John Elsner, CEO at Pedigree Technologies, is an experienced executive with more than 25 years in telematics and IoT, including the industry’s leading GPS tracking device supplier. He leads Pedigree’s efforts to find and integrate solutions that align with the needs of the heartland industries Pedigree serves -- trucking, heavy equipment, agriculture, and oil and gas.

How Asset Trackers Have Changed for the Better

Posted by John Elsner on

Asset tracking used on remote equipment has come a long way in the last five years.

With advancements in technology and increased demand, battery-powered asset tracking devices have become more reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how battery-powered asset tracking has evolved in the last five years and the impact this has had on businesses and individuals.

Here Are 6 Ways Asset Trackers Have Changed in the Last 5 Years
Increased Battery Life: One of the biggest changes in battery-powered asset tracking over the past five years has been the improvement in battery life. With the development of more efficient power management techniques and the use of low-power components, tracking devices can now operate for longer periods of time on a single battery charge. This has made it possible for businesses to track their assets more effectively and for longer periods of time.
   
Enhanced Data Collection: Advances in technology have also made it possible to collect more data from battery-powered asset tracking devices. With the ability to collect data on factors such as location, temperature, humidity, and motion, businesses can now monitor the performance of their assets more effectively and make more informed decisions about their use and maintenance.
   
Bluetooth: Another big change in asset tracking over the past five years has been the integration of Bluetooth receivers into the devices. Many trackers now can receive and relay Bluetooth sensor data from remote equipment within range. This has led to the development of sophisticated software applications to collect and analyze this data, providing organizations with real-time insights into the performance of their assets and nearby equipment.
   
Improved Connectivity: The widespread availability of low-cost cellular and satellite connectivity has made it easier for businesses to connect asset tracking devices to the internet. This has improved the accuracy and reliability of data collection and has made it possible for businesses to track their assets from anywhere, at any time.
   
Cost Savings: The combination of increased battery life, decreasing prices, and improved connectivity has made battery-powered asset tracking more cost-effective for businesses.  By reducing the need for frequent battery replacements and improving the quality and price of data collection, businesses afford to track less expensive equipment.
   
User-Friendly Designs: With the development of smaller and lighter designs, tracking devices are now easier to install and use. Additionally, the rise of mobile applications has made it possible for businesses to monitor their assets from their smartphones and tablets, providing them with real-time insights into the performance of their assets.

In conclusion, battery-powered asset tracking has come a long way in the last five years, providing businesses and individuals with more reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly solutions for monitoring their assets. With the continued growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the increasing popularity of cloud computing, the technology behind battery-powered asset tracking is sure to continue evolving, providing even more powerful solutions for businesses and individuals.

Interested in learning more about Pedigree Technologies and our asset tracking solutions? Contact us today!

Supplementing GPS Trackers with Bluetooth Tags

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Bluetooth tags, also known as beacons, are small, low-power devices that use Bluetooth technology to communicate with other devices.

Blog Header - Bluetooth Tags Construction

They are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries as a supplement to GPS trackers.  Bluetooth tags are particularly useful for construction companies or any company with a lot of remote assets.

One of the biggest advantages of Bluetooth tags is their ability to pinpoint the location of assets at a fraction of the cost of GPS trackers.  They do not require any additional infrastructure or software to function easing the burden of tracking equipment and attachments in yards or job sites. 

Another advantage of Bluetooth tags is they can be used to augment data on equipment usage, helping companies to make informed decisions about how to improve their operations. For example, usage data might lead to more accurate customer billing or better maintenance scheduling.

Bluetooth tags are also incredibly easy to install and use. They can be attached to assets using industrial tape, adhesive or traditional screws, and the information they collect can be accessed using a smartphone, tablet, or a GPS tracker with built-in Bluetooth. This means that companies can start using Bluetooth tags with minimal setup and training.

Finally, Bluetooth tags are much smaller than GPS trackers making them easier to attach to assets and more discreet.  And they typically have a longer battery life than GPS trackers.  For example, a Bluetooth tag as small as the diameter of a quarter can last 5 years.

Bluetooth tags are not perfect.  Like the consumer devices used to track keys, they do not have a cellular connection and only work in concert with a phone or another GPS device.  But because they are inexpensive, they can complement a mixed-fleet asset management strategy where it’s important to ensure that all assets are being used efficiently and effectively.

Bottom line…Bluetooth tags are better suited for certain asset management applications due to their size, cost, and battery life.

Interested in learning more about Pedigree Technologies and our Bluetooth Tag solutions? Contact us today!

How Smart is Your Smart Trailer Solution?

Posted by John Elsner on

Using smart technology to improve trailer utilization for enhanced accuracy and profitability.

Smart trailer solutions have become increasingly popular in recent years, as fleet operators look for ways to improve efficiency, safety, and compliance in their transportation operations. However, some fleet managers may hesitate to invest in these solutions, citing concerns about the cost and complexity of implementing them. In this blog, we will explore whether a smart trailer solution is truly a “smart” investment.

First, it is important to understand what a smart trailer solution is and how it works. These solutions typically include a variety of sensors, communication technologies, and computing systems that collect and analyze data about the trailer and the cargo it carries. This data can include information about the trailer’s location, cargo’s refrigerated environment, load, and  insights into the health of the tires, wheels, and brakes.

The value of this data lies in the insights it can provide to fleet managers and logistics companies. By analyzing this data, operators can identify opportunities to optimize their operations, reduce costs, and improve the safety and security of their transportation operations.

However, the cost and complexity of implementing a traditional smart trailer solution can be a barrier to adoption for some companies. Depending on the specific solution, it may require significant investment in hardware, software, and other infrastructure. It may also require significant time and effort to install and integrate with existing systems.

The advent of Bluetooth sensors along with low-cost, solar GPS gateways, has significantly improved the costs and minimized installation complexity in smart trailer applications. These sensors and gateways are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and can be used to monitor various aspects of the trailer and its cargo.

Here are some of the ways in which Bluetooth sensors and new gateways have made smart trailers “smarter”:

Reduced Hardware Costs: Bluetooth sensors, when combined with new low-cost solar communication gateways, can collect and transmit data in real-time at a fraction of the cost of more traditional solutions. 

Cargo monitoring: Bluetooth sensors can be installed in a fraction of the time of traditional wired sensors.  Using industrial adhesive tape anyone can easily install temperature and humidity sensors inside the trailer to ensure that perishable or sensitive cargo remains in optimal condition throughout the journey.

Security: Bluetooth sensors can be used to detect when a trailer door has been opened or when cargo has been tampered with. This can help prevent theft or other security breaches.

Health Status: Bluetooth sensors can be used to monitor the health of the trailer’s components, such as the tires, brakes, wheel hubs, and even axle loads. By detecting issues early, drivers and fleet managers can address maintenance issues immediately before they become more serious and expensive.

Scalability: Bluetooth sensors also provide a scalable solution for smart trailer applications. Fleet managers can start with a small number of sensors and gradually add more as needed. This allows companies to implement a smart trailer solution that fits their specific needs and budget.

Overall, Bluetooth sensors and solar gateways have upped the game for smart trailers by significantly improving costs and minimizing installation complexity in smart trailer applications. While traditional methods of smart trailer tracking can be costly and hard to install, don’t let that alone keep you from exploring a more agile and cost effective approach.

Interested in learning more? Contact Pedigree Technologies to discuss your needs and we’ll determine if our truly “smart” trailer tracking solution is right for you.