Tracking Devices: The One for All

There are many different kinds of tracking devices, each serving a significant function. These smart technologies are everywhere, and a common factor is how they make our lives easier. 

‍Cartrack offers vehicle and asset tracking for various industries such as transportation, construction and agriculture. Let’s look at how this interesting technology works.

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In this article, you will:

• Understand what a tracking device is

• See the different kinds of tracking devices and their functions

• Learn how an IoT device connects with other devices

• Find out how Cartrack solutions cater to your tracking needs

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What is a tracking device, and what does it do? 

A tracking device is exactly what the name says: an electronic device that helps you monitor the location of an object or person. There are many different types of tracking technology, all depending on what you need them for. 

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Knowledge is power: understand the different types of tracking technology

To help you understand the different types of tracking technology and how each one works, here are some examples of the most commonly used tracking systems:

• Radio Frequency Identification: Also known as RFID, this is an asset-tracking technology that uses radio waves to track assets equipped with tags. It requires three main components to work: a reader, an antenna and a tag. The tag is connected to the antenna, which sends and receives radio signals from the reader. 
  This sort of device is used in various industries such as retail, manufacturing, and healthcare for inventory management or access control. In the fleet management industry, RFID technology is used for driver identification.
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• Near-field communication: This one has turned many shopaholics because you don’t have to think twice. All you need to do is tap your phone or credit card, and voila, payment is done! NRC technology is another form of RFID and is found on most smartphones. Over the years, this has become very popular due to the modern-day demand for contactless payment systems. This sort of technology only works when devices are in very close proximity to each other.
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• Barcode:  This is an easy and effective way for businesses to track data related to inventory or physical assets. All that’s needed is a barcode label and a reader. It enhances the accuracy of the inventory management process and is a must-have for last-mile deliveries or tracking shipments. 
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• WiFi: Wi-Fi-based asset tracking uses an existing Wi-Fi network to track the location of vehicles or equipment that are indoors or frequently travel in and outdoors, where signals may have trouble passing through. Examples are refrigerated trucks and warehouse inventory.
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• GPS tracking: Short for Global Positioning System, GPS is one of the most well-known and widely-used forms of tracking technology. It is a constellation of 31 satellites orbiting the Earth, with each satellite emitting signals that enable receivers, through a combination of signals from at least four satellites, to determine time and location. GPS technology is used on cell phones and other devices for navigation but has many other benefits such as the real-time location of vehicles and other assets such as a generator.
   
• Geofence: Geofencing is based on either GPS or RFID systems. The only difference is that it does not consistently report location data but rather uses location data to set up invisible boundaries in an actual geographical area. When an object moves into or out of the virtual fence, a violation is reported through a transmitter. 
  This kind of technology can be used to mark no-go areas, or you can put it around the workplace to let people know when vehicles enter or leave the building.
   

• Cellular: This particular system can work with GPS but mostly relies on the presence of cellular towers to transmit location and asset information. Although not as effective as GPS, the system takes advantage of existing cell towers, which can be helpful for fleet management and equipment monitoring in remote areas.
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• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): A Bluetooth low asset tracker is a wireless solution that combines location accuracy and effective battery usage. BLE tags or beacons are attached to assets and Bluetooth-enabled devices like smartphones or getaways to give real-time updates on the location of equipment that is used. It helps track equipment within a restricted distance, typically reaching a maximum of 100 meters, which can be found in the construction and agricultural industries. 

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The IoT device, or should we call it the One-For-All?

Imagine some of the powerful tracking systems mentioned above working with one unit to give you the best accuracy on the location of your vehicles and equipment, as well as data that will help you make better decisions. You don't have to imagine, actually, because that's basically what an IoT device does.

Formally known as the Internet of Things, IoT devices are specialised hardware such as sensors, actuators, and appliances that connect to wireless networks to collect and exchange data.  They access the Internet via a physical area network such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS or cellular connectivity and can be installed in vehicles or assets for every major industry. 

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Tracking device solutions and equipment for individuals and fleets—the Cartrack way

Now that you know how all these devices work, here’s how Cartrack uses them to simplify your daily work and home routines:  

• Stolen Vehicle Recovery:
  Cartrack has a recovery rate of more than 90% and over 2 million subscribers, so you can rest assured that our tracking unit will give your vehicle the security it needs. Our highly-trained air and ground recovery team is always on standby, ready to return what’s rightfully yours.
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• CarWatch:
  As an extra layer of security, you can switch on CarWatch on your mobile app right after you’ve parked your car. You'll be alerted if it moves. Think of it as your virtual car guard.
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• Protector:
  Vehicle tracking technology does not just end up finding your car when it has been stolen. Sometimes, you just need other services like roadside or medical assistance. At the push of a button on your Cartrack mobile app or website, a call centre agent will contact you immediately and get you the assistance you need.
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• Geofence:
  Using Cartrack's geofencing feature, you can set virtual fences around areas of your choice. This feature alerts you whenever your vehicle enters or exits the area and works not only for vehicles but also for other equipment fitted with tracking devices. If your machinery suddenly grows feet and “walks out” of the geofenced premises, you’ll get an alert, too. 
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• Asset tracking:
  Know where exactly your equipment is at all times using Cartrack’s asset track feature. With this feature, you will receive real-time alerts whenever a fault code is set off or when your machinery needs servicing.
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• Temperature monitoring:
  Keep your refrigerated cargo fresh with our temperature monitoring solutions. These sensors give you immediate alerts when temperature changes in refrigerated trucks or trailers so that cargo such as food and pharmaceuticals can reach its destination in perfect condition.
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• Driver ID tags:
  Cartrack’s DID tags use RFID technology to help you immediately identify who drove which vehicle. You can ensure only authorised operators use your machinery, or only authorised drivers use those particular vehicles. This feature also allows you to monitor driving habits so you can see who needs more coaching.
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• Delivery:
  Our delivery software helps streamline operations for you and your drivers. It allows you to find the best order to complete tasks to reduce fuel expenses and track delivery progress in real time. Customers are also notified of any changes that might occur.

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Trust the industry leaders of tracking technology—trust Cartrack Zimbabwe

We could go on and on about the many benefits of tracking technology because, with Cartrack Zimbabwe, the list is endless. Just contact us to find out more. 

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Let’s answer some FAQs

• Which one is the best tracker in South Africa?
  Cartrack holds the highest trust rating on Hello Peter among all tracking companies in South Africa. With an outstanding stolen vehicle recovery rate of over 90%, Cartrack proudly holds the highest SVR rating in South Africa.
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• Where can I find tracking devices on cars?
  For safety reasons, the location of a tracking device is never disclosed, not even to the person driving.
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• How much does it cost to have a tracker fitted to your car?
  A Cartrack device costs as little as R99 per month and comes with free installation.

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Stay on track with Cartrack Zimbabwe. Contact us today.