Managing assets on construction sites requires accurate, real-time data, but upgrading your tracking setup doesn’t always mean purchasing new devices. Instead of investing in more telematics, GPS trackers, or Bluetooth devices, you can streamline your asset tracking by using a system that integrates all types of assets in one place, improving efficiency while keeping costs low.
Here are THREE ways you can improve your asset tracking without the need for extra trackers:
1. Leverage Your Existing Technology
Most newer equipment comes with OEM telematics built in - the cost is often already factored into the price of the machine, depending on the manufacturer. That means many contractors already have access to real-time insights into equipment locations, fuel consumption, engine hours, and maintenance needs without paying extra. Before investing in third-party trackers, make sure you’re fully utilizing this data. Features like predictive maintenance alerts and usage reports can help reduce downtime and optimize operations without additional hardware. Leveraging the technology already in your fleet can save money while improving efficiency.
Beyond saving money, using OEM telematics can also improve communication between the field and office. Instead of relying on phone calls or handwritten logs, automatic updates show project managers and mechanics exactly where the equipment is and what it needs. This makes it easier to plan maintenance, avoid breakdowns, and keep jobs on schedule. With this real-time data (that you're likely already paying for), you’ll stay ahead of problems and make better decisions to keep projects moving.
2. Track Everything in One System
Consider consolidating all your tracking data into one platform that handles both telematics-enabled equipment and non-telematics assets including equipment, attachments, and inventory. This allows your telematics-enabled machines to continue reporting data automatically, while you can manually track other assets through an intuitive, user-friendly system. By integrating everything into one platform, you can eliminate the need for additional tracking devices while maintaining full visibility over your entire fleet. Instead of logging into 3, 4, even 5 different websites, access ALL of your information in one single platform.
An effective platform will let you monitor the status of all assets, not just those with built-in trackers. The same system that tracks GPS-enabled machinery can also allow you to manually update the location and condition of non-telematics equipment. This makes asset management more streamlined, ensuring that both high-tech and low-tech equipment are tracked with the same level of accuracy, all within a single interface. The result is a comprehensive view of all assets, without the complexity of juggling multiple systems.
By centralizing all asset data in one place, you can improve efficiency and eliminate time spent searching for equipment or tools. Real-time updates provide a clearer picture of where everything is, reducing the chances of items going missing or being left behind on the job site. This helps you avoid costly delays and keep operations running smoothly, and it ensures that your assets are properly maintained and accounted for.
3. Choose a System That's Company-Wide, Not License-Based
One of the most effective ways to improve equipment tracking is to select a system that’s accessible to everyone within your company who has the proper credentials - not just limited to specific users with individual licenses. This approach makes it easier for field teams, project managers, and office staff to stay on the same page and keep asset data current.
When anyone with the right access can make updates to asset locations in real time, the system stays as accurate and up to date as possible. This flexibility reduces the chances of errors from outdated information and ensures that everyone can take part in tracking the status of equipment and tools, no matter where they are (or what device they’re using). In turn, this increases overall efficiency and helps to keep all assets organized and accounted for across the company.
Conclusion
You don’t have to purchase more telematics or GPS trackers to improve your asset management. With the right asset tracking system, you can efficiently manage all types of assets – from telematics-equipped machines to non-telematics tools and inventory – all in one place. By optimizing your existing technology and utilizing manual tracking methods, you can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and keep your assets running smoothly.
IVO’s Solution – Your Office Magnet Board: Online
TrackVO, IVO’s online magnet board for equipment, provides a simple yet effective way to track and manage all your most important assets. Within TrackVO, you can manage your telematics-enabled equipment alongside your assets without trackers – machines, attachments, even inventory.
IVO Systems modules were built to communicate with each other in real time. This allowed us to build TimeVO, a field timecard solution that auto-populates your timecards with accurate equipment and employee information. Ready to see how it all works? Click here to request a demo.
