Theft Recovery: Using GPS Tracking on Your Equipment

Tracking financial assets is an important part of running a successful business. As a contractor, one of my greatest investments was my equipment. The industry segment I was in required skid steers, trucks, and trailers with tens of thousands of dollars of tools. This was the equipment that made my company money, which also made it one of my most important assets.

We often had to leave equipment at job sites. Security fencing, “no trespassing” signs, lighting, and locks and chains were all part of our protocol. We knew this wasn’t 100% theft proof, so we also invested in GPS tracking. This technology almost guarantees a recovery of equipment with little or no down time.

GPS tracking systems have come a long way over the years, and many contractors see the value in tracking their assets (equipment) for the purpose of theft recovery. With many different features available today, I wanted to call out several that may excite you if you are in the market for a GPS tracking system.

• The units can be small with a strong magmatic back for a secure attachment.
• Hard-wired and battery options are available. Some batteries have a 5-year life. A sleep mode helps extend battery life.
• Units are often weatherproof.
• Tracking in real time, with theft recovery from your computer or smartphone, is available.
• You have the option to set a perimeter around your equipment. Whether it’s the construction yard, city, county, or state, when your equipment breaks the perimeter, you will get an alert.
• Units give the exact location of your equipment, not just an address.
• GPS devices can be placed in cargo or packages for personal tracking.  
• Units are becoming more affordable.

Because they are portable, valuable, and can be sold easily and fast, thieves will continue to target construction tools and equipment. GPS tracking systems, which can aid in the quick recovery of stolen property, add an additional layer of security for any construction company.

Referenced: http://gpsandtrack.com/equipment-gps-tracker/