Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking has become a vital aspect for many industries over the past couple of decades. As technology advances, we will likely see even greater adoption of GPS tracking for transportation and logistics operations and expanded capabilities that provide deeper insights and automation.
Why do Transportation and Logistics businesses need a custom mobile app?
Logistics is a complex and dynamic industry that requires efficient and reliable solutions. A custom mobile app for logistics can help you streamline your operations, improve your customer service, and reduce your costs. Instead of using separate tools and systems, you can have a single platform that integrates all your requirements for inbound and outbound logistics.
Additionally, you can track and manage your inventory, shipments, and deliveries in real-time, communicate with your drivers, suppliers, and customers easily and securely, automate your workflows optimize your routes, and access and analyze data to make informed decisions.
However, for all customization, you need to mind the on-demand logistic mobile app development cost because the more features and facilities you include for customization, the cost will vary. Premium features like GPS tracking, automated inventory, and monitoring of drivers may be costly to initiate but would help save costs in the long run as efficiency is also maximized.
Key Trends for GPS Tracking Technology Innovations
More precise location tracking
GPS tracking precision has improved steadily, but we can expect even greater precision shortly. Some key innovations that will enable more precise location data include the following:
- Multi-constellation GNSS: Future trackers will leverage multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) like Galileo and BeiDou along with GPS, improving accuracy and reliability.
- Next-generation chips: New receiver chips coming to market in the next few years will offer more sensitivity and immunity to signal interference.
- Augmentation systems: Regional and localized augmentation signals will further boost GPS accuracy to the centimetre level.
Faster position update rates
Today’s GPS trackers typically provide location updates every few seconds or minutes. As cellular networks upgrade to 5G, devices adopt capabilities like NB-IoT connectivity. We’ll see update rates drop to one second or less. This will become the norm. It enables real-time visibility for logistics operations.
Enhanced ruggedness and durability
GPS trackers for supply chain assets must withstand harsh environments, shocks, and vibrations. Emerging designs and casings will deliver IP69K-rated waterproofing and IK10 impact resistance.
Military-grade specs will become standard for many logistics applications. Sensors can also proactively monitor impacts, drops, or tilts to address issues.
Cheaper and smaller hardware
Tracking hardware has become very affordable over the years. As component costs drop further, we’ll see diminutive trackers embedded cost-effectively into more individual items and packages.
Printing conductive antenna patterns directly onto products during manufacturing will sometimes remove the need for a separate external antenna or enable very simple “stick-on” tracker options.
Cloud-based systems and data
GPS tracking providers will increasingly leverage cloud-based shipment tracking systems to deliver reliable, scalable tracking with no hardware or software to install. This reduces costs and IT effort while also enabling access across devices. Data is stored and backed up in the cloud for easier analysis.
IoT integration and sensors
Future GPS trackers will incorporate different types of IoT sensors beyond just location monitoring. We’ll commonly see things like:
- Temperature sensors – Critical for food, pharmaceuticals and chemicals
- Light sensors – Detecting openings, damage or tampering
- Accelerometers – Monitoring shocks and road conditions
- Bluetooth – Proximity detection and integration with other systems
This IoT-style integration provides rich telemetry for cargo and assets in transit, not just where they are. The data enables predictive analytics for emerging risks, too.
Unified tracking and telematics platforms
Transportation companies have traditionally used separate systems for fleet tracking versus cargo tracking. As hardware costs drop and integrated platforms become more mainstream, we’ll see unified visibility systems providing location data for drivers and load.
Modern platforms also incorporate workflow automation, analytics, compliance logging, and other tools for optimizing logistics operations.
Enhanced GPS and supplementary systems for challenging areas
While GPS capabilities are always improving, some environments pose challenges, like forests, urban canyons between tall buildings, tunnels, etc. However, governments and technology companies are deploying supplementary location technologies to fill the gaps where GPS signals falter. For example:
- Ground-based pseudolites provide GPS-like signals indoors and in dense urban areas
- Low-power wide-area networks like LoRaWAN offer triangulation of signals
- Ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless technology for precise positioning inside warehouses and depots
- RFID and Bluetooth supplementation, particularly for last-mile movements
With hybrid location technologies, seamless tracking will soon be possible almost everywhere – from containers in transoceanic transit to the final delivery to a customer’s door.
Positioning intelligence (GPS-based)
The latest trends indicate the future picture of industries; for instance, online tracking in last mile deliveries has presented great momentum in its success. GPS tracking data is used to power algorithms for optimizing fleet routing, loading/unloading patterns, and inventory management processes. Machine learning and AI are also being leveraged further to maximize the potential of logistics automation with positioning intelligence.
Autonomous last-mile drones and sidewalk robots depend on precise GPS systems and supplemental location technologies for optimal performance, thus improving last-mile delivery with technology.
Predictive analytics and machine learning
Vast amounts of historical GPS and sensor data will feed machine learning algorithms that find hidden patterns and generate predictive insights impossible with traditional analytics.
Machine learning will optimize routing, provide accurate ETAs, schedule preventative maintenance, and even automate dispatch decisions based on system recommendations. The insights and automation will become more advanced and accurate as the algorithms “learn” from new data over time.
Blockchain integration for security and transparency
Blockchain has the potential to introduce trustless principles, digital verification, automation of contracts, and radical transparency across supply chains.
Integrated with GPS tracking, blockchain can combat cargo theft. It does this through irrefutable digital custody logs. It also provides assurance to customers. Customers can be confident that goods travel through approved transporters without tampering.
Blockchain can automatically trigger settlements when smart contract terms encoded on the blockchain have been fulfilled (as validated by GPS data). This brings all supply chain stakeholders accountability, efficiency, and peace of mind.
Compliance assurances and chain of custody
Trust and transparency have always been pain points in global supply chains. As big data platforms mature, GPS tracking will increasingly deliver proof of chain of custody. It will also provide mileage reporting for tax purposes.
Additionally, GPS will help with cross-border clearance verifications. Also, it will offer temperature data logging to ensure compliance with regulations. This protects brands and prevents losses while satisfying customer and regulatory demands.
Closing Thoughts on GPS Tracking for Transportation and Logistics
It is not an exaggeration to say that GPS tracking is increasingly becoming an integral part of supply chain visibility. Real-time location data allows logistics managers to optimize routes, improve asset utilization, and provide status updates to customers. With GPS technology advancing and costs decreasing, adoption will likely accelerate in the coming years.
From exciting hardware improvements to expansive new software capabilities, GPS tracking is poised to deliver unprecedented visibility, automation, and assurance for transportation companies. Location intelligence will drive the next generation of innovation in logistics tech like the enhanced use of software for Freight Management.
Organizations that leverage these solutions can optimize assets, reduce risks, verify sustainability initiatives, and create true operational transparency from the first mile to the last. While technology alone isn’t a silver bullet, integrated GPS tracking systems and process improvements will drive significant competitive advantage.