Tracking technologies are an integral component of the current business environment, with multiple tracking techniques performing essential functions in many organizations’ business activities. Fieldwork, for instance, relies on real-time asset tracking to keep track of inventory across a more extensive area. The main types of tracking technologies include:
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
RFID is a tracking technology with multiple outdoor and indoor applications. The system requires two primary components to facilitate its operations: a scanner and an RFID tag. The RFID tag has a small chip that stores broadcast-related area guides information and an antenna that receives or sends radio signals. RFID communication utilizes multiple radio frequencies for the receipt and transmission of signals.
The RFID tags will absorb energy and detect the signal at a given frequency which is used when broadcasting a weak response. The approach helps in tracking objects within a smaller radius of scanning devices. An RFID tag allows one to secure expensive merchandise in a retail setting. The technology has been utilized in industrial applications, including supply chain management, where RFID tags get attached to items in the logistics processes for efficient tracking in the supply chain.
Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
GPS is the most popular mode of tracking technology. The technology is revolutionary and utilizes a network of complex algorithms and satellites to establish the exact location of objects with enhanced accuracy. Trackers in GPS systems are installed in various forms of GPS devices. The trackers communicate with satellites routinely when comparing signals to establish the location of an object within a few meters of the actual area in real time.
Advancements in GPS technology have made it possible to have even more accurate location information. This evolution underscores the importance of choosing the best GPS app to navigate efficiently, leveraging the latest in precision tracking for optimal route planning and navigation.
These advancements have paved the way for road users to report traffic jams and accidents anonymously on Waze AAP. The technology allows road users to report numerous traffic-related incidents ranging from police traps to accidents to help other road users make favorable decisions, including avoiding the accident area entirely.
Cellphone Triangulation
Cellphone triangulation technology has close similarities to GPS tracking. It’s often built on the concept that service providers and authorities can track your device’s location even if your gadget doesn’t have tracking capabilities, including GPS. Service providers utilize your cell phone signal to analyze the source’s tower signal strength, assuming that the tower emitting the strongest signal is closest to your gadget’s location. The technology allows your service provider to estimate the location of your device using this information. Cellphone triangulation may not be as effective as GPS and other technologies. Still, it’s helpful when there are no available tracking methods and in regions where signals are weak and cell towers are relatively far apart.
Internet Tracking
Internet tracking serves a specific purpose and aids in recovering and tracking stolen computing devices, including laptops. The tracking technology gets integrated into the computing device’s BIOS during the manufacturing process, and you can activate it by accessing the BIOS menu settings. Activating the feature enables the device to relay location data in the form of wireless data or an IP address to a central server that helps recover stolen or lost gadgets through triangulation.
Radio Tracking
Radio tracking relies on RFID technology and utilizes radio signals to obtain location-based data. The main difference is that radio trackers have an inbuilt power source which improves the signal’s range that it transmits, whereas RFID tags operate on an external power source. The transmitted data is directional, indicating that you can approximate the location of the object being tracked via triangulation or signal strength estimation. Marine biologists utilize this technology when assessing wild animals’ eating patterns, health, or behaviors.
Geofencing
Geofencing is a passive technology that utilizes either RFID or GPS systems. Contrary to other technologies, this technology doesn’t provide consistent location data. It uses a receiver instead to establish the current location of objects within a particular range based on the location data from multiple radio scanners and GPS devices utilizing RFID technology. If the object being tracked relocates outside a designated location, an alarm will report a violation via the transmitter. The technology finds its application in warehouses which helps monitor gadgets that leave the building. Inverse applications are also utilized, including manufacturing settings where an alarm will sound off when an unauthorized person enters a restricted area.
Near Field Communication (NFC)
NFC is a passive RFID technology that often finds its way into modern smartphones. Its popularity is increasing thanks to its contactless payment systems and its use in contemporary ticketing. The technology is inexpensive to implement, energy efficient, and highly accurate. Its glaring weakness is apparent since it functions only when gadgets are four inches apart, limiting its use even in indoor applications.
Wi-Fi Location Tracking
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) antennas help capture radio waves originating from our mobile phones and cover a maximum range of 100,000 square feet. The MAC address helps identify each device and may represent a single client. The output data often depends on the active activation of Wi-Fi features and the client’s phone. Wi-Fi technology has continually gained popularity as a reliable tool for tracking people. It is cost-effective and easy to deploy, especially for more extensive venues, including stadiums and shopping centers. Most users utilize this technology to access social media and emails on the go.
Tracking technology helps track lost items and those in transit in real time. There are multiple tools for tracking, which may be used for numerous purposes, like vehicle tracking, business, tracking employees, and emergency cases.