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UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
MALAYSIA
Asset Tracking In Construction
Asset Management

UTM JOHOR BAHRU

Introduction

Construction asset management is crucial

for almost every business, and keeping
track of tools and equipment of all shapes
and sizes on construction sites can be
tricky. However, knowing the best way to
track both small and large assets will keep
your business running smoothly.

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What Is Asset tracking?

• Asset tracking in construction asset management

refers to the systematic process of monitoring
and managing physical assets used in
construction projects.

• This includes the identification, recording, and

tracking of various construction assets, such as
heavy machinery, equipment, tools, vehicles, and
other resources.

What Is the Purpose of Asset tracking?

• The primary goal of asset tracking in construction is to enhance efficiency, improve resource
utilization, reduce costs, and ensure that assets are available when they are needed.

The purpose of Asset Tracking;

1. Location Tracking:
• Identify the real-time location of assets, whether they are stationary or in transit. This is particularly
valuable for organizations with a large number of mobile assets, such as vehicles, equipment, or inventory.
2. Inventory Management:
• Keep accurate records of inventory levels and the movement of goods or materials. This helps in avoiding
stockouts, minimizing overstock situations, and streamlining the order fulfillment process.
3. Cost Control:
• Track the costs associated with each asset, including acquisition, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation.
This allows organizations to identify cost-saving opportunities and make informed decisions regarding asset
investments.

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The Purpose of Asset tracking…

4. Enhanced Utilization:
• Optimize the use of assets by identifying underutilized or idle resources. This can
lead to more efficient allocation of assets, avoiding unnecessary purchases and
reducing operational costs.
5. Compliance and Safety:
• Ensure that assets comply with safety regulations, industry standards, and legal
requirements. Track safety inspections, certifications, and maintenance activities
to mitigate risks and maintain a safe working environment.
6. Lifecycle Management:
• Manage the entire lifecycle of assets, from acquisition to disposal. This includes
tracking depreciation, assessing the need for upgrades or replacements, and
making strategic decisions about asset retirement.

The Benefits of Asset tracking

1. Improved Visibility:
• Asset tracking provides real-time visibility into the location, status, and movement
of assets, allowing organizations to know where their assets are at any time.
2. Enhanced Efficiency:
• Streamlining workflows and reducing the time spent searching for assets leads to
increased operational efficiency. Employees can locate and access necessary tools
or equipment quickly.
3. Cost Savings:
• By optimizing asset utilization, preventing equipment breakdowns through
preventive maintenance, and avoiding unnecessary purchases, organizations can
realize significant cost savings over time.
4. Increased Productivity:
• Efficient asset management contributes to improved productivity as employees
spend less time looking for assets and more time on productive tasks.

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The Benefits of Asset tracking…

5. Optimized Resource Allocation:
• Asset tracking helps organizations identify underutilized or overused assets,
enabling better resource allocation and reducing the need for additional
purchases.
6. Preventive Maintenance:
• Implementing preventive maintenance schedules based on actual asset usage
data helps extend the lifespan of assets, reduce downtime, and minimize
unexpected repair costs.
7. Reduced Theft and Loss:
• Security measures, such as tracking and monitoring, help deter theft and
unauthorized use of assets. In the event of loss or theft, tracking systems aid in
asset recovery.

Types of tracking systems for construction assets

There are different ways of implementing such a

system and tracking of equipment.

1. GPS
2. RFID
3. Barcode
4. Bluetooth
5. Sensors and IoT Systems
6. Satellite

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Global Positioning System (GPS)

• A GPS tracking system utilizes Global Positioning

System (GPS) technology to monitor and manage
the location of construction vehicles, equipment,
and other assets in real time.
• GPS tracking provides accurate and up-to-date
information based on the geographical
coordinates.
• It allows organizations to monitor assets on-site
and optimize their usage.
• Is a good option for more expensive items and
particularly vehicles, which can be tracked while in
use.

