How IoT Asset Tracking and RFID Work as a Hybrid Solution
Asset tracking is about the exchange of information, where the technology collects data, transfers it, and then stores it for later reporting. These systems can be used to track a wide range of business assets, including inventory, vehicles, equipment, containers and even people.
IoT has made asset tracking solutions so much more adaptable, accurate and efficient that now the long-term benefits of the software outweigh any initial cost and adoption.
In the digital era, asset tracking uses data to track business equipment. With the help of technologies like IoT, asset tracking provides more small business benefits, like GPS tracking, such as when employees are using tools and equipment in the field. Asset tracking using IoT uses cloud solutions, sensors and other IoT devices to track the location and status of business assets in real time.
What is IoT?
In asset tracking, the Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology that uses different sensors to transmit specific data through an internet connection. The main elements of the IoT are devices and cloud platforms. Devices are sensors that send data flow continuously to device data aggregation systems used for data pre-processing, and secure connection to the cloud platform.
What is RFID?
By now you know that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is the technology that uses an electromagnetic field to track and identify assets through implanted tags.
The primary components of RFID include a radio receiver, a radio transponder, and a transmitter that uses a special antenna with a 1-100 meter range.
If RFID technologies allow you to track items using unique tags attached to them, barcodes let you identify RFID sensors even if they are not in the line of your sight.
How RFID differs from IoT in Asset Tracking
Businesses use RFID and IoT technologies to identify and track assets, objects and even people.
- RFID utilizes an electromagnetic field for data transmission.
- IoT sensors and the whole system work according to a particular machine-to-machine communication method.
The main difference between RFID and IoT regarding asset tracking is that the IoT technology allows your company to track objects in real-time using a network connection, while the RFID approach is limited. Businesses can use RFID technology primarily for inventory tracking or access control using RFID readers to know where the tagged asset is located.
RFID and IoT Asset Tracking
Check out some of the main features of RFID and IoT for asset tracking.
RFID Asset Tracking
Main features:
- Ability to transfer data within 1-100 meters using an electromagnetic field. You can track tagged objects even if they are not in the line of sight.
- Tags contain and transmit information about an asset where they were implanted.
- Capability to read multiple tags at once.
Benefits of RFID Capabilities
- Longevity of devices. The lifespan of RFID tags varies from one year to decades.
- Small size of tags. Sizes of tags various sizes and inches in size.
- Tag’s radio signature is small. The amount of data stored in an RFID tag is concise enough for asset tracking.
IoT’s Asset Tracking
Main features:
- IoT sensors transfer data 24/7 to the cloud, placed a few miles from your business headquarters.
- Capable in various distances and spaces.
- Ability to analyze vast amounts of data for integration into other systems.
Additional Benefits with IoT Capabilities
- Data accuracy increases. IoT asset tracking allows you to receive up-to-date information to make strategic decisions.
- Asset visibility enhancements. Track equipment, goods, or even people in real-time.
- Operations improvements. IoT systems ease asset tracking so you can use them more efficiently.
- Anti-theft protection. Employees can see equipment, tools, or other assets 24/7
- Downtime prevention. Efficient asset monitoring using IoT helps you optimize equipment usage and prevent breakdowns or shutdowns.
Use RFID and IoT as a hybrid solution
There are many benefits to asset tracking with IoT. The first benefit is that it’s more adaptable. IoT asset tracking solutions are now so much more adaptable that the long-term benefits of the software outweigh any initial cost and adoption.
Integrate RFID tags and IoT into your asset tracking systems for increased reliability and efficiency. By talking to one of our IoT Asset Tracking experts, you can learn more about how IoT works and the benefits it can bring to your business.