Over the past decade, we’ve all seen how asset tracking technologies helped businesses monitor and manage their resources. For many organizations, asset tracking began with simple barcode labels and inventory sheets. Today, these asset tracking tags are being deployed in all kinds of objects, bringing unprecedented visibility and seamless monitoring – all while becoming more cost-effective and energy-efficient.
From logistics to healthcare and more, tracking tags confer a huge array of capabilities to the sectors in which they are deployed. In this post, we’ll explore what might be the most crucial decision in implementing an asset tracking system – choosing the right type of asset tracking tags for your specific needs.
What is an asset tracking tag
An asset tracking tag is a device or identifier attached to physical assets to monitor their location. These compact devices leverage wireless technologies to transmit their location and other data to the tracking system.
Simply put, it consists of a physical marker—like a barcode, RFID chip, BLE chip, or GPS sensor—that enables real-time detection of an asset’s whereabouts and condition as it moves through facilities or supply chains. These tags generate continuous location data that provides instant visibility into asset movements and usage.
Asset tags enable the connection between physical items and digital tracking systems by creating an identification bridge between tagged items and the business managing them. In theory, asset tagging technology allows businesses to automate inventory processes and enhance asset lifecycle management for both fixed infrastructure assets (like buildings, road signs, and machinery) and moveable assets (such as computers, furniture, and equipment).
Technologies behind asset tracking tags
In today’s market, a wide range of asset tracking technologies are available. There is no one-size-fits-all choice for IoT asset tracking needs. Some technologies are specifically developed for indoor positioning like UWB, and some only work outdoors like GPS. Let’s examine the primary technologies that power modern asset tracking tags:
Barcode and QR code
Barcode and QR code technologies offer basic asset tracking solutions through machine-readable patterns. Traditional barcodes require specialized readers; however the QR code can be read using any smartphone and stores more data. Despite this, neither technology permits automated tracking and both require line-of-sight scanning and manual involvement.
RFID Tagging
RFID technology exists in two forms: passive tags activated by reader signals within a few meters, and battery-powered active tags broadcasting over longer distances. The active tags have a larger range but are more expensive.
RFID’s major advantage is that tags can be hidden for invisible tracking; however, RFID chips alone cannot provide visual identification between identical items. Despite its tracking capabilities, RFID comes up against cost obstacles in widespread adoption.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Beacons
BLE beacon technology operates through small wireless transmitters that broadcast signals to nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices. Though battery-powered like active RFID, beacons consume less power and are more cost-effective. The technology offers real-time location tracking and can leverage existing WiFi infrastructure.
It is a preferred choice for many asset tracking applications. These small wireless BLE tags can be attached to virtually anything. More and more companies use BLE tracking for asset management due to the low cost and low power consumption.
- BLE asset tracking tags provide:
- Battery life of up to several years
- Range of up to 100 meters
- Real-time location tracking capabilities
- Smartphone compatibility
- Additional sensor data collection (temperature, humidity, motion)
UWB (Ultra-Wideband) Technology
UWB technology is at the forefront of precise indoor positioning offering centimeter-level accuracy. UWB tags cost more than BLE beacons, but they have higher positional accuracy and prove less susceptible to signal interference. The technology enables real-time 3D location tracking; the downside is that it requires dedicated infrastructure and faces higher deployment costs. Despite the accuracy advantages of UWB, its adoption is still limited to some high-value asset tracking scenarios.
GPS Tracking
GPS tagging is best suited in cases where assets are primarily moved outdoors since GPS works best in direct sight of the sky. GPS tags are, thus, usually installed on vehicles. The main benefit of GPS tagging is that the company can find out where the asset is at any given time.
The industry that uses GPS tracking the most is the logistics industry (which uses GPS devices to track which delivery vehicles are on route and when the packages in the vehicle will reach their destination) – due to the fact that the consequences of inefficient route planning are significant.
Interestingly, asset tracking solutions often employ hybrid technology implementations. For instance, combining BLE with GPS provides broad coverage and precise location capabilities. The final choice of technology depends on specific real-world situations.
