The Rising Demand for Live Tracking
The logistics industry is witnessing a growing demand for live tracking of goods. Businesses are seeking accountability for shipped items and the automation benefits that live tracking offers. Customers, on the other hand, desire real-time updates on their goods’ whereabouts to ensure timely arrival or confirm delivery.
However, the cost of live tracking most shipments remains prohibitive. While technology continues to advance tracking devices, businesses must weigh the pros and cons of available options and their specific use cases.
The Current State of Live Tracking Devices
The most common tracking devices today are equipped with lithium batteries. These devices, attached to shipments, provide constant updates as the freight moves. However, these lithium batteries, despite their longevity and rechargeability, are classified as dangerous goods and require safe disposal. The devices’ high cost necessitates a reverse logistics plan for their retrieval and reuse, adding to the operational complexity.
These tracking devices also require manual pairing and activation, introducing potential errors. Furthermore, they often encounter “dark zones” with zero coverage, necessitating additional capabilities like Wi-Fi, GPS, LTE, LoRa, and NBIoT to improve data quality. These enhancements, however, increase the device’s complexity and cost.
The Future of Live Tracking
The industry is clamoring for devices that are cost-effective, easy to manage, disposable, and eliminate the need for reverse logistics. While a perfect solution is yet to be found, strides have been made in making devices thinner, less bulky, and less environmentally damaging.
In the interim, companies must carefully consider their use cases to determine the best tracking technology. High-powered devices are necessary for high-value goods requiring detailed monitoring, despite their higher cost and disposal concerns. For basic tracking needs, low-powered trackers with non-dangerous batteries and a shipping label form factor offer a promising, scalable solution.
As the demand for live tracking in logistics surges, businesses must navigate the challenges of cost, environmental impact, and scalability. The future of live tracking hinges on striking the right balance between functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
