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GPS tracking

Experience the benefits of modern GPS tracking: our solution offers precise location determination, real-time tracking and seamless integration into existing systems. With GPS technology, you can increase the efficiency of your processes, reduce costs and improve traceability. Discover how you can gain control over your resources and optimize your processes with innovative functions such as geofencing, real-time data and detailed analyses.

Advantages of GPS tracking for traceability

[Translate to English:] Lokalisierung
Precise localization

GPS devices provide accurate positioning data, including latitude, longitude, altitude and speed. This accuracy makes it possible to determine the exact location of an object in real time. This is particularly useful in complex logistics networks where accurate positioning can be critical to the efficiency of operations.

[Translate to English:] Tracking
Real-time tracking

GPS-supported devices make it possible to provide position data every second, allowing objects to be tracked continuously in near real time. In logistics, this means that the current location of an object can be precisely determined at any time, enabling immediate and targeted reactions if required.

[Translate to English:] Icon Integration Systeme
Integration into existing systems

The GPS data can be integrated into existing systems. This allows the data to be seamlessly monitored and analyzed within the existing infrastructure. The data can be used for various purposes, for example to improve route planning or to analyze transport efficiency.

Visualization

The position data can be visualized on maps, making the localization and tracking of objects intuitive and user-friendly. The use of map material enables a detailed view of the environment in which the object is located. This can be helpful when planning logistics routes or searching for lost or delayed loads.

[Translate to English:] Sicherheit
Improved safety and efficiency

The precise and timely availability of location data enables companies to make their logistics processes more efficient and at the same time increase the security of transported goods. Precise positioning also helps to prevent theft and loss and therefore makes a significant contribution to protecting valuable goods.

Basics and functionality of GPS positioning

The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation system that enables precise positioning worldwide.

Structure of GPS satellite systems

  • GPS consists of at least 24 satellites orbiting the earth in six different orbits at an altitude of around 20,000 kilometers.
  • Ground stations monitor the satellites and ensure that their orbits and clocks are corrected.
  • Devices such as smartphones or navigation systems receive the signals from the satellites    and process them.

 

How GPS satellite systems work

  • Each satellite continuously transmits signals containing information about its position and the exact time.
  • A GPS receiver requires signals from at least four satellites in order to calculate the exact position. The receiver can determine the distance to each satellite based on the transit time of the signals and use this to determine its own position.
  • As the signals travel at the speed of light, precise time measurement is crucial. Furthermore, the GPS satellites are equipped with atomic clocks to ensure this accuracy.

Comparison with GLONASS

GPS and GLONASS are both Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), but they have some differences in terms of accuracy and reliability.

Accuracy:

The accuracy of GPS is typically around 3 to 5 meters for civilian applications.
GLONASS offers a similar accuracy, which is around 4 to 8 meters. However, in certain regions and under certain conditions, GLONASS can be more accurate than GPS.

Frequency bands:
GLONASS uses different frequency bands than GPS, making it more resistant to interference in certain environments.

Dual system receivers:
Modern devices often integrate both GPS and GLONASS receivers, which improves accuracy and reliability because they can use more satellites.

[Translate to English:] GPS Ortung

Application examples

Efficient wagon tracking and route optimization

[Translate to English:] GPS Waggontracking

Wagons are equipped with GPS transponders for seamless tracking and optimization of wagon movements. Our GRAIDWARE offers a user-friendly interface that provides real-time data and analysis, including:

  • Recording of route times: Overview of the entire travel time of a wagon.
  • Recording downtimes: Identification of standstill phases to optimize usage.
  • Transponder battery status display: Ensuring functionality by changing the battery in good time

Goals:

  • Route optimization through AI: Analysis and improvement of transport routes.
  • Locating the wagons: Precise location determination in real time.
  • Minimization of search effort: Faster locating of wagons.
  • Reduction of unused idle time: Maximization of resource utilization.
  • More efficient material procurement: Acceleration of processes through better planning.

GPS tracking in a construction company

[Translate to English:] GPS Bauunternehmen

A large construction company operates several construction sites simultaneously and has a centralized external logistics warehouse where construction materials and machinery are stored. The company wants to improve the efficiency of material deliveries to the construction sites and ensure that the machines are optimally utilized.

The company decides to implement a GPS tracking system to ensure the management of stock levels and the monitoring of delivery vehicles and machines. All delivery vehicles and important machines are equipped with GPS trackers. These trackers continuously send location data to the central database.

Warehouse management can monitor the location of each vehicle and machine in real time. This enables better coordination of material deliveries and the use of machines on construction sites.

