Use Case for Tags: Container & Cargo Logistics

In the world of asset tracking, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology has emerged as an effective complement to traditional GPS tracking. With improved precision, minimal energy consumption, and cost advantages, BLE offers specific benefits for certain tracking scenarios. This article explores how our Tags solution leverages BLE technology to provide practical tracking capabilities for container and cargo logistics.

Container & Cargo Logistics: A Practical Application

CASE STUDY: Lithuanian Container Logistics Network

This real-world example demonstrates how BLE technology can optimize container tracking across multiple locations in Lithuania, providing cost-effective asset management with minimal infrastructure.

This real-world example demonstrates how BLE technology can optimize container tracking across multiple locations in Lithuania, providing cost-effective asset management with minimal infrastructure.

The Setup

Consider this real-world scenario:

• Main Hub: Port of Klaipėda (warehouse)
• Destination Points: Kaunas, Panevėžys, and Šiauliai
• Tracked Items: 10 containers

The objective is to monitor container locations and key parameters while recording events when containers arrive at their final destinations or return to port.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: GPS vs. BLE

When evaluating tracking options for this scenario, consider the hardware requirements:

Option 1: Traditional GPS Tracking

• Requires 10 GPS trackers (one for each container)
• Higher unit cost per tracker
• Higher power consumption
• Higher maintenance requirements

Option 2: BLE + Gateway Solution

• Requires only 4 GPS trackers (as gateways at fixed locations)
• 10 BLE tags (one for each container)
• BLE tags are significantly less expensive than GPS trackers
• Lower power consumption for BLE tags
• Reduced maintenance needs

For integrators selecting hardware for such applications, the BLE approach typically offers substantial cost savings while maintaining necessary tracking functionality. This cost difference becomes even more significant as the number of tracked assets increases.

Hardware Requirements

This solution requires:

• 4 GPS tracking devices (installed at the port and destination warehouses) - such as the Teltonika FMB965 vehicle tracker
• 10 BLE tags (attached to containers) - such as the Teltonika Eye Beacon Standard

These GPS trackers serve as "gateways" that detect nearby BLE tags, while the containers with BLE tags function as "assets" in our system.

Implementing the Solution with Tags

1. Account Setup

After installing the hardware, access our Tags application to create an account with:

• 4 gateways (stationary GPS trackers)
• 10 assets (BLE-tagged containers)

By the way, beyond location tracking, you can create additional asset entries for other parameters transmitted by your BLE tags, such as temperature, door status (open/closed), etc.

2. Geofence Configuration

Define virtual boundaries around important locations:

• Customize the color and radius of each geofence
• Receive event records when assets enter or exit these areas

3. Organizational Features

Grouping with Layers and Labels

• Layers: Group related gateways (e.g., by region or facility type)
• Labels: Categorize assets based on characteristics

In our Lithuanian logistics network, we created a separate labels for 20" containers to easily filter and manage them based on size. This allows warehouse staff in Klaipėda, Kaunas, Panevėžys, and Šiauliai to quickly identify which container types are present at their facilities.

4. Labeling System

Our Tags solution offers two types of labels:

System Labels (Automatic)
Assets are automatically categorized based on:

• Geofence Labels: Applied when assets enter defined areas
• Status Labels:
  • "no_message" when assets become inactive
  • "motion" when assets are moving

These automatic labels provide instant visibility into asset status without manual intervention.

User Labels (Manual)
Create custom categories according to your business needs:

• Design labels with specific names and colors
• Assign labels to any asset
• Group assets by project, department, maintenance status, or priority
• Filter and search by label for effective asset management

5. Detailed Reporting

Asset-Based Reports
Track the complete history of specific assets, including:

• Movement patterns
• Geofence entries and exits
• Communication issues
• Label changes

For example, create a report showing which containers return to the port.

Geofence-Based Reports
Monitor all assets that entered or exited specific locations.

This allows you to quickly see which containers are currently in Kaunas, Panevėžys, or Šiauliai.

Customizable Filters
When generating reports, filter by specific event types:

• Motion: Track when movement starts or stops
• Geofence: Monitor entry and exit events
• No message: Identify communication loss or restoration

Conclusion

BLE technology, when integrated with our Tags solution, offers a cost-effective approach to asset tracking that complements traditional GPS systems. For container logistics, warehouse management, and other scenarios, this hybrid approach delivers valuable results.

We encourage our dealers to explore Tags and BLE technology for their clients who need:

• Cost-effective tracking for multiple assets
• Extended battery life for long-term usage
• Detailed parameter monitoring beyond simple location tracking
• Scalable solutions that can grow with business needs (you may add just one tag in cases if there is one new container)

By combining the wide-area coverage of GPS with the precision of BLE, our Tags solution provides a practical tracking platform that addresses the complex needs of modern logistics operations.

How to try:

1. Sign up on our platform
2. Activate your 30-day Trial
3. Create a Tag account and track your assets