IoT Asset Tracking Technologies: Core vs Edge vs Fusion vs GPS 

Asset tracking technologies have progressed quickly to address the specific challenges of industries like logistics, construction, healthcare, cold chain, and mining. From tracking high-value assets across remote locations to tracking inventory inside warehouses, each use case has its own solution. Digital Matter’s range of device series: Core, Edge, Fusion, and GPS have each been designed to meet a different need. 

Whether it be affordability, precision, or flexibility we go into the strengths of each series, how they work, and where they have seen success in real-world applications. 

What is a Core Tracking Device?

Core tracking devices are for cost-effective indoor and outdoor tracking, using Wi-Fi scanning and Cell Tower triangulation to estimate location. Unlike GPS trackers, core devices perform location calculations in the cloud which minimizes power usage and extends battery life. This makes them an affordable solution for assets that don’t require highly accurate location data. 

How Core Devices Work

Core devices scan for nearby Wi-Fi networks and Cell Towers and send the data to the cloud for triangulation. Our cloud-based system looks up the Wi-Fi access points seen by the Core device as well as their relative signal strengths to estimate the device’s location. When there aren’t any Wi-Fi access points available, the strength of the nearest cell tower can be used for basic asset tracking in any environment. 

Applications of Core Devices

Core devices are for urban environments with many Wi-Fi networks or long-term, low-cost deployments. Common applications are rental equipment, warehoused goods, hospital equipment, or other, more remote assets where pinpoint accuracy is not required. 

What is an Edge Tracking Device?

Edge tracking devices are for indoor to outdoor tracking with advanced location technology. These devices combine GNSS, Wi-Fi scanning, and Cell Tower triangulation to track assets as they move between environments. Like core devices, Edge devices do location calculations in the cloud for power efficiency but with the addition of GNSS for better outdoor accuracy. 

How Edge Tracking Devices Work

Edge devices scan for GNSS signals along with Wi-Fi networks and Cell Towers. The raw data is sent to the cloud for processing, for accurate tracking indoors and outdoors. This approach maximizes battery life as the device itself is not expending its own battery life to process any of the information that it hears and instead just sends it raw to the cloud. 

Applications of Edge Devices

Edge devices are very versatile and suit logistics, supply chain management, and warehouse operations where assets move between indoor and outdoor environments frequently. These devices are a good fit for businesses that need tracking across multiple locations. 

What is a Fusion Tracking Device?

Fusion tracking devices combine the outdoor accuracy of GPS with the indoor flexibility of Edge technology. With a dedicated GNSS module, Fusion devices get highly accurate outdoor tracking and Wi-Fi and Cell Tower fallback for indoor location monitoring. 

How Fusion Tracking Devices Work

Fusion devices use true GNSS for outdoor tracking, resolving satellite signals on the device itself, and enabling the device to know where it is even when a cellular signal is unavailable. Depending on a customizable configuration, when there is no GNSS signals, Wi-Fi access points can be employed for indoor tracking. As a last resort, Cell Tower triangulation The hybrid design tracks assets accurately in any environment, making them a flexible solution for complex use cases. 

Applications of Fusion Devices

Fusion devices are great for construction equipment tracking, mining equipment tracking, and cold chain logistics where both outdoor accuracy and indoor flexibility is required.  

What is a GPS Tracking Device?

GPS tracking devices are a tried and tested solution for high-accuracy outdoor tracking using satellite positioning. Unlike other tracking technologies, GPS devices perform location calculations on the device itself. The receiver needs to register at least four satellites in order to resolve an accurate location – three for triangulation and another for calibrating its own sense of time. GPS is great outdoors but struggles indoors due to signal interference from concrete, metal, or multi-story structures. 

How GPS Tracking Devices Work

GPS devices use onboard GNSS modules to process satellite signals and calculate location. This technology is for outdoor-only use cases. 

Applications of GPS Devices

GPS devices are for fleet management, high-value equipment tracking, and vehicle tracking where pinpoint outdoor accuracy is required. Because the signals from satellites are free, GPS is the best option for applications where a high frequency of resolved positions is key. They are not suitable for indoor environments but are great for outdoor-focused applications. 

Core vs Edge vs Fusion vs GPS: How Do They Compare?

Core, Edge, Fusion, and GPS each have their own pros and cons – the right choice depends on your use case. Core devices are good for basic, low-cost tracking in urban areas where battery life is key, but precision isn’t required. For assets moving between indoor and outdoor spaces, Edge devices offer flexibility and reliable location tracking by combining GNSS, Wi-Fi, and Cell Tower positioning. 

When outdoor location accuracy is critical but indoor tracking is still required, Fusion devices offer the best of both worlds with a dedicated GNSS module for outdoor accuracy and a Wi-Fi scanning module for indoor environments. For outdoor-only applications where high accuracy is required, such as fleet management or equipment monitoring, GPS devices are the way to go. 

Not every device is right for every application but Digital Matter has a device for you. Talk to our team or browse our range of battery-powered tracking devices today.