Asset tracking is the continuous identification and localisation of physical objects, such as inventory, equipment, and vehicles, across their lifecycle and movement. It combines identification technologies like RFID and BLE beacons with positioning systems and connectivity to give organisations real-time visibility of where assets are and in what condition. Asset tracking underpins supply-chain transparency, loss prevention, and operational efficiency.
Overview
- Asset tracking turns scattered physical inventory into a queryable digital record by tagging objects and continuously reporting their identity, location, and state. Depending on range and cost requirements it draws on RFID for short-range scanning, BLE beacons for indoor proximity, and GPS or cellular positioning for outdoor and long-haul movement. The resulting data feeds inventory, logistics, and maintenance systems that depend on knowing where everything is.
Key aspects
- Identification via RFID tags, BLE beacons, and barcodes
- Indoor positioning through beacon proximity and triangulation
- Outdoor and in-transit tracking via GPS and cellular networks
- Condition monitoring with temperature, shock, and humidity sensors
- Integration with inventory and supply-chain management systems
Applications
- Warehouse and retail inventory visibility
- Cold-chain monitoring of perishable goods
- Fleet and container tracking across logistics networks
- Equipment and tool management on construction and hospital sites