IoT solutions provider Samsara has introduced a connected tracker designed for high-value professional equipment. Unveiled at their annual Beyond conference in Paris on June 28, 2024, this innovative device aims to revolutionize asset tracking and management across various industries.
Enhancing Equipment Visibility and Reducing Costs
A New Era in Asset Tracking
The newly launched connected tracker, the “Asset Tag,” is Samsara’s first IoT device specifically tailored for small yet valuable equipment. It utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. By integrating with the Samsara Network, this tracker offers precise location data. It therefore enhances the visibility of essential tools and equipment used in daily operations. This technology is particularly beneficial for industries like transportation, energy, and construction, where the frequent loss or theft of assets can lead to significant financial losses.
Reducing Downtime and Operational Costs
Manual inventory processes often result in substantial downtime as businesses search for misplaced or stolen items. Samsara’s connected tracker addresses this issue by providing real-time location tracking. The advantage: it minimizes downtime, and reduces associated costs. The sensor technology ensures that even the smallest assets can be tracked efficiently, leading to streamlined inventory management and improved operational efficiency.
According to David Gal, VP Product and Engineering at Samsara,
“The connected tracker was born from the idea that we could use the millions of Samsara telematics devices we have in the field to create a network, allowing tags to emit signals from these devices. This would enable a level of asset tracking that was previously impossible and thus solve even more practical issues for our clients. After several months of testing and client feedback, we are excited to launch the connected tracker. By further connecting all aspects of physical operations, we can transform a significant volume of data into valuable insights and achieve tangible results.”
Real-World Applications
Case Study: Pike Corporation
Pike Corporation, a major energy solutions provider in the U.S., has adopted Samsara’s platform for various operational needs, including telematics, video security, and asset tracking. The introduction of the connected tracker has enabled Pike to locate displaced or lost equipment swiftly, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations. It also led to the reduction of replacement costs, which previously amounted to nearly a million dollars annually.
In a press release, James Banner, SVP Administration at Pike Electric said:
“We have several high-value assets, such as work gloves and electric hammers, which do not have serial numbers but still need to be tracked, managed, and inspected to remain compliant. Previously, it took us weeks to locate misplaced equipment, and if it was permanently lost, replacing it could cost up to a million dollars per year. Thanks to Samsara’s connected tracker, we hope to minimize downtime, reduce costs, and digitize manual inspection processes, all while ensuring the safety and efficiency of our employees. We are just beginning to use this new technology, and I am excited to see what more it can enable us to do.”
Future of Asset Management
Samsara’s connected tracker is designed to withstand harsh conditions, making it suitable for a variety of field operations. With features like Inventory Filtering and a consolidated dashboard for easy reporting, businesses can manage their stock more effectively, ensuring operational efficiency and continuity.
The product is available here.