IoT trackers provides effective asset location and management

2 mins read

Electronic test equipment specialist Electro Rent has launched a high-performance, easy-to-use IoT tracker, that will help businesses track test and measurement assets across their field services.

The device is intended for any company that currently finds itself spending too much time and money trying to find misplaced or stolen assets.

Part of Electro Rent’s asset optimisation services, the tracker monitors the locations of assets and communicates back to Electro Rent’s LEO asset optimisation software (powered by Oracle Cloud). Users can see, in real-time, where their T&M assets are anywhere in the world.

The service, which uses IoT technology, is available now to all Electro Rent customers, with a growing number of telecoms operators/subcontractors, power installers and industrial subcontractors among the early adopters.

Notably, integrated device communication facilitates data transmission over the phone network. Electro Rent’s IoT tracker quickly reads the location of any lost or stolen assets via three different methods, selecting the best approach based on the user’s location. The device reads the location of test and measurement assets by using: GPS satellites with 5 to 10m accuracy; the location associated with any nearby Wi-Fi HubSpot or Wi-Fi router with 5 to 20m accuracy; or the mobile phone network within 100m accuracy."

By using an integral accelerometer, a trigger alarm feature on the IoT tracker allows easy monitoring following any movement events. Users can view and track asset movement trails on a map with their cloudbased LEO online account. The technology also permits users to zero-in on assets with filters by depot, category, model and date.

Aside from asset location and tracking, Electro Rent’s IoT tracker provides many additional benefits, including the potential to optimise the valuable time of field service engineers. Furthermore, businesses can use the device to identify both in-demand and underused assets, improving utilisation or prompting investment/disposal opportunities at the right time. It can also assist in insurance claims when assets are lost.

The IoT data is accessible via the company’s software as a service (SaaS) from anywhere in the world via the user’s cloud-based LEO online account. There is no requirement for local software installation, or for readers in depots or vans. The SaaS embeds the latest OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) cybersecurity standards via a web browser, removing the need for internal integration or IT costs.

This ultra-portable, compact device has been designed to withstand harsh working environments. Various power options are offered including 3xAA alkaline batteries, Li rechargeable battery offering up to four years of service between charges or Li rechargeable battery with optional solar panel for potentially unlimited battery life.

Electro Rent’s bespoke ERP integration service with internal IT systems is available on request.