Machine-to-machine (M2M) technology is fast becoming the force behind an increasing number of business-critical applications. It has opened up a wealth of business opportunities that have never been available before and provides businesses with vast amounts of data that can help them to improve efficiency of their daily operations and ultimately reduce costs.
Just one of the ways that M2M solutions have proved invaluable is for tracking and not only in the world of business but also for the consumers in our everyday lives. Here are 10 ways that M2M technology is being used for tracking…
- Parcel Tracking:
With the increasing popularity of online shopping, delivery drivers are a familiar sight at our doors. And so too are the handheld devices that they carry with them which we are often asked to sign. These electronic devices operate using M2M technology which enables couriers to keep head office systems up-to-date with the status of deliveries and log when a delivery has been completed. The information that’s collected also enables consumers to check the progress of their orders and see when their parcels are due to arrive.
- Vehicle Tracking:
Another established M2M application is vehicle tracking. Fleet management solutions, which use M2M technology, enable logistics companies to closely track and monitor their vehicles 24/7, collecting a wealth of information including vehicle location, engine diagnostics and vehicle performance. This detailed information helps fleet operators to potentially reduce vehicle-related costs by optimising maintenance cycles, reducing fuel consumption and improving journey planning.
- Driver Tracking:
As well as tracking vehicles, M2M solutions can also enable fleet operators to monitor their drivers. By monitoring driver performance, driving times, fatigue levels and other vital statistics, companies can improve efficiency and ensure the health and safety of their staff.
- Connected Cars:
Not only is vehicle tracking a huge benefit for fleet operating companies, but private vehicle owners can benefit too. By installing a specially designed device in their vehicle, owners can benefit from continuous tracking and monitoring, which, should their vehicle be stolen, can help locate it and aid the recovery process.
- Lone Worker Safety:
M2M technology can also be a useful tool to help track people. There are many jobs today where people are working alone, for example, care workers visiting patients, estate agents showing houses to potential buyers, and delivery drivers bringing parcels to our homes. Using M2M technology, wearable tracking devices can help ensure lone worker well-being and safety, by regularly reporting their location and status in case a problem or an emergency should occur.
- Patients Wellbeing:
Similar wearable devices are also emerging in the healthcare industry for use by the elderly and patients who are able to remain at home. These devices can give patients their independence but also ensures that medical personnel can remotely monitor them and effectively manage their healthcare needs.
- Buyer Behaviour Tracking:
Another use for wearable tracking devices is to track buyer behaviour to assist the retail industry. Product manufacturers are constantly looking to improve their product ranges so by collecting information via wearable devices, companies can see how consumers are buying and using their products which in turn helps them to refine their offering, improve their distribution processes and tailor their marketing campaigns.
- Luggage Tracking:
The occurrence of lost luggage in the travel industry is incredibly frequent but M2M technology is beginning to emerge as a solution to reduce it. Small, in-baggage devices are now available which helps owners to monitor the whereabouts of their luggage and identify its location should a mishap occur.
- Smart Homes:
M2M technology is also increasingly emerging in the home. Smart home appliances are becoming more widely available as well as smart heating and lighting systems, smart utility meters, and so on. Home owners can monitor and track many aspects of their properties via their mobile phones and tablets, and even turn on the heating whilst on their journey home.
- Smart Offices:
Remote monitoring systems are also increasing in popularity for use in commercial buildings. Remote security monitoring has been popular for some time, but improvements in technology now mean that commercial buildings can be tracked and optimised from an energy saving and wider safety point of view.
These are just some of the ways that M2M technology can be used for tracking. For resellers interested in offering tracking systems to end-customers, Zest4 can help. Call us on 0161 956 3355 to find out more about M2M solutions from Zest4 or visit http://www.zest4.com/m2m-and-the-internet-of-things.php.