Apple released their much-anticipated AirTag in early 202, and the small, circular tracking device has been a popular choice for lost items like keys and wallets.
But how does the AirTag compare to GPS asset tracking, which is commonly used by small businesses to monitor the location of assets like vehicles and heavy equipment? Let’s take a closer look at both devices to see how they stack up against each other.
What is an AirTag?
AirTags are small, circular devices made by Apple that can be used to locate items in close proximity. They use the company’s Find My network—a service that allows users to locate lost items using Bluetooth technology—to keep track of items tagged with the device. The user simply attaches the AirTag to a keychain or wallet and then uses their iPhone or Apple Watch to locate it if it gets lost.
What is GPS Asset Tracking?
GPS asset tracking uses global positioning satellites (GPS) to provide real-time location data for vehicles, assets, and people. Tracking systems are typically installed on a vehicle or asset and then monitored by a fleet manager or business owner in order to monitor the location of those assets. Unlike AirTags, GPS trackers provide detailed information about the location of an asset or vehicle such as speed, direction, and even temperature. GPS Trackit’s asset trackers are small, durable, easy-to-install devices that can operate for up to five years before a battery change is necessary. They also work in any kind of weather.
How Are They Different?
The primary differences between an AirTag and GPS asset tracking are in what they can be used for and how they work. While both devices can be used to track objects, the range at which they can do so differs significantly. An AirTag’s range and utility are limited by proximity to other Bluetooth-enabled devices. It works well in a place like a busy city intersection but struggles when you’re in isolated areas. GPS-based tracking has an unlimited range thanks to its reliance on satellite data. Additionally, while both devices have applications in asset tracking solutions, GPS-based systems offer far more detailed information than what an AirTag can provide—which makes them better suited for business applications like fleet management than an AirTag would be.
With an AirTag, you might be able to call up a single location on your smartphone. With a system like GPS Trackit, you can see multiple assets in real-time, set up landmarks and geofenced boundaries to notify you when an asset is out of place, and use systems like temperature monitoring to keep refrigerated loads within the correct parameters. To see how easy it is to get the peace of mind that comes from setting up a GPS asset tracking system, talk to a GPS Trackit Fleet Advisor today and get a free, customized demo.