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)

• RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tracking

systems utilize RFID technology to identify,
monitor, and manage construction equipment,
tools, and other assets.
• These systems provide real-time visibility into
the location, status, and history of construction
assets.
• RFID systems consist of RFID tags, RFID readers,
and a central database or software platform.
• RFID tags are attached to construction assets,
and RFID readers capture information about the
assets.
• RFID uses radio waves to communicate
between a tag or smart label and an RFID
reader. 10

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Barcodes system

• Barcode tracking systems for construction

assets use barcodes to uniquely identify and
monitor construction equipment, tools, and
other assets.
• This system involves the use of barcode labels,
handheld barcode scanners, and a centralized
database or software platform.
• But limited range and require a direct line of
sight. Need to be scanned individually and
might be more suited to mobile and lower value
items.

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Bluetooth system

• Bluetooth tracking systems utilize Bluetooth

technology to track the location and monitor
the status of construction equipment, tools, and
other assets.
• These systems typically use Bluetooth Low
Energy (BLE) technology, which is energy-
efficient and well-suited for asset tracking
applications.
• Bluetooth tracking systems involve the use of
Bluetooth beacons, mobile devices, and a
centralized software platform.
• Provides a flexible solution that can easily be
scaled up or down. Useful for both larger and
smaller assets.
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Global Positioning System

(GPS)

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What is GPS tracking system?

• Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide radio-navigation system

formed from the constellation of 24 satellites and their ground stations.
• The Global Positioning System is mainly funded and controlled by the U.S
Department of Defense (DOD).
• The system was initially designed for the operation of U. S. military.
• But today, there are also many civil users of GPS across the whole world.
• The civil users are allowed to use the Standard Positioning Service without
any kind of charge or restrictions.

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How does a GPS tracking system work?

 A GPS tracking system uses the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network.
 This network incorporates a range of satellites that use microwave signals that are transmitted to GPS
devices to give information on location, vehicle speed, time and direction.
 A GPS tracking system can potentially give both real-time and historic navigation data on any kind of
journey.

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How a GPS Tracking Device Works

• A passive GPS tracking system will monitor location and will store its data on journeys based on certain types of
events. So, for example, this kind of GPS system may log data such as where the device has travelled in the past 12
hours. The data stored on this kind of GPS tracking system is usually stored in internal memory or on a memory card,
which can then be downloaded to a computer at a later date for analysis. In some cases the data can be sent
automatically for wireless download at predetermined points/times or can be requested at specific points during the
journey.
• An active GPS tracking system is also known as a real-time system as this method automatically sends the information
on the GPS system to a central tracking portal or system in real-time as it happens. This kind of system is usually a
better option for commercial purposes such as fleet tracking or monitoring of people. This is also a useful way of
monitoring the behavior of employees as they carry out their work and of streamlining internal processes and
procedures for delivery fleets.

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Benefits of GPS

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Benefits of GPS

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Example of GPS tracking

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Radio-frequency Identification
(RFID)

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What Is RFID?

• RFID is an acronym for “Radio-Frequency Identification” refers to a

technology whereby digital data encoded in RFID tags or smart labels
are captured by a reader via radio waves.
• RFID is similar to barcoding in that data from a tag or label are
captured by a device that stores the data in a database. RFID, however,
has several advantages over systems that use barcode asset tracking
software.
• The most notable is that RFID tag data can be read outside the line-of-
sight, whereas barcodes must be aligned with an optical scanner.

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RFID Based on Asset Management

 RFID asset management systems allow you to keep track of
individual items through the use of RFID tags attached to
them.

 The tags are read by fixed reader installed on doorways and other key
points or by staff using mobile phones or tablets.

 Tracking multiple assets at any one time

 Eliminating human intervention
 Collecting data in real-time
 Improving asset visibility
 Locating lost or misplaced asset
 Maximising accuracy of inventory

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How does RFID Asset Tracking Work?

 Data is stored on an RFID tag, with a unique Electronic Product
Code (EPC), and is attached to an asset.

 An antenna identifies the signal of a nearby RFID tag.

 An RFID reader is connected wirelessly to the RFID antenna and

receives the data that is stored on the RFID tag.

 The RFID reader then transmits the data to an asset tracking

database where it is stored, evaluated, and actioned.

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How Does RFID Work?

