Despite the many benefits of IoT, such as faster industrial processes and more economical maintenance and repair strategies in logistics and production, there are still some hurdles, especially from a legal perspective. In this article, we look at how asset tracking can help here.
What does asset tracking actually mean?
Asset tracking is mainly used in logistics and production so that important assets can be controlled and, as the term “tracking” suggests, tracked. Assets can be localized live at any time during the entire production line, even if they are in the warehouse. This simplifies the overview of all items in circulation and their distribution. Asset Tracking thus expands previous knowledge, which was largely limited to the booking of items. For the first time, asset tracking allows actual statuses to be recorded and analyzed – and therefore optimized – in real time.
How does asset tracking work in practice?
Various technologies are available for the use of asset tracking. These range from RFID tags to Bluetooth tags and ultra-wideband tags – each for the right purpose and location. While the tags are particularly suitable for enclosed spaces, GPS transmitters show their full potential outdoors.
In practice, asset tracking is achieved by exchanging information via transmitters or tags and stationary receivers. These two endpoints communicate with each other and thus provide exact parameters second by second. While the tags are attached to the assets themselves, the receivers can be positioned anywhere. Once the data has been transmitted to the central system, time windows and movement sequences can be analyzed via the browser or an app in addition to the exact location information.
Are there any legal concerns with asset tracking?
In German-speaking countries, asset tracking is permitted as a form of monitoring for operating equipment. There are no restrictions whatsoever when it comes to monitoring operating equipment, particularly in the case of production and storage areas. However, as soon as personal data comes into play, the situation is different again. Of course, employees may not be tracked – neither directly nor indirectly. There are some potential dangers to consider here: For example, if a forklift truck on the company premises is fitted with tracking tags, the employee operating the vehicle is also tracked directly. This would then constitute indirect tracking. Rest periods of the vehicle can provide clear information about the driver’s whereabouts. So before asset tracking is used throughout the company, it is imperative that all possible and realistic scenarios are dealt with and legally clarified.
The potential of asset tracking in the IoT universe
With state-of-the-art tools, the potential of asset tracking is practically unfathomable. If individual tracking technologies are linked together, for example, both pallets and the assets on them can be tracked precisely. Asset tracking paired with artificial intelligence is also coming into its own when it comes to warehouse optimization: optimized routes for operational means of transport are therefore just one of the many ways to bring your own warehouse and production facility to the peak of efficiency.
However, these expansion stages are still in their early stages and are not yet widely used in German production facilities. In principle, however, asset tracking technology, together with product integration with third-party systems such as ERPs or BI solutions, paves the way for significant process automation, which every industrial company should seriously consider.
About KENEXOS®
With Kreutzpointner Business Software GmbH (KBS for short), Kreutzpointner is setting a significant milestone in the technical development of the entire group of companies. Kreutzpointner Business Software GmbH focuses on the special requirements and digital needs of industrial customers with an independent business model. The operational launch took place in October 2020.
With KENEXOS®, KBS offers corporate customers an individually expandable application platform with its own software products and focuses on the implementation of industrial applications. KENEXOS® offers modern web technology for access via a wide range of end devices and enables integration with existing systems via an API interface. The standard modules include, for example, construction site documentation, task and ticket recording, plant management and maintenance and many more. The application platform is available for in-house installation (on-premise) or as a cloud solution (SaaS).
The ideas and the technical basis for Kreutzpointner Business Software GmbH have been successfully developed in recent years as part of the company-wide “Research & Development” process. In addition to the IT systems division, the new digital unit ideally rounds off Kreutzpointner’s large portfolio.
