How Asset Trackers Have Changed for the Better

Posted by John Elsner on March 21, 2023

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

Posted by John Elsner on March 7, 2023

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

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!

ELDs – More than a Paper Replacement

Posted by Pedigree Technologies on November 11, 2022

Back in 1976 Florida orange juice growers came up with a clever advertising slogan, “Orange juice, it’s not just for breakfast anymore.” In the world of trucking your ELD “Is not just a logbook anymore.” Since U.S. and Canadian ELD mandates require nearly all federally regulated trucks to replace their paper logbooks with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to automate collection and reporting of Hours of Service (HOS) data, every truck has an intelligent device that can do more than be just a logbook.

In this article, we’ll discuss how your ELD can enhance your driving experience, monitor your equipment/data sources and simply put – optimize your overall operations.

An ELD can be Just an Electronic Logbook

The ELD logbook replacement makes HOS logging simpler, more accurate, and avoids fines with its automated record keeping – so easy that hardly anyone would welcome going back to paper. Drivers save time and the hassle of paper logs creating the ease of showing HOS compliance at the “click of a button”. Inspectors see a consistent format, accurate records, and let’s admit it, a legible record that makes any engagement between drivers and officials faster and more efficient. The ELD mandate only requires the ELD replace the logbook, but to the possibilities go far beyond just that function.

ELD as Much More

Your ELD is a smart electronic device that can do much more than simply replace your logbook. With the introduction of tablet or phone into the cab, an ELD system now has significant computer power and communication capabilities. This means it can monitor many elements or “things” around or in the truck and upload this information to the internet or display it to the driver. Essentially ELD has transformed a logbook into an “Internet of Things” (IoT) solution for trucking. Here are some examples of how IoT around a truck might be valuable to both the driver and fleet operator.

Sensors

Automatically monitor and alert the driver about what’s going on with the load, truck, and trailer by connecting to sensors that can detect liquid fuel load levels, tire pressure (TPMS), hub health, refrigerated load temperature, and more. ELD software intelligence provides more than just gauges by displaying warnings before problems become failures.

Dashcams

Capture and transmit out-the-cab video records of incidents such as crashes or dangerous braking to document “at fault” evidence when needed. ELD can record and transmit incident records to the carrier to help reduce insurance costs and improve driver safety performance.

Applications

ELDs, especially those built on open systems like Android, can be configured with a variety of applications either standalone or integrated with fleet management systems. Some of these configurable integrations include navigation, rest stop and parking advice, toll by-pass, safety alerts, and electronic paperwork capture and display of work-orders, receipts, and more.

Diagnostics and Maintenance

An ELD connects to the engine OBD port to capture engine power status, vehicle motion status, miles driven, and engine hours to meet the ELD mandate. That same connection gives access to vehicle diagnostic fault codes that the ELD can display to the driver and report to the FMS. Faults like a stuck fuel adjuster, coolant temperature problem, exhaust faults, and more can be monitored and alarmed, if needed, to schedule maintenance to prevent issues from becoming breakdowns. Think of it as a mechanic riding along under the hood to help ensure the drive train is performing as it should.

ELDs, Fleet Management Platforms

A Fleet Management System (FMS) manages the information from devices integrated with the ELD as well as devices like telematics/tracking devices by giving an integrated view to the driver and to the dispatcher.

An ELD and its connected system of sensors and applications can operate standalone, but the FMS adds the big picture intelligence to provide dispatchers and operators the information they need to operate most efficiently and safely.

Think Ahead

Choosing an ELD is not something that you can or should put off. Canada enforcement of the ELD mandate starts January 1, 2023. It’s important to consider “future proofing” your ELD by selecting a solution that can expand as your needs change to integrate with sensors and vehicle monitoring devices making a substantial difference in your business success.

Final Comments

Your ELD is a tool that can do just one task, HOS capture/reporting, or it can be a key piece of a fleet management system. Keep in mind, you don’t have to jump in with both feet right away. Choose an ELD that can be part of an open system, delivering value with your initial purchase and increasing its value over time. Our recommendation, take the time to educate yourself on which options are available and choose the best solution that meets your needs. ELDs, not just for logbooks anymore.

Tag: Fleet Management