The key to getting the most benefit from your mobile asset tracking system is to invest in a long-term solution that adjusts according to the needs of your business –now and in the future. 

When choosing a mobile tracking app, there are certain factors to consider, like scalability, customization, and reliability. 

What You Should Consider for Mobile Asset Tracking

As with all electronic devices, there are hardware issues that can negatively affect productivity. The two main causes are battery power and signal. If the battery of a field employee’s mobile device battery is drained, how are they able to access what they need? Or, if a field employee is working on a site in a rural area with spotty signal service, how can they access the data? Is there a way? Is the solution reliable?

On the other hand, the solution should also be able to grow with you, so you don’t have to train employees on something new every time something changes in your business. Say, you’re a small business wanting to track your inventory for example. While there are many benefits for small businesses to track their assets, it’s also important to think about your future needs. Can the software be scaled up to accommodate growth and the addition of more inventory? 

The same applies to accessibility and users on the mobile app. As your business grows, so will your team. How many more users can the app handle? Can it be easily controlled and customized to your needs? 

Types of Mobile Asset Tracking 

The best part about using a mobile app is you don’t have to worry about hiring teams or using resources to monitor your assets. Instead, you can do it all from your mobile device. 

However, to make mobile asset tracking work, your system needs to operate with specific tracking technology. And there’s a lot to choose from based on what you’re tracking: 

• Global Positioning System (GPS) –Most commonly used in fleet management and with delivery companies. 
• Barcodes –Used to track consumer goods, inventory, and goods in production. The cheapest option on the market. 
• QR codes –Suitable option for security-related mobile assets. Can help prevent counterfeiting in the supply chain industry. 
• Bluetooth –Used for low-range connection and short distances. Ideal for indoor use. 
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) –Commonly used in materials management for industries like construction and manufacturing. 

Picking the best technology and features for your company depends on your tracking requirements.

Mobile App Features to Look For 

Mobile apps should be easy to use. Period. Here are some key features you should consider in your mobile asset tracking app. 

• See & Share Locations: So you can easily see where trackers are from your location, and quickly be able to share to other devices. 
• Multiple Map Views: So you can see different views of the tracker map based on your own needs and preferences. 
• Trigger-Based Alerts: So you can set up your own alerts based on boundaries you set for your trackers, so you know when something moves. 
• Customizable Notifications: So you can stay up-to-date with customizable notifications so you can focus on what you need to and cut out the noise. 
• Camera/QR Scanner: So you can productively manage a large number of trackers without having to type in anything.

Key Features on Spytec’s Mobile App

Live Map –Shows your current location on your mobile and/or GPS device. Allows you to see how far you are from trackers, making it a great feature for theft recovery. 

Follow Mode –Gives you an overhead view to follow a tracker, as well as 3D rendering of buildings. Get all the context you need with tracker status, tracker location, and see things around it etc. so you know exactly where it is. 

Mobile Asset Tracking Use Cases for Every Industry

No matter your type of business, you can benefit from mobile asset tracking just like these businesses. Here are just a few examples. 

Use Case 1 –Retail 

A retail business uses mobile asset tracking to track their inventory –from distribution centers and warehouses to in-store. More specifically, they use it to track and recover inventory from theft. A mobile app allows them to easily locate their trackers and get directions from their current location on their mobile device, allowing for a quick recovery. 

Use Case 2 –Equipment Rentals

A rental company that rents out commercial and industrial heavy machinery uses boundaries and mobile asset tracking to know exactly where all their assets and equipment are at any given time.

Use Case 3 –Rentals

A rental company that rents out supercars and other high-end vehicles to celebrities uses mobile asset tracking to monitor customer use and safety via speed alerts. They love the peace of mind when it comes to theft protection.

Use Case 4 –Construction

A construction company that uses hardwired trackers leverages mobile asset tracking, live maps, and boundaries to make sure heavy machinery is not stolen or misused on the job. 

Interested in leveraging a mobile app for asset tracking for your business? Reach out to our team. We’re happy to walk you through it and provide you with an in-depth demo of our own mobile asset tracking app. Please reach out to us here.