What Is Mobile Asset Tracking? What You Need to Know

Efficiently managing and monitoring assets, especially those on the move, can be challenging. Mobile asset tracking offers a dynamic solution to keep tabs on your valuable resources wherever they are. 

This article will dive into the key features of mobile asset tracking, explore its advantages, and provide insights on how to implement a mobile asset tracking system effectively. 

Whether you're dealing with vehicles, equipment, or other mobile assets, understanding this technology is essential for optimizing your asset management strategy.

Main Takeaways From This Article:

• Mobile asset tracking enables businesses to monitor and manage multiple assets using smartphones and other mobile devices.
• Key advantages include accurate updates, enhanced flexibility, improved data accuracy, and increased operational efficiency.
• Mobile asset tracking software offers features like effortless smartphone management, centralized integration, and secure data hosting.
• Implementing a mobile asset tracking system involves following best practices to ensure smooth integration.
• RedBeam’s mobile asset tracking solution enhances team responsiveness and operational efficiency, transforming asset management practices.

What Is Mobile Asset Tracking?

Mobile asset tracking uses smartphones and other mobile devices to monitor and manage assets on the go from multiple locations. This technology lets businesses monitor their key asset data, fixed assets, mobile assets, asset tags, inventory, equipment, and property, providing updates anytime, anywhere. It enhances asset management by knowing your valuable assets' location, status, and condition.

How Mobile Asset Tracking Works

Mobile asset tracking harnesses GPS technology and wireless communication to monitor and manage assets. Here's how this technology works to track and manage data: 

• Data Capture: Instantly log asset location and status.
• Cloud Integration: Synchronization with centralized systems for data accessibility.
• Barcode Scanning: Quick identification and status updates through mobile apps.
• Customizable Fields: Adaptable tracking tailored to specific business needs.
• Tool Tracking: This is an essential component of asset tracking, providing visibility and control over valuable equipment across various locations.

Advantages of Mobile Asset Tracking

Mobile asset tracking offers numerous benefits that can revolutionize how businesses manage their resources. From accurate updates to enhanced security, there are plenty of advantages. Explore them in the section below.

1. Accurate Location Updates

Stay informed and make quicker, better decisions with pinpoint accuracy. Mobile asset tracking provides location updates, ensuring you know precisely where your assets are at all times. This accuracy helps reduce the risk of theft and loss, improving overall operational security and efficiency. 

2. Enhanced Flexibility and Accessibility

Access your asset data on the go and manage your operations easily and conveniently. With mobile asset tracking, you can access crucial asset information anywhere, anytime. This flexibility enhances decision-making processes, allowing managers to respond promptly to any situation. 

3. Improved Data Accuracy

Mobile asset tracking ensures data accuracy by automatically recording and updating asset information. This reduces human error and provides reliable data for informed decision-making. With accurate data, you can optimize asset management, ensuring efficiency and reliability in your operations.

4. Increased Operational Efficiency

Make your operations smoother and more effective with mobile asset tracking. You streamline your operations by implementing mobile asset tracking, which reduces manual tracking and administrative tasks. This increase in efficiency leads to better resource allocation, faster response times, and overall improved productivity. 

5. Streamlined Fixed Inventory Management

Keep your inventory organized and easily manageable with mobile asset tracking. Mobile asset tracking simplifies fixed inventory management by providing updates and precise tracking of assets. This streamlined approach reduces discrepancies, enhances inventory control, and ensures that assets are always accounted for. 

6. Cost Savings

Implementing mobile asset tracking can lead to significant cost savings by reducing losses, preventing theft, and optimizing asset utilization. Efficient asset management decreases operational costs and maximizes the return on investment. 

7. Better Asset Utilization

Optimize your asset usage and get the most out of your resources. Mobile asset tracking allows for better utilization of assets by providing insights into usage patterns and availability. This ensures that assets are used efficiently and not idle, improving overall productivity. 

8. Enhanced Security and Loss Prevention

Protect your valuable assets and maintain peace of mind with robust mobile asset tracking solutions. Mobile asset tracking enhances security by providing accurate monitoring and alerts for suspicious activities. This proactive approach helps prevent theft and loss, ensuring your assets are secure. 

Key Features of Mobile Asset Tracking Software

Discover the essential features that make mobile asset tracking software a powerful business tool. These capabilities facilitate seamless asset management, enhance operational efficiency, and provide invaluable insights at your fingertips. 

