Frequently Asked IoT Tracking Questions

The Internet of Things 

IoT is short for The Internet of Things, and as the name implies, the term covers how things and objects are designed with access to the internet. You might recognise IoT technology from home appliances such as smart TVs, intelligent light bulbs, or robot vacuum cleaners which can be controlled or updated over the internet. However, IoT is not necessarily restricted to electronics with embedded chip technology nor Wi-Fi networks inside the four walls of the home. The introduction of IoT devices with access to mobile data networks has been a real game-changer for IoT in businesses across industries. The small, robust IoT devices can be attached to containers, machines, trailers, boats, or vehicles. From here, they will use mobile networks to transmit their smart data on the conditions, location, and actual usage. This opens up an entirely new world of possibilities as it enables businesses to receive previously unavailable insights. 

An IoT tracking device is an electronic device with advanced sensor technology and access to mobile data networks. Devices are typically relatively small, and as such, they can be attached to almost any asset you wish to monitor. If battery-powered, they will not even need an external power source from the attached asset.

Inside the device is an internal microprocessor, a memory, and more sensors that record data. IoT devices include a transmitter with a sim card and send their data over the air through data networks much like your mobile phone. Different IoT tracking devices support various wireless data networks, from high-speed LTE mobile networks to older GSM networks. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are also available in some tracking devices.

The data collected by a tracking device is information recorded by the sensors built into its hardware.  A well-equipped IoT tracking device will track movement, shock impacts, temperature, humidity, inclination, vibration and much more. It can seem wishful thinking that something with highly advanced and sensitive technology can be robust enough to use anywhere from construction machines to shipping containers.  But IoT technology comes in impressively robust and hard-to-kill hardware. The most robust tracking devices have proven to measure and transmit data under both extreme weather conditions or while exposed to immense pressure or vibration without compromising data precision.  As such, a new world opens for businesses to track and log smart IoT data directly from their assets. 

Smart IoT data is the information extracted from the sensors of your IoT tracking device. It is sent directly from the device to a dedicated data platform. Here you can analyse the data at your convenience. As will be apparent, an IoT tracking device can give you much more data than you will ever need. However, you can configure devices online only to track the data you need. The following examples of intelligent data it is possible to track are Humidity, Light, Dew point and Position. Position is one of the most fundamental pieces of information provided by an IoT tracking device

The position is the essential information an IoT tracking device provides.  

• Current and past positions on maps  
• GPS position with accuracy down to a few meters  
• Cell tower triangulation if GPS is unavailable  
• Radio beacon technology can be turned on if a device has been hidden. 

With the right software solution on your data platform, smart IoT data can be converted into valuable insights with only a few clicks. 

• Set triggers and receive alarms if certain data thresholds are broken 
• Receive PDF reports on actual usage of assets based on your data 
• Analyse trends in your data visualised on zoomable graphs 
• Set up service intervals on usage to perform predictive maintenance 
• Create geographical fences to be alerted if devices arrive or leave here