A comparison of low-cost digital solutions for inter-site tracking

Tracking is a crucial tool in manufacturing which can provide useful information for production management. Tracking products or parts within a factory can prevent lost inventory and identify delays quickly. Several tracking solutions have been used to track the transportation of goods within and between factories. As vehicles move from indoor to outdoor tracking, multiple tracking technologies need to be used, adding to the cost. This study compares three low-cost tracking systems that do not rely on the extra infrastructure or base station. The systems included 1) a Raspberry Pi-based GPS and deadreckoning system, a commercially available GPS-based tracking system, and 3) a low-cost tablet-based system using GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) for localisation. Three scenarios were tested: 1) a close delivery, 2) a long delivery and 3) an indoor warehouse move. The accuracy of location readings and arrival time calculated based on the location are used to evaluate accuracy. The tablet-based system offered the best approach for tracking across indoor and outdoor environments. However, for only outdoor environments, the commercial GPS solution produced the best accuracy.