GPS tracking puts a device on the asset that receives signals from navigation satellites (GPS and other GNSS systems), calculates its own latitude and longitude, and sends that position over a cellular or satellite network. It is the standard way to follow vehicles, trailers, containers and heavy equipment across open ground.
Strengths and limitations
- Strengths — works anywhere with sky view; gives coordinates, speed and routes; ideal for things that travel.
- Needs power — every tracker needs a battery or vehicle power and usually a data plan.
- Poor indoors — satellite signals are weak inside buildings, so GPS rarely tells you which room or shelf something is on.
- Cost per asset — too high to put on every laptop, tool or chair.
GPS vs tags and readers
For most indoor assets the useful question is "which room, store or site is it in, and did it leave?" Passive RFID tags cost far less, need no battery and — with readers at doorways — answer that question directly through zones.