How asset location tracking works
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies revolutionise asset tracking through distinct yet complementary mechanisms. RFID employs electromagnetic fields to transfer data wirelessly, typically between a tag and a reader device. Tags, consisting of a microchip and an antenna, emit unique identifiers when energised by a reader's signal. These identifiers, linked to specific assets, convey crucial information such as location, status, and other pertinent data.
In asset tracking, RFID tags are affixed to items of interest. As assets move within the vicinity of RFID readers, the readers capture tag data, enabling real-time monitoring and management. While RFID excels in proximity-based tracking within confined areas, its effectiveness diminishes over long distances.
Enter GPS technology, which operates via a constellation of satellites orbiting Earth. GPS receivers on assets triangulate signals from multiple satellites to determine precise geographic coordinates. This enables tracking assets across vast territories, both outdoors and indoors with the aid of augmentation technologies like A-GPS (Assisted GPS) and RTLS (Real-Time Locating Systems).
Integrating RFID with GPS enhances asset tracking capabilities significantly. RFID provides granular, on-the-ground visibility, while GPS offers broader spatial context. By combining the two, organisations achieve comprehensive asset oversight throughout their lifecycle, from manufacturing and distribution to usage and disposal.
Moreover, advancements in IoT (Internet of Things) and cloud computing facilitate seamless data integration, analysis, and actionable insights. This convergence empowers businesses with enhanced operational efficiency, risk mitigation, and asset optimisation, driving value across industries such as logistics, healthcare, and retail.