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How Does RFID Work?

• RFID belongs automatically identify objects, collect data about them, and
enter those data directly into computer systems with little or no human
intervention. RFID methods utilize radio waves to accomplish this.
• At a simple level, RFID systems consist of three components:
• RFID tag or smart label
• RFID reader
• Antenna.
• RFID tags contain an integrated circuit and an antenna, which are used to
transmit data to the RFID reader (also called an interrogator).
• The reader then converts the radio waves to a more usable form of data.
Information collected from the tags is then transferred through a
communications interface to a host computer system, where the data can
be stored in a database and analyzed at a later time.

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Active, Semi-passive and Passive RFID Tags

RFID tags Active Semi-passive Passive

Power source Internal batteries to power Internal batteries to power their “Powered up” by the
their circuits. Thereby circuits. Thereby enabling them RFID reader before
enabling them to transmit to transmit data at all times. they can transmit
data at all times. Smaller than active tag. data.

Tag Tag also uses its battery to Tag relies on the reader to Non-power
broadcast radio waves to a supply its power for
reader broadcasting

Distance Broadcast high frequencies Broadcast high frequencies from 20 feet (six meters)
from 850 to 950 MHz that 850 to 950 MHz that can be read
can be read 100 feet (30.5 100 feet (30.5 meters) or more
meters) or more away away

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Active, Semi-passive and Passive RFID Tags

Used Not to be disposal Not to be disposal to be disposable (bottle of shampoo or
employee ID badges containing RFID
tags are typically made from durable
plastic, and the tag is embedded
between the layers of plastic).
Illustration

Power and Power suppy Power supply No power supply

transmitter transmitter No transmitter No transmitter

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Active, Semi-passive and Passive RFID Tags

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RFID Advantages

• RFID tags can store more information.

• Effective way to track animals as well as other objects.
• Unlike barcode these tags can read as well as write.
• Can be Active or Passive
• Can be hidden
• Work in harsh environments

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RFID Disadvantages

• Active RFID tags are costly due to batteries.

• Privacy is a concern because they can easily be tapped.
• RFID devices take large amount of time during programming

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RFID vs Barcode
RFID Barcodes
Read Rate • Very high throughput, reads several to • Slow throughput, labels have to be read
(Time taken to scan hundreds of labels in seconds. one at a time.
individual item ) • Anti-collision systems allow for many tags to be • Reading overlapping or multiple tags can
in field of vision at one time. lead to errors.
Line of Sight • Not required as long as tags in the read range • Required.
(Item in view of and appropriate shelving materials are used. • All items need to be in plain view. Hidden
scanner) • Items can be oriented in any manner. items can be difficult to find or lost during
inventory.
Robustness • Can work under challenging conditions. Some • Cannot be read through snow, dirt, grime,
(Ability to read in tags are specifically made to endure variable or and other challenging conditions.
varying conditions) extreme temperatures. • Labels are vulnerable to “scratching” or
loss of data from physical contact.
• Moderate to high. • Low.
Security Level • Data can be encrypted and password • Labels easy to reproduce or counterfeit.
protected so information stored is secure.
Directional Tracking • Capable. • Not capable.
(Ability to track • Tags can be used to track the direction in which • Labels cannot be used for directional
direction of items) an asset is moving to capture process flow. tracking.
Level of Automation • High. • Low.
• Wireless and intelligent capabilities support • Reading labels often requires user
complex automation. involvement, and the label itself has no
intelligence.
Attachment • Tags can be internally attached, embedded in • Only use external labels, which can be
packaging, inserted within container, or adhered damaged or removed.
via external labels.
Cost • Moderate to high. 45 • Low.

Application Example

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Application Example

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Inventory tracking

RFID offer real-time tools and

equipment tracking that allows
companies to monitor and
control the equipment at all
times.

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Vehicle tracking & monitoring

RFID can track and

tabulates vehicles in
Parking lot. It automatically
calculate free spaces and
where those spaces are
located, to provide the
information to people
entering the parking area.

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Automated Toll Collection Electronic Passports

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Package Tagging & Tracking

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THANK YOU

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