Smart GPS Tracking System for Monitoring Tools and Machinery

Smart GPS tracking system from Timly for monitoring tools and construction machinery

A GPS tracking system provides comfort and safety in the construction industry. Timly's inventory software offers the possibility to integrate professional GPS trackers. This allows those responsible to see in real time where machines and vehicles are located. This makes scheduling easier. The definition of permitted zones also increases safety. If a machine is removed from it, the software sounds an alarm.

Timly's inventory software has quickly established itself as an important tool for numerous construction companies. Systematic recording and management of work equipment ensures better utilisation of available resources.

Locations, personal responsibilities and current condition can be traced in the database at any time. Documents, from invoices to maintenance logs, find their place in the digital file. Costs and downtimes become transparent. The integrated maintenance planner manages upcoming appointments for each machine.

The cloud-based software solution from Timly enables all authorised employees of the company to access the data stock from their respective work location. IoT sensors are suitable in order not to always have to manually adjust permanently changing information such as the current location. Timly supports a wide range of smart sensors. The GPS positioning system offers particular added value for the construction industry.

GPS tracking makes inventory management more efficient

Using GPS trackers to collect locations is one of the functions that has become commonplace in multimedia technology. Almost all smartphones and smartwatches have corresponding sensors. GPS technology is also installed ex works in many high-quality vehicles. Consequently, Timly's inventory software uses a GPS tracking system to track asset locations. This completes the holistic and structured overview of all work equipment in use. All assets of a company are mapped comprehensively.

The container function of Timly improves the clarity. In this way, tools can be permanently assigned to a vehicle. If the work equipment is not used at a fixed location, as is the rule in the construction industry, GPS sensors can be installed within a network.

In this way, for example, it is always clear where a material box is and which tool has been assigned to it. There is no need for further enquiries during scheduling. For construction machinery that is exposed to a high risk of theft, the GPS tracking system serves another important purpose.

By means of so-called geofencing, it is possible to determine where the implement may be used. If a machine is moved over the virtual fence, the system sends a warning message to stored contact persons. If the machine is nevertheless stolen, GPS tracking helps to find the stolen machine.

With the Timly app, users always have a GPS tracking system in their pocket.

Flexible tracking with mobile phone and Timly app

Two prerequisites are necessary for the GPS tracking system. GPS trackers collect locations and send them to a stored central server. Users need a convenient platform to retrieve information. A key factor for the user-friendliness of Timly is the web app included in the software package.

With it, users from mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets can retrieve, add to and update important data about a work tool at any time. To support this, Timly also offers the option of identifying objects via QR codes. These can be attached to work equipment to save space, but can also be attached to assigned container objects.

By scanning a QR code in the barcode scanner of the app, the profile of the respective asset is called up. All information is available on site. If construction machinery is to be requested, employees can see directly in the app where the required equipment is currently located. Especially on large construction sites, this saves time-consuming searches and enquiries.

The maintenance and repair complex is also facilitated by a modern GPS location system in conjunction with the Timly-Inventar app. Employees assigned to maintenance or repair can be automatically requested from the smart maintenance planner. The app tells them the current location of the machine to be maintained. Those responsible on site receive parallel information about the upcoming appointment.

GPS trackers: professional IoT sensors can be retrofitted without any problems

Robust technology is in demand on construction sites. Timly relies on sensors from the Swiss specialist adnexo for its GPS tracking system. This company offers a wide range of different GPS trackers, but also other useful IoT sensor technology. The elements used are prepared for outdoor use. Dirt and moisture do not harm the sensors.

The devices are also maintenance-free. They are either powered by long-life batteries or by a vehicle's power supply. The batteries easily achieve runtimes of 10 years and more. Models for the OBD interface of motor vehicles are also available. In addition to locations, the sensors can also document operating hours and kilometres travelled.

The collected data converge on the ax-track platform. There, the user has the option of having the locations and performance data of his work equipment clearly displayed graphically. Tracking information is also possible in the integrated history. Timly offers a native interface to ax-track. The data stored there is integrated directly into the inventory management.

Other smart tools that can be used with Timly include sensors for temperature and humidity measurement, air quality measurement and distance measurement. This makes it possible, for example, to automatically monitor the fill levels of consumables and operating materials.

GPS tracking free of charge – not suitable for businesses

The question of the running costs for a software solution must be thoroughly examined before it is introduced. In the case of a GPS tracking system, the radio technology required to transmit the location is decisive. A rough distinction can be made here between the Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) and the Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) technologies based on mobile radio technology, as well as LTE-M, which uses an energy-saving form of the LTE standard.

IoT sensors that use the LoRaWAN can theoretically be operated without ongoing costs. However, in this case, a gateway must be created on site to enable communication to the outside. A GPS tracking system based on LoRaWAN is therefore only of limited use as theft protection. If a machine is removed from the radio range of the gateway, it can no longer be tracked.

For this reason, only technologies based on NB-IoT or LTE-M come into question for professional solutions. These have a SIM card, for which corresponding one-time or monthly fees are charged. The GPS sensors supported by Timly rely on mobile radio technology. The costs incurred are already included in the respective software package.

Always keep everything in view – with Timly

Clever and smart at the same time: GPS tracking system with Timly

Searching for work equipment is time-consuming and annoying for employees. With the help of smart technology from Timly, a glance at the smartphone is enough to determine locations. This simplifies work processes and ultimately saves money. The GPS tracking system also offers sensible and effective theft protection. In order to be able to really rely on appropriate technology, those responsible would do well to stick to established providers such as Timly.