What is asset tracking and how does it work?

  • Real-time location tracking and asset visibility

  • Reduce theft and maintenance costs

  • Improve compliance

Red tractor at work in a field

Asset tracking definition

Asset tracking is the process of monitoring equipment, tools, vehicles and other valuable assets using technology. The asset tracking meaning refers to knowing where assets are, preventing loss and improving efficiency. Companies use it to reduce costs, optimize usage and effectively schedule maintenance. 

What is asset tracking?

Asset tracking is a way to keep track of essential items like equipment, tools and vehicles. Businesses use it to determine assets' exact locations, monitor usage and schedule maintenance. 

Location technologies prevent lost items, reduce costs and improve efficiency. Companies track their assets for several reasons: 

  • Know where assets are – Helps businesses find equipment quickly. 
  • Improve asset use – Allows companies to use tools and machines correctly. 
  • Prevent loss or theft – Reduces misplaced assets and security risks. 
  • Schedule maintenance – Keeps equipment in good condition. 

Asset tracking technologies

Businesses use different forms of asset tracking to monitor physical assets and improve inventory management. These technologies help companies to find assets, cut costs and track asset use in many industries. 

  • Barcode scanning – Workers use manual scanning to update the status of assets with barcode labels 
  • Radio frequency identification (RFID) – Uses radio waves to track movable assets automatically, requiring minimal human intervention. 
  • GPS tracking – Uses advanced technology and satellites to track outdoor asset tracking in real time. 
  • Bluetooth low energy (BLE) tracking – Helps business owners track sensitive equipment in indoor and outdoor environments. 
  • Near field communication (NFC) tracking – Scans assets at close range for secure asset management. 
  • Ultra-wideband (UWB) tracking – Offers precise tracking, even in abrasive conditions or areas with a limited range. 
  • Low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) tracking – Helps fleet managers track assets from far away using WiFi and cellular networks. 

Radius specializes in GPS asset tracking, offering durable asset tags that work in harsh environmental conditions. Our battery-powered, hardwired and solar-powered devices help businesses locate assets. These devices are easy to install, help companies save money and make assets last longer. 

How does asset tracking work?

Asset tracking uses small devices to track where assets are and their status. These devices send data to a centralized dashboard, making it easy for businesses to monitor individual assets. GPS tracking gives real-time locations, while RFID and barcode scanning offer other tracking methods. 

Businesses use asset tracking software like Kinesis Pro to see asset locations, track inventory and improve asset performance. This helps reduce costs, extend the lifespan of high-value assets and improve efficiency. 

Alerts for unauthorized movements help prevent loss. Remote monitoring and indoor tracking add extra security, making the asset valuable for tracking in a range of industries. 

Why asset tracking is important

Asset tracking helps businesses stay organized, save money and keep their equipment safe. It provides real-time location tracking, making it easy to find assets when needed.

Businesses also use asset tracking to prevent theft and reduce operational costs. By knowing the status of assets, companies can schedule maintenance on time, avoid breakdowns and extend the asset lifecycle.

Another key benefit is better financial management. Asset tracking helps lower replacement costs, reduce wasted resources and even decrease insurance premiums. By keeping accurate records, it also supports regulatory compliance.

With the right system, businesses can work more efficiently, make data-driven decisions and improve overall business operations.

Two people sat at a desk working

How to use asset tracking

  • Install tracking devices – Attach GPS asset tracking devices to your equipment. Install and hide these compact, battery-powered devices to prevent tampering.
  • Connect to software – Integrate the devices with Kinesis Pro, our user-friendly asset tracking software.
  • Monitor in real time – Access live location data, usage reports and maintenance schedules to manage assets efficiently.
  • Set up alerts – Customize notifications for unauthorized movements, maintenance reminders and other key updates to improve asset management.

Ways businesses utilize asset tracking

Trailers

Businesses use asset tracking tools to monitor trailers in outdoor environments. Tracking asset movement helps optimize use, improve inventory tracking and reduce upfront costs.

Stationary excavator

Construction equipment

Tracking larger assets like excavators and machinery improves security and ensures proper management of assets across multiple sites. It also helps businesses track maintenance history and extend equipment's entire lifecycle.

Agricultural equipment

Farms track tractors, harvesters and other machines to prevent theft and improve efficiency. Real-time updates help farmers make informed decisions about equipment use and asset maintenance.

Company vehicles

Businesses track a fleet of vehicles to monitor usage, optimize routes and reduce fuel costs. Real-time visibility improves power efficiency, boosts productivity and makes vehicles available when needed.

Asset tracking software

Asset tracking software helps businesses monitor equipment, tools and vehicles. It tracks asset locations, usage and maintenance needs, improving efficiency and reducing costs. 

Key features include: 

  • Real-time tracking – See asset locations instantly. 
  • Usage monitoring – Tracks asset use and timing. 
  • Maintenance scheduling – Plan upkeep to extend asset lifespan. 
  • Lifecycle management – Manage assets from purchase to disposal. 

Asset tracking software prevents lost items, improves security and helps businesses make smarter decisions. Radius offers advanced asset tracking solutions with real-time insights and easy-to-use tools. 

This software helps businesses track key assets, prevent loss and view real-time locations. RFID tracking monitors assets, WiFi networks provide connectivity and businesses gain insight into asset use. An efficient asset management system reduces costs, protects critical assets and improves decision-making. Radius offers advanced tools that simplify tracking and maximize investment. 

Why choose asset tracking from Radius

Radius offers a reliable asset management tool with real-time location data to improve security and asset management solutions. Our durable tracking devices withstand harsh environments and connect through WiFi, cellular and low-power networks for strong signals.

With our user-friendly software, businesses track assets, reduce costs and maximize return on investment. Choose Radius for a trusted asset-tracking method that protects assets and boosts efficiency.

Partnership

Why choose Radius?

With 34+ years of experience and 400,000 customers, Radius offers robust asset tracking software solutions. Our real-time location systems help asset managers track high-value equipment, optimize asset usage and reduce costs. Our tools improve fleet, medical and heavy equipment tracking, lowering costs and increasing efficiency.