For equipment managers, few things are more frustrating than a 6 a.m. phone call that starts with: “Where’s the excavator?”

Managing hundreds of pieces of equipment across job sites, yards, and transit routes isn’t just complex. It’s chaotic when you can’t see where your assets are. Without real-time visibility, managers spend hours chasing down equipment, relying on phone calls and guesswork just to get the right tool to the right crew at the right time. The result? Lost productivity, missed deadlines, and a constant sense of scrambling.

The root cause: Visibility gaps

The underlying problem is simple: traditional methods like spreadsheets and check-in calls aren’t built for the pace and complexity of today’s operations. Equipment disappears in massive yards, gets rerouted without notice, or is left dormant when it could be in use elsewhere. Tracking it all down takes up valuable time and resources. The pressure only grows when crews arrive onsite without what they need to get to work.

The fix: Smart asset tracking technology

Today’s equipment managers are turning to GPS and Bluetooth asset tracking technology to solve the visibility problem. These solutions offer up-to-date location information accessible from both desktop and mobile, helping teams see where assets are now, where they’ve been, and where they’re going. With this level of insight, equipment managers can stop the guesswork and start planning with confidence.

What to look for in a solution

When evaluating equipment tracking technology, consider these key factors:

  • Tracking method:
    • GPS is ideal for high-value equipment requiring constant visibility.
    • Bluetooth works well for lower-cost or less critical assets that don’t need constant updates.
  • Power options:
    • Cable-powered devices deliver continuous telematics for equipment with an engine.
    • Battery-powered options support unpowered equipment and offer flexible deployments.
    • Hybrid-powered devices provide the best of both—cable when available, battery as backup.
  • Battery longevity:
    Assets often sit idle for months. A robust tracking solution should maintain battery life even when pinging devices on demand. Look for advanced power management that supports “locate my asset” features without draining the battery.
  • Remote operations:
    Equipment in remote areas can lose GPS connectivity. Top-tier solutions use assisted GPS to lock onto the best satellite, and fall back on cell tower triangulation when GPS isn’t available—without shutting down and requiring on-site technician intervention.
  • Durability:
    Choose devices with IP67 or IP69K ratings for water resistance, temperature tolerance, and vibration protection to handle tough environments.
  • Vehicle-asset pairing:
    Automated pairing helps track which vehicle is transporting which asset and who’s driving — so you know exactly where equipment is and who to contact if it’s not where it should be.

With the right equipment monitoring solution, you can eliminate the early-morning scramble, reduce downtime, and keep your team moving.

Want to learn how Motive Equipment Monitoring can help you gain visibility and control? Check out this article to explore the solution in detail.