Let's explore these key functionalities.

Effortless Asset Management via Smartphone

Utilizing a smartphone for asset management simplifies various tasks, allowing you to work efficiently from anywhere. Here are some key features that make managing assets via smartphone effortless: 

• Accurate Updates: Instant access to asset information and location data.
• User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design that makes asset tracking straightforward.
• Easy Data Entry: Quickly update asset details with just a few taps.
• Mobile Notifications: Receive alerts and updates directly on your smartphone.
• Access Anytime, Anywhere: Always be connected to your asset data, no matter where you are.

Field Asset Tracking Efficiency

Field asset tracking efficiency is a key benefit of mobile asset tracking. It enables organizations to monitor assets even when they're in transit or located offsite. Here's how:

• Instant Access: Gain precise asset location and status data directly from your mobile device.
• Seamless Updates: Automatically sync asset information to the central database, ensuring accurate records.
• Reduced Downtime: Quickly locate and deploy necessary assets, minimizing time wasted searching for equipment.
• Improved Accountability: Track who handled the asset and its usage history for better oversight.

Compatibility With Mobile Scanners and Printers

One critical feature of mobile asset tracking is its compatibility with mobile scanners and printers. This integration simplifies the process of tagging, tracking, and managing assets efficiently, ensuring that data is captured accurately. 

Here's how:

• Easy Barcode Scanning: Using mobile scanners to scan barcodes reduces manual entry errors quickly.
• On-the-Go Printing: Connect mobile printers to print asset labels and tags directly from your device.
• Seamless Integration: Ensure that scanners and printers work harmoniously with your tracking software for smooth operations.

Centralized Asset Management Integration

Centralized asset management integration is vital for unifying various asset-tracking functions within a single platform. This feature ensures that all data is accessible and manageable in one place. Here's how:

• Single Dashboard: Access all asset data from one interface.
• Coordination Across Departments: Simplifies communication and data sharing among different teams.
• Unified Reporting: Generate comprehensive reports without data fragmentation.
• Integration with Existing Systems: Seamlessly connects with your current software and workflows.
• Data Consistency: Ensures up-to-date information across the organization.

Asset Tagging and Creation

Asset tagging and creation are fundamental components of mobile asset tracking. This process involves labeling assets with unique identifiers such as barcodes or QR codes, which can be easily scanned for quick entry and retrieval of asset information. 

Here's how:

• Barcode Generation: Create and assign barcodes to each asset for streamlined tracking.
• Custom Labels: Design and print custom labels that fit your specific asset tracking needs.
• Automated Tagging: Reduce manual errors by automating the tagging process.

Store & Forward Capability

Store and forward capability allows your mobile asset tracking system to retain data even when a network connection is unavailable, ensuring continuous operation and data integrity. Here's how:

• Continuous Operations: Maintain asset tracking without interruptions.
• Data Integrity: Prevent data loss during network outages.
• Seamless Synchronization: Automatically update the central database once reconnected.
• Enhanced Reliability: Ensure your asset tracking system remains functional in remote or network-challenged areas.

Smart Data Import

Smart data import enables seamless integration of existing data into your mobile asset tracking system. This feature ensures you can quickly and accurately transfer asset information without manual entry, saving time and reducing errors. 

Here's how:

• Effortless Data Transfer: Import large volumes of asset data efficiently.
• Compatibility: Supports various data formats like CSV, Excel, and more.
• Data Integrity: Automatic validation checks to ensure data accuracy.
• Quick Setup: Streamlines initial setup and ongoing data updates.

Custom Fields for Data Input

One of the standout features of mobile asset tracking is the ability to incorporate custom fields for data input, ensuring that the system caters to your specific needs. This flexibility enhances the management and categorization of assets, allowing for more precise tracking and reporting.

Here's how:

• Tailored Data: Customize fields to fit unique asset requirements.
• Improved Reporting: Generate detailed reports with relevant data points.
• Easy Integration: Custom fields integrate seamlessly with existing systems.
• Enhanced Flexibility: Adaptable to various industries and asset types.

Comprehensive Maintenance History

A comprehensive maintenance history is crucial for prolonging the lifespan of your assets and ensuring optimal performance. With mobile asset tracking, you can effortlessly access and update maintenance records, keeping your operations running smoothly. 

