Revolutionizing Asset Tracking with Cellular IoT Technology

Cellular IoT is Revolutionising Asset Tracking
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In today’s fast-paced global economy, traditional methods of asset management are increasingly inadequate. Businesses are moving away from spreadsheets and guesswork, demanding precise real-time visibility whether tracking a shipping container halfway around the world or a valuable piece of equipment on a construction site. According to Custom Market Insights, the asset tracking market is projected to reach $34.5 billion by 2032, indicating a significant strategic shift in how assets are managed.

However, while the advantages of asset tracking are evident, scaling these solutions effectively remains a challenge. Many existing tracking systems falter under pressure, fail in areas with poor coverage, or quickly deplete batteries. If technology doesn’t keep pace with operational needs, businesses aren’t tracking—they’re taking risks.

Ohad Peled, Product Marketing Manager at Sony Semiconductor Israel, emphasizes the need for transforming asset tracking from a costly burden into a seamless, scalable solution, with Cellular IoT, particularly LTE-M and NB-IoT, leading the way.

### The Business Case for Smarter Tracking

At its core, asset tracking is not just about flashy devices; it’s about achieving better business outcomes:

– **Reduced losses and theft**: Real-time tracking significantly minimizes misplacement and shrinkage.
– **Faster operations**: Instant location access accelerates workflows.
– **Data-driven decisions**: Insights from usage and location data enhance forecasting and analytics, improving everything from maintenance scheduling to logistics.

In essence, effective asset tracking is no longer optional; it has become a strategic necessity.

### Common Pitfalls of Tracking Systems

Despite the clear benefits, many asset tracking implementations fail not due to technology deficiencies but rather execution shortcomings:

#### Connectivity Challenges
Factories, shipping containers, and underground storage areas often present significant RF challenges. If a tracking device can’t penetrate these environments effectively, it fails to provide a complete picture. Peled states, “If your tracking solution goes dark during transitions, you’re not tracking—you’re guessing.”

#### Battery Issues
Frequent battery replacements are impractical on a large scale. The maintenance burden grows exponentially with hundreds or thousands of assets, and dead batteries lead to silent, untracked assets—an outright failure of the system.

#### Scaling Difficulties
Pilot programs may seem promising with a small number of devices, but scaling to tens of thousands often reveals hidden issues such as:

– Difficulty managing large fleets
– Poor integration with existing systems
– Lack of adaptability across various asset types

When the system falters, it can lead to operational bottlenecks, poor decision-making, and compromised service levels.

### A Game Changer for Modern Tracking

So, what is the solution? According to Peled, it begins with aligning technology with business objectives, and this is where cellular IoT—specifically LTE-M and NB-IoT—excels.

#### Wide-Area Coverage with LTE-M
LTE-M is specifically designed for low-power, wide-area (LPWA) tracking, addressing the modern demands of businesses. Compared to older networks like Cat-1bis, LTE-M provides:

– Enhanced signal penetration in challenging environments
– Seamless mobility and roaming capabilities
– Operation over public cellular networks

As Peled notes, “Better RF sensitivity results in fewer signal dropouts and more reliable data.” Unlike LoRa, which requires managing private networks, LTE-M utilizes existing infrastructure, making it more scalable and dependable.

#### Effective Power Management
Battery longevity is critical. Modern trackers incorporate event-driven transmissions, deep sleep modes, and intelligent power management, extending battery life to 3–5 years or more. Coupled with LTE-M’s lower energy requirements and features like Power Saving Mode (PSM) and Extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX), this creates an optimal solution. Some trackers even feature solar charging options, particularly beneficial for remote or outdoor applications. Fewer battery swaps translate to reduced service calls, leading to less downtime and lower costs.

### The Key to Successful Deployment

The secret to effective mass deployment lies in adopting a modular and cloud-native approach from the outset. Businesses should seek the following features:

– **Global cellular support**: Minimizes the need for region-specific devices.
– **Open APIs**: Facilitates seamless integration with ERP, logistics, and analytics systems.
– **Configurable firmware**: Allows for customized sensor settings, update intervals, and power profiles for each asset.

Peled highlights, “Configurability is what unifies everything. Flexibility ensures you’re not constrained by a one-size-fits-all solution.” In short, the tracking system must adapt to the business rather than the other way around.

### Real-World Visibility

Effective asset tracking extends beyond mere specifications; it requires systems that can operate in diverse environments—indoor, outdoor, underground, or in transit. Businesses should ask critical questions:

– Will this system support us at a scale of 50,000 devices?
– Can it maintain service levels in demanding conditions?
– Is it manageable without dedicated field staff?

If the answers aren’t affirmative, the solution may only serve as a temporary fix rather than a sustainable long-term strategy.

### Investing in the Future

Asset tracking has evolved from a niche project or experimental technology into a fundamental aspect of future-ready operations. With LTE-M and NB-IoT, companies now have access to tools that deliver on the promises of visibility, control, and scalability. As Peled concludes, “Think beyond the device. The true value lies in selecting solutions that grow with your business, reduce maintenance, and provide measurable results.” By aligning technological strategies with operational requirements, asset tracking can transform from a challenge into a competitive edge.