Asset tracking tags comparison table
| Technology | Barcode/QR Code | RFID | BLE Beacons | UWB | GPS |
| Range | Direct line of sight | Passive 1-5m
Active up to 100m |
Up to 100 meters | 10-50 meters | Global (outdoor only) |
| Accuracy | Very High (when scanned) | High | Medium (1-3m) | Very High (cm-level) | Medium (5-10m) |
| Power Source | None | Passive:Reader-powered
Active: Battery |
Battery (Up to 5 years) | Battery (1-3 years) | Battery (Up to 10 years) |
| Ease of Implementation | Very Easy:
•Simple setup •Minimal training |
Moderate:
•Requires reader placement •Staff training needed |
Easy:
•Works with existing WiFi •Simple setup |
Complex:
•Requires precise setup •Technical expertise needed |
Easy:
•No local infrastructure •Ready to use |
| Tag Cost | Very Low ($0.01-0.05) | •Passive: $0.10-1
•Active: $10-50 |
Low ($5-30) | High ($30-200) | Medium ($20-100) |
| Implementation Cost | Low | High | Moderate | Very High | Low-Moderate |
| Primary Use Cases | •Inventory management
•Product identification •Document tracking |
•Warehouse management
•Supply chain tracking •Access control |
•Indoor asset tracking
•Personnel tracking •Environmental monitoring |
•High-value asset tracking
•Precision manufacturing •Safety applications |
•Vehicle tracking
•Logistics •Outdoor equipment |
What are the uses for asset tracking tags
Today, asset tracking tags are being used in numerous IoT-based solutions across a variety of real-world scenarios. Let’s look at some of the most popular use cases of asset tracking tags in some major sectors.
- Healthcare: Asset tracking tags powered by IoT technologies are increasingly being used in medical equipment tracking. Hospitals have access to real-time data from tracking tags attached to devices, beds and critical supplies. Asset tags are also used in medication storage conditions monitoring.
- Transport: Transportation companies are integrating asset tracking tags to monitor shipments and intervene when they sense security breaches. Asset tracking tags capture data about location, temperature and shock, transmitting these complex datasets efficiently. These devices enable fleet management, container monitoring, cold chain verification and vehicle tracking.
- Warehouse: Asset tracking systems are vital in today’s warehouses since they exist for managing inventory and optimizing storage space. It’s more and more common to find combinations of Barcode, RFID, and BLE in warehouses. These asset tracking tags help monitor valuable equipment and machinery while ensuring better inventory control and streamlined operations.
- Facility Management: Asset tracking tags are valuable tools for streamlining the work of facility managers, in addition to reducing operational costs by reducing or eliminating the inefficiencies resulting from manual asset monitoring.
- Education: In educational environments, asset tracking primarily focuses on protecting valuable resources. Schools use asset tags to track everything from laptops and tablets to specialized laboratory equipment to prevent loss and ensure availability for students and staff. The tagging devices also help manage library resources and shared educational materials.
- Hospitality: The hospitality industry applies tracking tags to enhance guest experiences while improving operational efficiency. Hotels track luggage carts, cleaning equipment, and furniture to maintain service quality and inventory levels. Large resorts particularly benefit from tracking systems to manage their extensive inventory of recreational equipment and guest amenities.
How can you get started with IoT asset tagging
The evolution of asset tracking technologies has dramatically transformed how organizations monitor and manage their resources. Modern IoT asset tracking tags offer unprecedented visibility, with BLE tracking providing an accessible entry point for businesses seeking to modernize infrastructure. BLE asset tags offer two compelling advantages: low power consumption and minimal cost.
Getting started typically involves a straightforward process:
– Select BLE-compatible tags that match your specific asset types
– Install a network of gateways
– Implement a cloud-based tracking software.
Many asset tracking solutions now provide plug-and-play systems. Even small to medium-sized businesses can deploy sophisticated tracking with minimal infrastructure investment.
The low power consumption and affordability of BLE tags allow companies to start with a pilot program, tracking critical assets to demonstrate technology value before wider rollout. This strategic approach unlocks asset visibility with minimal risk.
Tracking made easy with MOKOSmart
BLE asset tracking becomes the go-to solution of businesses and gets more traction by both large and small business owners across industries. Even a few benefits of BLE tracking can help your warehouse logistics, healthcare management, or transportation fleet be more efficient, ultimately saving you both time and money.
MOKOSmart helps you track your business’s valuable assets across multiple sectors using advanced Bluetooth tracking technology. Contact us today, and let us help you optimize operations with our asset tracking devices for your specific needs.
