Organizations are always looking for better ways to track their equipment, so it’s time to find the right asset tracking solution. Indoor and outdoor spaces offer specific challenges. Today, tracking systems are much more than just location tracking systems; they serve a multitude of needs. Nowadays, a hybrid approach provides a feasible solution for improving efficiency and accuracy.
Understanding Asset Tracking Needs
Due to the diverse needs of different environments, asset tracking solutions are often tailored specifically. Internet-based systems can give a good guess at buyer whereabouts; however, they can be constrained by the time of day, season, and climate. Thick walls, multiple floors, and metal structures may obstruct the signals. Outdoor locations have their challenges with weather, longer travel distances, and very unpredictable environments. Many organizations manage assets that move between indoor and outdoor environments. This demand for flexibility has resulted in the adoption of hybrid tracking solutions.
Key Components of Indoor Tracking
This is generally dependent on technology suitable for enclosed spaces. Real-time data, which relies on Bluetooth beacons and wireless networks, is often considered accurate. These systems utilize small devices throughout a facility. Sensors can sense nearby tagged items. It is effective in warehouses, hospitals, and offices. However, when a material object interrupts the signals, the accuracy decreases.
Outdoor Tracking Essentials
For outdoor tracking, we usually rely on satellite-based systems. A global positioning solution is used extensively due to its high reliability in open areas. These systems operate best with line-of-sight visibility to satellites. This tech is used at construction sites, transport fleets, and storage yards. Weather conditions or tall buildings can sometimes hinder signals. They also need to manage power because outdoor tags may have to remain operational for several months without recharging.
Challenges with Single-Environment Solutions
This is where it gets tricky; relying solely on one type of tracking solution could cause issues. Systems that are indoor only can no longer provide updates for items that have moved out. Indoor environments in complex buildings may pose a challenge for outdoor-only solutions in getting the accuracy right. It is particularly challenging to monitor assets that migrate from one environment to another. Poor information can result in lost items, missed deadlines, and larger costs.
Advantages of a Hybrid Approach
This type of asset tracking solution uses indoor as well as outdoor technologies. It allows for easy transitions when assets cross the different lands. Hybrid systems automatically toggle between technologies depending on geographic location. For example, an item may even use wireless networks indoors and satellite systems out-of-doors. That flexibility allows organizations to keep their records straight all the time.
Selecting the Right Technologies
Planning goes a long way. Any hybrid solution that you intend to implement will have multiple technologies with varied pros and cons. Beacons allow Bluetooth to be seen over long distances and shine in crowded indoor environments. Wireless networks provide better coverage for large buildings. Satellite-based systems are perfect for open outdoor spaces. And lastly, there are hybrid tags that have many sensors and can connect on various networks. The correct mix may be different for each asset class and for each environment.
Integrating Data for Better Insights
A hybrid tracking system that fails to correlate to varying data will certainly fail. Data collection, processing, and visualization occur in centralized software in real time. In this integration, users are able to track the location, condition, and movement history of their assets. Staff can be notified immediately if an item moves outside of its defined area. These insights assist organizations in detecting loss, enhancing forecasting, and responding earlier to the issues.
Ways to Solve Power and Battery Life Problems
Power management is a complex issue for devices and systems. Some hybrids require a change or recharging of the battery with a particular frequency. The elements with long battery life and solar panels may be suitable for some outdoor purposes. Such aspects as charging and long-term operation are essential because they help reduce maintenance. Indoor systems can utilize motion-based recharging and integrate with the building’s power supply. Thus, the correct choice of the power solution is crucial for the maintenance frequency and uninterrupted operation.
Conclusion
Designing a hybrid asset tracking solution requires thoughtful planning and the right mix of technologies. Indoor and outdoor environments each pose unique challenges. Combining multiple tracking methods creates a flexible and reliable system. Integrating data, managing power, and protecting information are all vital steps. By adopting a hybrid approach, organizations can improve asset visibility, reduce losses, and increase operational efficiency. Hybrid tracking solutions represent a promising future for asset management, meeting the needs of today and tomorrow.
