Types of Tracking Systems. How to Monitor Anything from Animals to Construction Equipment
Tracking systems have become integral to large companies’ business processes and average individuals’ lives. If you’re lost in an unfamiliar city, you can always rely on your smartphone’s GPS capabilities to find the quickest path to the railway station. For those who manage a large fleet of vehicles, the same technology can become the basis for a complex management system that tracks their assets and maximizes resource utilization. As one technology can shift forms so quickly and become either a tourist assistant or a key cog in the mechanism of a large enterprise, imagine how many possible tracking systems are out there.
The number of possible combinations of tracking devices and the ways you interpret the data you get from them result in too many types of tracking systems to name them all in one article. Instead, we’ll categorize the most widely used of them to help you navigate such a diverse universe.
Tracking Systems by Technology Used
GPS-based Tracking Systems
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are the champions of outdoor tracking and probably the first thing that came into your mind after you read this title’s article. These systems utilize a network of satellites to pinpoint the location of a GPS receiver with high accuracy, often within a few meters. GPS tracking software developers use this feature in various applications, from fleet management to package delivery tracking and personal safety devices.
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Cellular-based Tracking Systems
Cellular networks can also be used for tracking. Sometimes, this technology is used to improve the work of GPS trackers. Such devices connect to a cellular network, just as your smartphone does. It allows them to transmit location data over cellular networks, particularly useful for real-time tracking in remote areas with limited satellite visibility. An excellent example here is the Fi Smart Dog Collar that combines GPS with cellular-based tracking to keep an eye on your dog 24/7 (it’s also waterproof):
Wi-Fi-based Tracking Systems
When GPS + Cellular-based Tracking combo is insufficient, you can also rely on Wi-Fi networks. Their MAC addresses can identify Devices with Wi-Fi capabilities when they connect to Wi-Fi networks. It can be used for location analytics in public spaces or tracking inventory within a Wi-Fi-enabled warehouse. The Jiobit Smart Tag is a device that goes “all in” and uses a combination of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, and GPS data. This tiny fella (not bigger than a little cookie) can help to keep track of your pet, child, or elderly parent wherever they go:
Bluetooth-based Tracking Systems
Speaking of Bluetooth. The technology that is firstly known for its ability to connect wireless devices can also be used for tracking. You can attach a small tracking gadget to the things you don’t want to lose. Such devices use Bluetooth Low Energy or BLE for short-range and low-power tracking. Unfortunately, Bluetooth’s working range is limited to approximately 60 meters, which narrows this technology’s application scope. As an alternative to attaching a Bluetooth tracker to your keychains, you can place BLE beacons in strategic locations and allow devices to detect them, enabling location approximation within a building or a small area. It works well for indoor asset tracking in warehouses or pinpointing items within a retail store for a more engaging customer experience.
The Teltonika EYE Beacon, for example, could be mounted inside a truck so they can be identified, and this data can be sent to the server for further analysis and reports:
Thus, every truck can be tracked in real-time using any smart device, be it a smartphone, laptop, or PC. With a reliable fleet management software solution, you’ll know exactly what is going on with the fleet and plan further actions in a timely manner.
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RFID-based Tracking Systems
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) uses radio waves to identify and track objects. RFID tags contain microchips and can be attached to different items. With readers, you can transmit radio waves and prompt the tags to respond with their unique ID. RFID cards and badges are irreplaceable when you need to identify and track personnel. Inventory management and toll booths are other examples where these invisible tags shine.
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