What are GPS equipment trackers?
Equipment GPS trackers are usually ruggedized telematics devices that are installed onto heavy construction equipment or other smaller assets. They capture key data including location, utilization, fuel use and movement, making the data accessible via a connected software platform. Some equipment tracking platforms can also aggregate data from manufacturer installed equipment trackers (OEM) and display the data in the same platform. Companies use equipment trackers to help them manage:
- Heavy construction equipment
- Small powered assets
- Non-powered assets
Why are businesses implementing equipment trackers?
More business are looking for better insight into how valuable equipment is being used, to ensure that they're maximizing the return on investment (ROI) and protecting equipment value. With the right equipment tracking solution businesses get the visibility they need to effectively manage equipment and increase ROI by:
- Increasing utilization
- Reducing unscheduled downtime
- Simplifying maintenance scheduling
- Improving operator behavior
How to choose the right equipment tracker?
There are many equipment trackers to choose from and your decision should be guided by the three areas, the first is the type of equipment you want to track, the second is the level of data you need to capture and the third is the environment the tracker will be used in. Here is some guidance on the type of tracker you should look for:
- Heavy equipment: Choose a ruggedized, IP67-rated, hard-wired equipment tracker that has the capability to capture detailed engine data including engine hours, maintenance scheduling, ideal time and fuel use.
- Small assets: Choose a ruggedized battery powered equipment tracker that provides location and movement data so you always know where your assets are and when they move.
- Trailers: Choose a battery or solar powered tracker that has extended battery life to support high update frequencies when the trailer is in motion.
Compare Equipment Trackers
A range of devices to meet your needs
Equipment Tracker - RE400
Ruggedized GPS Tracker for your yellow iron or heavy duty machinery.
- Get second-by-second tracking for real-time equipment and engine status updates
- Capture data from GPS, GPIO and CAN bus
- Analytics powered by AI providing real-time information
- IP67 rated
Physical Specifications
Size: 182mm height, 102mm wide, 41mm Depth
Weight: 495g
Equipment Tracker - RE200
GPS equipment tracker designed for the toughest environments
- Capture data from GPS, GPIO and CAN bus
- IP67 rated device
- Explosive atmosphere (SAE J1455) and radiation immunity (SAE J1113) certified
- Monitor asset utilization and fuel efficiency
Physical Specifications
Size: 130mm height, 73mm wide, 41mm Depth
Weight: 300g
Asset Tracker - AT301
Ruggedized battery-powered GPS asset tracker for powered and non-powered assets.
- Compact device perfect for placing on assets of all sizes
- Long battery life that lasts up to 10 years
- Easy to self-install
- Future-proofed with dual 4G LTE-M1 and NB-IoT network
- IP68 rated
Physical Specifications
Size: 108mm Height, 86mm
Width, 31mm Depth
Equipment Tracker - RE400
Ruggedized GPS Tracker for your yellow iron or heavy duty machinery.
- Get second-by-second tracking for real-time equipment and engine status updates
- Capture data from GPS, GPIO and CAN bus
- Analytics powered by AI providing real-time information
- IP67 rated
Physical Specifications
Size: 182mm height, 102mm wide, 41mm Depth
Weight: 495g
Equipment Tracker - RE200
GPS equipment tracker designed for the toughest environments
- Capture data from GPS, GPIO and CAN bus
- IP67 rated device
- Explosive atmosphere (SAE J1455) and radiation immunity (SAE J1113) certified
- Monitor asset utilization and fuel efficiency
Physical Specifications
Size: 130mm height, 73mm wide, 41mm Depth
Weight: 300g
Asset Tracker - AT301
Ruggedized battery-powered GPS asset tracker for powered and non-powered assets.
- Compact device perfect for placing on assets of all sizes
- Long battery life that lasts up to 10 years
- Easy to self-install
- Future-proofed with dual 4G LTE-M1 and NB-IoT network
- IP68 rated
Physical Specifications
Size: 108mm Height, 86mm
Width, 31mm Depth
GPS Tracking Software
Equipment tracking software brings the data from your heavy equipment, powered assets and non-powered equipment into one, powerful solution. Our software platform works with a wide range of equipment tracking devices, manufacturer installed telematics and mobile applications, to provide the visibility that simplifies complex operations . Through easy to use dashboards, detailed reporting and interactive mapping you can access the critical data you need at any time. Key software feature include:
- Geofencing and site reporting
- Performance dashboards
- Utilization reporting (by site)
- Event reporting and alerts
- Proximity search and reporting
- Maintenance workflows
Software Features
What to look for in Equipment Tracking Software
Considerations when choosing an equipment tracking solution
Choosing the right GPS tracker for your equipment can enhance your operation with real-time data that simplifies decision making. Working with the right technology and a versatile provider is crucial for a successful implementation, here are a few things you should consider:
- Will the platform work for all of my equipment and assets?
- Does the platform have comprehensive maintenance planning tools?
- Can you report on equipment by jobsite?
- Can you consistently report on fuel data?
- Is the provider experienced at supporting operations like yours?
- Does the provider offer professional service support?
- Does the platform offer on-going training and support?
The Teletrac Navman equipment tracking system is built to support a wide range of equipment and assets and our team are experienced at supporting mixed fleet operations by simplifying implementation and helping them to quickly realize a strong return on investment.
Equipment Tracking Frequently Asked Questions
Answers the most common questions about equipment trackers
When searching for GPS equipment tracker, it's important to consider what types of equipment you want to track and what information you need clearer visibility on. Make sure the solution provider is versatile enough to handle all of your equipment. Ensure the GPS tracker has core functionality such as maintenance monitoring, jobsite grouping and strong reporting capabilities.
A byproduct of ineffective equipment utilization monitoring could lead to unintended equipment hoarding. When your equipment stays on any jobsite for too long without proper usage, your overall productivity will decline and your expenses could rise because you're under-utilizing your equipment. With GPS trackers for equipment, you have clearer visibility of your inventory and resource management which can help you redistribute your equipment to other jobsites to maximize performance and utilization.
A GPS tracker monitors an equipment location, ignition status, usage, maintenance information, fuel consumption and much more. The device transmits data the equipment generates to a cloud-based software platform, which analyzes and presents the data on easy-to-understand dashboards and reports.
This technology is highly accurate but location reporting or data transition can be effected when your equipment is used in a building or tunnel for long periods of time. Walls, trees, bridges and other obstacles can sometimes block satellite signals and severe weather may occasionally affect performance. Nonetheless, the margin of error with GPS technology is really small and tracking systems continue to evolve and achieve even greater precision.