Different Types of Tracking Devices

Tracking devices are becoming an increasingly common way for businesses to keep tabs on their employees. There are a variety of different types of tracking devices, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of tracking devices and explain which ones are likely to be the most effective for your business. Armed with this information, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which type of tracking will best suit your needs.

RFID

RFID is one of the most popular types of tracking devices because it’s easy to deploy and can be used in a variety of applications. RFID tags are small chips that contain an embedded chip reader. When an RFID tag is placed near a reader, the tag’s information, including its unique ID, can be read off the chip.

One major advantage of using RFID tags is that they’re very accurate. Almost all tagging systems use at least 98% accuracy for reading tags from up to 5 feet away. This means that you can reliably track items even if they’re out of sight.

Finally, RFIDs require line-of-sight communication between the tag and the reader for accurate tracking. Therefore, if your business relies on tagging systems for security reasons, you’ll likely want to consider using RFIDs.

GPS Tracking Devices

GPS tracking devices function much like a miniature Geographic Positioning System (GPS). When a GPS tracking device is activated, it collects location data every second and sends that information to the tracker’s receiver. This data can be used to track the whereabouts of an object or person over time.

One major advantage of using GPS devices is their wide range. Most GPS devices have a coverage area of up to 10 miles. In other words, you can use them to track objects even if they’re out of your sight.

Another big benefit is that GPS tracking devices are very accurate. They’re usually able to pinpoint an object’s location within about 15 feet.

Cellular Tracking Devices

Cellular tracking devices work a little bit differently than RFID and GPS devices. Instead of using radio waves or satellites, cellular tracking devices rely on cell towers to track the whereabouts of their devices. Whenever your phone connects to a tower, it registers that information with the tracker’s receiver.

The big advantage of using cellular tracking is that it’s very discreet. Unlike GPS and RFIDs, which emit radiation (which could potentially be detected by others), cell phones use cellphone towers as passive antennas. As such, they’re generally not detectable unless you’re intentionally trying to track them down.

Bluetooth Tracking Devices

Bluetooth tracking devices are different from the other three types of tracking mentioned above in a few important ways. First, they use radio waves instead of electromagnetic radiation. Second, they’re not limited to one specific type of transmitter or receiver. Third, and most importantly, Bluetooth tracking devices can be integrated into any type of device, which means you don’t need a dedicated tracker to track your phone’s whereabouts.

All these benefits make Bluetooth tracking devices particularly well-suited for supervision and asset management. 

There are a lot of different types of tracking devices available on the market today, each with its own set of advantages, and ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type is best suited for your needs.