Advantages:

  • Increased efficiency: Better planning and faster response times to unforeseen events.
  • Cost savings: Reduced fuel consumption and lower operating costs through optimized routes and machine utilization.
  • Higher productivity: More punctual material deliveries and optimal machine utilization lead to higher productivity on construction sites.
  • Safety: Improved driver and machine safety through continuous monitoring.
Routenplanung
Plan material deliveries

With the help of GPS data, the company can plan deliveries of construction materials more efficiently. The materials can be delivered to the construction sites on time and in the right order.

[Translate to English:] Icon Echtzeit
Real-time monitoring

Real-time monitoring ensures optimum utilization of the machines. Machines that are not required on one construction site can be quickly transported to another construction site.

[Translate to English:] Icon Report
Data analysis

The collected GPS data is analyzed to identify patterns and make further improvements. For example, bottlenecks in the material supply can be identified and eliminated.

Advantages of combining GPS and RFID for seamless tracking

1. seamless indoor and outdoor tracking
While GPS offers high accuracy and range outdoors, RFID is particularly suitable for indoor tracking where GPS signals are often not available. The combination of both technologies enables seamless tracking of objects across indoor and outdoor areas, improving transparency and controllability.

2. more efficient real-time tracking and resource management
The use of GPS and RFID enables precise real-time tracking, allowing companies to manage resources more efficiently. The locations and conditions of vehicles or goods can be monitored in real time, enabling smooth coordination of operational processes and a noticeable reduction in operating costs.

3. improved security and theft protection
RFID provides additional security by monitoring loads in designated areas, which helps to prevent theft. GPS complements these security measures by enabling vehicles and goods to be tracked seamlessly over long distances. In this way, valuables can be reliably protected and countermeasures can be taken quickly in the event of deviations.

Use of GPS data for extensive analyses

Icon Echtzeittracking

Real-time tracking
GPS data enables vehicles, goods or people to be tracked in real time. In logistics in particular, this improves the monitoring of location and movements and offers the opportunity to react quickly to changes or delays.

Datenintegration

Data integration for more in-depth analyses
By combining GPS data with additional data sets - such as weather information, traffic data or sensor data - more precise analyses and predictions can be created. This integrated data supports the optimization of routes and helps to minimize delays.

Icon Geofence

Geofencing for automated notifications
Virtual zones (geofences) can be defined using GPS data. A notification is automatically triggered when these zones are breached. This function is ideal for security applications and for monitoring the supply chain.

Icon Zeitstrahl

Historical analyses for pattern recognition
By analyzing historical GPS data, patterns and trends can be identified. These findings help to better predict future movements and continuously increase operational efficiency.

 

Icon IOT

Combination with IoT for real-time condition monitoring
The integration of GPS data with the Internet of Things (IoT) enables more comprehensive monitoring and control of processes. For example, sensors on vehicles or machines can record the current status and transmit it in real time, which supports proactive maintenance and a faster response in the event of deviations.

Challenges and solutions

Challenge

Explanation

Solution

Impairment of accuracy

GPS signals can be blocked or reflected by buildings, trees or other obstacles, which affects accuracy.

One solution is the integration of alternative technologies such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-based positioning in combination with GPS to increase accuracy indoors or in urban areas. In addition, error correction algorithms based on historical data and movement patterns can be used to compensate for position deviations.

Signal loss

Signal loss may occur in urban areas or tunnels.

Signal losses can be bridged by using hybrid positioning solutions that combine GPS with other positioning technologies such as RTLS or inertial sensors. For real-time applications, a seamless handover to these technologies could enable complete location tracking.

Battery consumption

GPS modules can consume a lot of energy, which shortens the battery life of devices.

Energy-saving modes and intermittent data transmission can reduce power consumption. In addition, modern GPS modules and chipsets offer optimized energy management functions that only transmit data when required, thus saving battery life. Alternatively, a combination of GPS and more energy-efficient technologies such as Bluetooth LE can be used for less critical location transmissions.

Data protection

The continuous tracking of locations can raise data protection concerns.

Users' privacy can be protected through strict data encryption and access controls. In addition, location data can be anonymized and only stored for selected purposes, such as the optimization of logistics processes. It is important to provide transparent information about the use of data and to offer users an opt-out option.

Costs

Implementing and operating a GPS system can be costly, especially if additional infrastructure and regular maintenance are required.

A careful cost-benefit analysis allows the necessary investments to be planned in a targeted manner. A combination of GPS and more cost-effective technologies such as RFID or LoRaWAN can offer an inexpensive and efficient solution, as less infrastructure is required. Furthermore, the use of cloud-based solutions can reduce maintenance costs and increase the scalability of the system.

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Viktor Wagner
Viktor WagnerManaging Director

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