, you’ll view analytics and notifications regarding usage, downtime, maintenance, and more using the IoT platform.

• Read more about IoT Manufacturer

Commercial Asset Tracking Services

While asset tracking is frequently discussed in terms of its industrial applications, IoT asset management also has promising uses for direct-to-consumer products. 

For example, Classic Tracker LTD is a subscription service for owners of classic cars. The company uses Velos IoT’s IoT platform to provide location-tracking services to protect and help recover vintage automobiles from theft. A similar approach could be used for devices like pet trackers, safety wearables and other peace-of-mind-focused services.

Is cellular asset tracking the right fit for your needs?

For those embarking on a global IoT deployment, selecting the appropriate connectivity type is crucial. Many of the aforementioned use cases rely on IoT connectivity. However, there are various connectivity types to consider, such as 4G, 5G, LPWAN, etc. Choosing an option that aligns with your data transmission goals and budget is essential. Once you've determined the necessary cellular connectivity type, you'll also need to choose an IoT SIM form factor that suits your tracked devices.

Additionally, the IoT connectivity management platform plays a vital role in tying everything together seamlessly. This management software enables you to remotely manage connectivity, implement deployment-wide security measures, monitor your entire SIM estate, and establish an easy-to-use portal for your customers.

If you're unsure whether cellular IoT is the right solution for your asset-tracking project, reach out to our experts for guidance and even request a free starter kit for hands-on testing.