When we talk about GPS tracking devices, the integration of technology and heavy equipment has brought about significant improvements in productivity, efficiency, and asset management. One key technological advancement is the implementation of GPS tracking devices, which enable businesses to monitor the location and status of their heavy machinery. However, the benefits of GPS tracking are not without their vulnerabilities, particularly when relying solely on Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or wired GPS devices.
The Vulnerability of OEM and Wired GPS Devices:
While OEM and wired GPS devices provide valuable insights into the whereabouts of heavy equipment, they also present a notable drawback: they can be easily disabled by determined thieves. No matter where the device is hidden, if it’s connected to a power source by any wire, you can count yourself out of luck. This vulnerability stems from the very nature of these devices, as they are integrated into the machinery’s electronic system. By disconnecting the 12V power source to the machine, thieves can effectively disable the tracking system, rendering it useless.
How Does It Work?
Most heavy equipment comes with a primary OEM or wired GPS tracking system that is connected to the machine’s power source. When thieves gain access to the equipment, they simply locate and disconnect the 12V power supply, which immediately deactivates the tracking device. This act renders the GPS system incapable of reporting the machinery’s location, leaving owners and rental companies in the dark regarding the equipment’s location. However, in a situation where the main power is cut off, having a secondary device ensures that you can continue to monitor your equipment’s location and movements, providing real-time data even when the primary system is compromised.
The Role of Secondary GPS Tracking Devices:
Recognizing the inherent limitations of OEM and wired GPS systems, a practical solution has emerged: the utilization of secondary GPS tracking devices. These independent systems provide a valuable layer of security, offering several advantages over their OEM counterparts.
- Hidden and Independent: Secondary GPS tracking devices are typically concealed within the equipment, making them far less accessible to potential thieves and almost always goes unnoticed. Being independent of the machine’s power source, they can continue to operate even if the primary OEM system is disabled.
- Real-Time Alerts: These devices offer real-time alerts to owners and managers in the event of tampering or unauthorized movement, allowing for swift responses to potential theft.
- Battery Backup: Many secondary GPS trackers come equipped with battery backup systems, ensuring that they continue to function even when disconnected from the primary power source.
- Multiple Connectivity Options: Secondary devices often provide versatile connectivity options, such as cellular and satellite, ensuring a robust signal in different environments and locations. Just be sure not to seal it in a steel box, this will limit the range of cellular and satellite connections due to the material which is enclosed.
- Remote Management: These devices can be remotely managed and configured, allowing owners to customize tracking settings and receive detailed reports on equipment activity. Remote Management gives you the ability to access your assets data wherever you are, ensuring that you can make timely responses in case of an emergency.
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The potential for theft of heavy equipment poses a significant risk for business and rental companies. While OEM and wired GPS tracking devices offer valuable insights into equipment location, maintenance, and performance, they are vulnerable to disabling by experienced thieves. This just goes to show the importance of incorporating secondary GPS tracking devices into your security infrastructure.
By employing secondary GPS trackers, you can fortify your asset protection strategy, ensuring that even if the 12V power source is disconnected, you maintain the ability to monitor, track, and recover your valuable heavy equipment. Thieves are constantly improving their strategies and techniques, secondary GPS tracking devices provide an essential layer of defense that businesses cannot afford to overlook.