Use Tracking Systems to Keep Tabs on Your Most Valuable Assets

What is a Tracking System?

Tracking, generally speaking, is a system that observes people or objects that are on the move. A sophisticated system will then report these sequences of movement and data location.

Tracking System Within a Virtual Space Arena

A tracking system within a virtual space context is where the system is dynamic (in other words, transmitting real time information) transmitting the tracked objects co-ordinates data to a human observer.

Tracking Systems in the ‘real’ World

There is a whole array of tracking system in the real world, some of which people may not realise they are using.

Take a bar code for example; these are considered a lag time indicator. This transmits tracking data after a certain point is passed. This can applied in a warehousing situation or other retail applications, and can form part of a sophisticated system that keeps track of stock levels of products etc.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

GPS is a tracking system that has increasingpossibilities in its application. GPS offers real time or ‘near real time’ data information. This transmits data to the central processing source that gives virtually constant updates on the positioning or location of a person or an object.

These two systems can be combined; the bar code can alert the tracking system that the parcel, for example has left the warehouse. The GPS tracking system on both vehicle and the parcel barcode data transmission means that the current location and estimated time of arrival of the parcel can be transmitted to a central processing system. This system is popular with consumers who can keep track of their longed-for parcel!

Tracking Systems Applications

As we have seen tracking systems have their uses in distribution and warehousing. They can also be used in other sophisticated applications such as keeping track of valuable, moving assets.

There are also fleet management applications of tracking systems; many vans, lorries and company cars have GPS devices fitted to vehicles etc. and their location and use can be reliably tracked. Larger companies also use tracking systems for use on ships, containers etc. – anything that is moveable and valuable.

Social media and other technology applications also utilise tracking system that are ever-increasing in sophistication, often without the user being aware. Tracking systems can also be found on mobile phones, and not just of the GPS type system. Locationbasedservices (LBS) is a term used within the telecommunications industry. GPS signals can still be lost indoors and these LBS based systems do not need ‘line of sight’ to communicate (in other words, a series of tall buildings may block the GPS signal).

Any tracking system, at the end of the day, no matter who is using it or why they are using it, is a system that needs to work  - the basic requirements being locating their item, product or vehicle or find out where they are! One tracking system on its own may not be sufficient and a company may need to consider combining tracking system to give the best service and data to match their requirements. In this sense, the ‘one size fits all’ approach may not work.