EROAD has launched its latest innovation in asset monitoring, EROAD Where. Developed in-house at EROAD‘s Auckland facility, EROAD Where is a response to customers‘ needs for managing and keeping track of movable assets. However, it is not a traditional tracking device.

Genevieve Tearle, general manager EROAD Where, explains that EROAD Where takes advantage of EROAD‘s unique mesh network. This network is made up of the thousands of EHUBO Gen 2 units fitted to vehicles traveling around New Zealand every day, as well as the EROAD Where App on mobile phones. EROAD Where uses its low-energy Bluetooth receiver to hop onto this mesh network when a connected device is near, making its location known.

There is no cellular network transmitter as is fitted to traditional tracking devices, meaning costs are kept low and batteries last longer. An EROAD Where tag costs $30 up front and $5 per month, while its battery will last more than five years at one ping per second.

Its small size (81mm long, 37mm wide and 29mm tall) means it can be discreetly hidden on most assets and the actual workings of the unit float in a bed of silicone inside the casing. “It‘s designed for operating temperatures between -30 and +85°C, while it is IP 68 rated, meaning its protected from dust and long-term immersion in water – up to 2m for one hour,” Tearle says. It features no visible branding, meaning it can be discreetly and anonymously installed; there is only a unique QR code that allows the device to be scanned into the system using the EROAD Where mobile app.

Tearle explains the EROAD Where device can be fitted to anything from trailers to chainsaws and portaloos. “We worked with our customers when we developed EROAD Where and they all told us the same thing: we want clear visibility of all our assets, on one screen.” As such, the EROAD Where interface is available on desktop or mobile platforms and allows customers to see all assets either in a table or on a map view. The asset overview function gives a summary of information such as asset location and battery status. Items can be geofenced for even more control over their movements.

“Among the benefits to business, EROAD Where allows the user to locate lost assets; manage billing and proof of service, and gives flexible and automated reporting, replacing spreadsheets,” Tearle concludes.