What are Tracker Tags and their Role in Equipment Tracking

March 26, 2024

Author

Oded Ran

Equipment is the foundation of construction profitability. It serves as the goldmine for any construction business. The quality of equipment directly impacts the efficiency of the construction process.

Just as banking cannot proceed without punctilious financial record-keeping, it's evident that tracking equipment is paramount in equipment management.

‍72 percent of participants showed confidence that inventory analytics has significantly positively impacted their company's profitability, as per a recent survey conducted among manufacturing executives.

This article aims to spruce up your knowledge with some amazing information regarding equipment tracking.

What are Tracker Tags?

Tracker tags are small devices that can be used to find lost items. They are attached to valuable possessions and employ advanced technologies such as mobile crowdsensing (MCS), the Internet of Things (IoT), and opportunistic networking (OppNet).

Tracking tags can be utilized for cellular communications or GPS (Global Positioning Systems) to ascertain location without incurring significant expenses.

Some popular tracker tags include Apple’s AirTags, Android GPS tracker tags such as Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag, and Tile’s tags.

These tracker tags utilize Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to transmit short signals (advertisements) to nearby smartphones, enabling the tracking of the device.

When a compatible smartphone receives such signals, it transmits the tag’s location, leveraging broadband communication capabilities.

Types of Tracker Tags

Some popular types of tracker tags are as follows:

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

RFID is a versatile tracking technology with applications both indoors and outdoors across various fields.
Components of RFID systems include RFID tags and scanners.
Tags consist of an antenna for radio signal transmission and a chip for storing relevant information.
Different radio frequencies are utilized for transmission and recording of signals.
RFID tags detect and absorb signals, allowing for tracking within a limited radius, especially in retail environments.

Radio Tracking

Built on RFID technology, radio tracking utilizes radio signals to gather location-specific information.
Radio trackers have their power source, extending their signal transmission range.
Directional data transmission aids in determining approximate locations through methods like triangulation.
Commonly used in monitoring wildlife behavior, health, and movement patterns.

Near-Field Communication (NFC)

A passive RFID technology integrated into modern smartphones for contactless operations.
Popularized by contactless payment systems and modern ticketing.
Operates within a close range (up to four inches) and is not suitable for indoor settings.
Known for energy efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.

Geofencing

Passive tracking technology combining RFID and GPS systems.
Alerts triggered when an object exits a designated area.
Widely used in warehouses for inventory management and security.
Potential applications in manufacturing settings for access control.

Internet Tracking

Used for locating and recovering stolen computing devices.
Activated through BIOS settings, allowing devices to send location data to central servers.
Utilizes wireless data or IP address for data transmission.
Enables triangulation for precise device recovery.

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Cell Phone Triangulation

Tracks device location using cell tower signals.
Effective in areas with weak GPS signals.
Relies on signal strength analysis from nearby cell towers.

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Global Positioning Systems (GPS) & Satellite Tracking

Utilizes a network of satellites and complex algorithms for accurate location determination.
Installed within various GPS devices across industries such as construction, aviation, and logistics.
Provides precise location data within a few meters.
Integral to daily operations in several industries for tracking assets and vehicles.

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What Is the Role of Tracker Tags in Equipment Tracking?

Regardless of your size, industry, or business type, employing a tracking tag is essential for managing your assets effectively. RFID asset-tracking systems offer tools that not only meet your expectations but also enhance various other asset-tracking operations.

Reduce Loss and Theft of Assets With a Real-Time Locating System (RTLS)

Construction businessmen will damage the business’s bottom line while trying to replace lost, misplaced, or stolen assets. Several asset-heavy industries have to face this, such as the American auto industry, which spends $750 million a year a year to replace reusable packaging.

However, construction companies spend $1 billion annually to deal with job site theft. Twenty-four million luggage articles were lost in 2016 because of poor location tracking.

Businesses use multiple RFID readers and antennas to triangulate the exact asset locations, resulting in accurate and real-time location data.

Businesses can use RTLS to avoid wasting time finding assets manually. Nurses spend a maximum of 6000 hours per month searching for equipment, so the healthcare industry has adopted the asset tracking market to save time.

Data Collection with RFID Technology

Using RFID to track assets, the data collection process becomes automated, which helps in receiving accurate updates.

For instance, in a large warehouse where thousands of products are stored, implementing RFID technology allows each item to be tagged, enabling smooth tracking throughout the supply chain.

This helps managers effortlessly monitor stock levels, swiftly identify bottlenecks in operations, and address any delays, ultimately enhancing overall productivity.

Cost Savings

The overall efficiency gained through optimized asset management translates into improved operational performance and cost savings.

For instance, by minimizing equipment downtime and optimizing resource allocation, the construction company can complete projects more quickly, ultimately meeting deadlines consistently, and reducing unnecessary expenditures on repairs and replacements.

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Delivers High Return on Investment (ROI)

Expensive tools aren't necessary for effective utilization of the RFID asset tracking system; it's accessible to every business. Everyone, from enterprises with multiple sites to warehouses, can install an RFID at every business level.

In contrast to other kinds of asset tracking, RFID is a cost-efficient and long-lasting tracking solution. Due to its low running costs, businesses in the Logistics, Manufacturing, and Retail sectors have used it to achieve an ROI of up to 200%.

Suppose that the average price of Passive RFID tracking starts from $0.08. Modern smartphones already have RFID reader capabilities, so you don’t need to purchase an expensive one. Plastic tags are durable, and you can use them several times.

Versatility and Adaptability

Tracker tags are versatile; they can be applied across various industries and applications. Businesses can customize these tags to meet their specific needs. Tracking keys and small tools or monitoring large machinery and vehicles, asset tracking tags excel in diverse scenarios.

From inventory management to GPS tracking for fleet monitoring, the adaptability of these tags ensures smooth functionality. Whether in healthcare, logistics, or construction, the versatility of tracker tags proves invaluable for optimizing operations.

Clue: Your Go-To Solution for Equipment Tracking

Clue offers a comprehensive suite of features that cater specifically to the needs of construction businesses seeking efficient asset tracking solutions. Here's why you should choose Clue:

BLE beacon tracking for real-time asset monitoring and clocking.
Streamlined tracking and data collection for optimized inventory management.
Comprehensive solution catering to equipment and personnel tracking for significant cost reductions.
Supports diverse equipment from various manufacturers and integrates with major OEMs.
Potential expansion to track all construction site elements for improved operational efficiency.

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Final Thoughts

This article explored the importance of adding tracking tags to equipment systems for optimizing construction workflows. Such sophisticated technology would not only benefit companies by reducing risks but also provide a cost-efficient solution and help save money, especially in industries like construction, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Tracker tags utilize special technologies like RFID, GPS, and Bluetooth to show the precise location of equipment instantly. Utilizing these new tools, such as Clue, will assist businesses in working more efficiently and remaining successful in the evolving business landscape.