Here's how:

• Service Logs: Track every maintenance activity performed on each asset for complete transparency.
• Part Replacements: Monitor and log all part replacements to maintain asset efficiency.
• Inspection Records: Keep detailed records of all inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Role-Based Access Control

Role-based access control (RBAC) ensures that only authorized personnel can access specific features and data within the mobile asset tracking system. 

Here's how:

• Controlled Access: Assign permissions to user groups based on their roles.
• Enhanced Security: Prevent unauthorized access to sensitive asset information.
• Customizable Roles: Tailor roles to fit your organization’s hierarchy and needs.
• Accountability: Track user actions to maintain a clear usage log.

Secure Data Hosting

Secure data hosting is a crucial aspect of mobile asset tracking. It ensures that all information is protected and accessible only to authorized users. This helps maintain the integrity of your data and helps you comply with industry standards. 

Here's how it works:

• Data Encryption: All data is encrypted during transmission and storage.
• Regular Backups: Automated backups are conducted to prevent data loss.
• Access Control: Only authorized personnel can access sensitive information.
• Compliance: Adherence to industry regulations and standards for data protection.

Unlimited Location Tracking

Unlimited location tracking ensures you can monitor your assets across various locations, providing unparalleled visibility and control. This feature is crucial for businesses with assets spread across multiple sites. Here’s how it can benefit you:

• Comprehensive Visibility: Track assets in multiple locations seamlessly within your organization.
• Accurate Updates: Maintain precise records of asset locations, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
• Enhanced Security: Quickly identify and respond to any asset discrepancies or losses.
• Operational Efficiency: Optimize asset utilization and streamline processes by knowing the exact locations of your assets.

Unlimited location tracking ensures you can monitor your assets no matter where they are, providing unprecedented visibility and control. This feature is crucial for businesses with assets spread across various locations. 

Here’s how it can benefit you: 

• Global Visibility: Track assets in multiple geographies seamlessly.
• Accurate Updates: Receive instant location information, reducing downtime.
• Enhanced Security: Quickly identify and respond to any asset discrepancies or losses.
• Operational Efficiency: Optimize routes and reduce transportation costs by knowing precise asset locations.

How To Implement a Mobile Asset Tracking System

Implementing a mobile asset tracking system can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of your asset management processes. Here's an overview of the key steps involved, along with best practices and considerations to ensure smooth and effective implementation: 

• Assess Your Needs: Evaluate your organization's specific asset tracking requirements. Identify the types of assets, their locations, and the frequency of tracking needed.
• Choose the Right Software: Select mobile asset tracking software that meets your needs. Consider features such as precise updates, ease of use, and scalability. RedBeam’s mobile asset tracking capabilities are a great example of a robust solution.
• Plan and Strategize: Develop a comprehensive implementation plan. This should include timelines, budget considerations, stakeholder roles, and data migration strategies. Coordination among departments is crucial here.
• Perform a Pilot Test: Conduct a pilot test with a small group of users before a full-scale rollout. This helps identify potential challenges and refine the system for optimal performance.
• Train Your Team: Ensure your team is well-trained in how to use the new system. Provide hands-on training sessions and ensure that any questions or issues are addressed promptly.
• Tag Your Assets: Utilize barcodes or RFID tags for easy and efficient asset tracking. This helps in quick retrieval of asset information and smoother scanning processes.
• Integrate With Existing Systems: Ensure that the new mobile asset tracking system can integrate seamlessly with your existing enterprise systems, such as ERP or inventory management tools, for centralization.
• Monitor and Optimize: After implementation, continuously monitor the system’s performance. Gather user feedback and make necessary adjustments to improve efficiency and user experience.

Track Assets Easily With RedBeam

Mobile asset tracking is a game-changer for organizations that need to keep a close eye on their moving assets. By leveraging this technology, you can improve asset visibility, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce the risks associated with asset mismanagement.

RedBeam offers a comprehensive solution that complements mobile asset tracking perfectly. With RedBeam's intuitive interface and robust features such as mobile asset management, field asset tracking, and seamless integration with mobile scanners and printers, you can effortlessly add, update, and manage asset data from your smartphone. This integration ensures that you have complete visibility and control over your assets, no matter where they are.

Don't let your mobile assets go untracked. Experience the efficiency and accuracy that RedBeam brings to asset management. Try RedBeam today and take the first step towards optimizing your mobile asset tracking strategy.

Try it now, or schedule a demo.