WiFi Asset Tracking

What is WiFi Asset Tracking?

WiFi asset tracking is a way of tracking valuable assets by using WiFi networks. Traditional tracking systems like GPS rely mainly on satellite signals to determine location, WiFi asset tracking uses signals from nearby WiFi access points to estimate an asset’s location. This is especially useful in indoor environments like warehouses, offices, and factories where GPS signals get blocked by walls and ceilings.

It works by scanning for available WiFi networks and then analyzing the signal strength to estimate the location. Since WiFi networks are already everywhere and part of most infrastructure, this is cost effective and energy efficient.

Why Use a WiFi Asset Tracker?

In industries like logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing, tracking valuable assets like equipment, tools or goods is critical. While GPS trackers are great for outdoor tracking, Wi-Fi asset trackers are better for environments where GPS struggles, like indoor warehouses, hospitals, or multi-story buildings.

WiFi Asset Tracker Benefits

Indoor Tracking

GPS trackers lose accuracy or don’t work indoors due to obstructions like walls, ceilings, or dense infrastructure. WiFi asset trackers use nearby WiFi access points to estimate location, perfect for:

• Warehouses: Track inventory or equipment across large storage areas.

• Hospitals: Monitor medical devices like infusion pumps or wheelchairs in complex layouts.

• Factories: Ensure tools and machinery are where they need to be, even in crowded or multi-story areas.

Cost and Scalability

WiFi asset trackers use existing Wi-Fi networks, with no need for expensive installations or proprietary systems. Perfect for:

• Large Enterprises: Deploy trackers across multiple sites with minimal infrastructure changes.

• Small to Medium Sites: Where RTLS systems are too expensive or not necessary, WiFi asset trackers are an affordable and effective way to track inventory or equipment.

GPS vs WiFi Asset Tracking

When choosing an asset tracking solution you need to understand the difference between GPS and WiFi tracking to decide which one fits your business needs.

GPS Tracking:

GPS trackers use satellite signals to locate, perfect for outdoor environments. Works well for:

• Vehicle Fleet Tracking: Tracking delivery trucks or service vehicles across large areas.

• Equipment Monitoring: Managing heavy machinery at construction sites or agricultural fields.

• Trailer and Container Tracking: Tracking shipping containers and trailers, for security and logistics efficiency.

However, GPS trackers lose accuracy indoors due to walls and ceilings and rely on satellite signals which consumes more battery.

WiFi Asset Tracking:

WiFi asset trackers estimate location by detecting nearby WiFi access points, perfect for indoor environments. Applications:

• Inventory Tracking: Tracking movement and location of goods within a warehouse to optimize operations.

• Healthcare Asset Management: Medical equipment available in the right rooms or departments to improve patient care.

WiFi trackers rely on Wi-Fi networks so their effectiveness is limited in areas with no coverage.

The choice between GPS and WiFi tracking depends on your environment and tracking needs. For outdoor use cases that require precise real-time data across large areas, GPS tracking is better. For indoor environments where GPS signals are weak or non-existent, WiFi asset tracking is the solution.

What is a WiFi GPS Tracker?

A WiFi GPS tracker is a hybrid device that combines the best of GPS and WiFi to provide indoor/outdoor tracking. These devices overcome the limitations of traditional trackers by automatically switching between GPS for outdoor tracking and Wi-Fi for indoor positioning to give you asset location visibility anywhere.

How does a WiFi GPS Tracker work?

A WiFi GPS tracker uses multi-source positioning technology:

• GPS Technology: Connects to satellite signals for precise outdoor tracking, for open sky environments.

• WiFi Positioning: Scans for nearby WiFi access points to estimate location indoors where GPS signals are blocked.

• Smart Switching: Automatically switches between GPS and Wi-Fi based on signal availability to keep location tracking continuous.

Why a WiFi GPS Tracker?

• Versatility: For assets that move between indoor and outdoor, like rental equipment, delivery fleets, or high-value goods in transit.

• Better Accuracy: Combines GPS and WiFi data for better positioning where one technology alone is not enough.

• Cost and Battery Efficiency: Reduces dependency on constant GPS connectivity, saves power, and lowers operational costs.

The Manta Fusion: A WiFi GPS Solution

The Manta Fusion is our flagship hybrid tracking device, to provide reliable and accurate tracking indoors and outdoors. With True GNSS technology, advanced WiFi positioning, and Bluetooth® capabilities, the Manta Fusion is the new benchmark for asset management. Features:

• True GNSS Technology: Precise satellite-based outdoor tracking, for industries that require precision in open spaces.

• Hybrid Technology: Combines GNSS and WiFi AP MAC Address Scanning for indoor and outdoor tracking.

• Bluetooth® Gateway Integration: Captures additional data like temperature, humidity, and motion from third-party Bluetooth sensors.

With its rugged design and features, the Manta Fusion is a flexible solution for businesses that need a tracker that can perform in dynamic environments.

Case Study: Indoor and Outdoor Asset Tracking with the Oyster Edge

GeoTracker, a real-time location systems (RTLS) leader, wanted to solve the problems in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. Most existing RTLS solutions in the market are too expensive, too complex to implement, or limited to indoor tracking. To address these gaps, GeoTracker used the Oyster Edge to create a simple and cost-effective asset-tracking solution that works indoors and outdoors.

The Problem:

• Fragmented RTLS Technologies: Existing RTLS solutions were not accessible due to high cost, complexity, and limited reliability.

• Indoor-to-Outdoor Tracking Gaps: Assets like hospital beds, wheelchairs, and pallets became invisible when moving from indoors to outdoors.

• Inefficient Processes: Manual tracking resulted in lost assets and wasted time searching for equipment.

The Solution:

The Oyster Edge gave GeoTracker a hybrid tracking device that can switch between indoor and outdoor environments. By combining GNSS (GPS, BeiDou), Cell Tower Location and WiFi scanning, the Oyster Edge keeps assets tracked across multiple environments.

• Indoor Tracking: Bluetooth® tags were placed in each room, Oyster Edge detects the nearest Bluetooth tag and reports to GeoTracker’s IoT platform for room and floor-level tracking.

• Outdoor Tracking: When assets go outside, GNSS on the Oyster Edge provides real-time location data.

• Power Efficiency: With cloud-based location solving, the Oyster Edge can run up to 10 years on AA batteries, reducing maintenance costs.

The Results:

• Asset Visibility: Indoor-to-outdoor tracking ensured assets were never misplaced or stolen.

• Operational Efficiency: Automation of tracking saved time, e.g. time spent by hospital staff searching for equipment.

• Cost Savings: Affordable Bluetooth tags and Oyster Edge’s long battery life made the solution more cost-effective than traditional RTLS systems.

GeoTracker has changed the way assets are managed, for better efficiency, security, and cost savings.

Get in Touch

Ready to track your assets better? Our WiFi GPS trackers, including the Manta Fusion, works indoors and outdoors for your business needs. Whether you have equipment in warehouses, medical devices in hospitals, or goods in transit, talk to us today to learn more.