This allows you to remotely track physical assets using IoT software and hardware. It is crucial to monitor IoT assets in order to provide real-time information about details such as the asset's location and status. The manager can also be notified in the event that an event fails.
Remote asset monitoring is useful in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and others.
Technologies Involved in Asset Monitoring
Many technologies are capable of powering asset monitoring solutions, mainly through data transmission. Each option comes with its own unique features that can be tailored to specific needs and track different types of assets.
These are just a few of the technologies available:
RFID
RFID tags are used in warehousing and retail to track high-value assets OT Monitoring. RFID systems use radio frequency signals to exchange messages. There are two types of asset tracking: passive and active.
Active
Active RFID systems use batteries-powered tags that rely on Bluetooth beacons for real-time data broadcasting and reading. While active RFIDs are more costly than passive tags, they have a wider read range.
Passive
Passive tags that are battery-free have readers that transmit signals back to an antenna that then sends them back to the readers. This technology can provide theft protection and asset visibility in near real-time.
GPS
Another important IoT remote asset tracking technology is GPS. It uses receivers to automatically collect asset data sent by satellites. These satellites can define the specific features of these systems, making them ideal for outdoor OT monitoring or tracking. GPS works well in open terrain but is less efficient in densely populated areas or forested areas.
GPS is a great tool for tracking vehicles and other assets in remote or outdoor areas.
GPS can also use telematics devices for additional information such as mileage and fuel consumption.
Barcodes and QR codes
These tags are attached to items and require an electronic scanner to be read. Barcodes and QR codes may be related but they have different capacities and flexibility.
QR codes can be read from all angles and are two-dimensional. QR codes can transmit more information than barcodes.
Barcodes like the ones on your supermarket loyalty cards should be scanned horizontally.
These technologies can be used for manual scanning at low volumes.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi remote asset tracking uses radio waves and local wireless networks to broadcast asset data and keep track in real-time. These systems are easy to set up and cost-effective because they use a standard network infrastructure.
This has the downside of being less secure and out of reach without Wi-Fi coverage.
IoT Asset Monitoring has Many Benefits
Extended Asset Life
Asset monitoring software monitors an asset's location, performance, and condition via IoT sensors. This allows managers to determine if the asset works properly, or if it requires repair or replacement. This information can help reduce downtime and prolong the asset's life.
Prediction of Asset Failure
Preventive measures that are timely and cost-effective can be crucial in any industry to reduce production costs, asset maintenance costs, and improve asset efficiency. Asset monitoring solutions are able to analyze operations patterns, detect anomalies, and predict potential equipment failure.
These details can be used to ensure equipment runs smoothly with little to no downtime.
Maintenance, Scheduling, and Tracking
Asset monitoring software allows you to schedule maintenance based upon the most recent check-up time and performance metrics such as mileage or service life. You can also set up email notifications or SMS reminders.
Analytics of Asset Data
Managers can create asset reports and analyze the equipment performance to reduce downtime and optimize work schedules.