IoT Sensors
IoT (Internet of Things) sensors are connected devices that collect and transmit data about an asset’s condition, environment, or usage in real-time. Common sensor types measure temperature, vibration, humidity, fuel levels, engine hours, pressure, and tilt. The data is transmitted wirelessly to a central platform for monitoring, alerting, and analysis.
Why it matters
IoT sensors provide continuous, objective data about asset condition and usage without relying on manual inspections or operator reports. This data enables condition-based and predictive maintenance, improves safety by detecting hazardous conditions early, and provides accurate utilisation metrics for fleet and equipment management. Sensor costs have dropped significantly, making IoT monitoring accessible for a wide range of asset types.
How MapTrack helps
MapTrack integrates with a range of IoT sensor platforms and hardware, feeding real-time condition data directly into asset records to trigger maintenance alerts and enrich reporting.
Frequently asked questions
What types of IoT sensors are used in asset management?
Common sensor types include vibration sensors for rotating equipment, temperature sensors for cold chain or engine monitoring, fuel level sensors, run-time hour meters, humidity sensors for storage environments, and tilt or impact sensors for detecting rough handling. The choice depends on the asset type, its critical failure modes, and the value of the data relative to the sensor cost.
How do IoT sensors communicate data?
IoT sensors typically transmit data using cellular (4G/5G), LoRaWAN, Sigfox, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or satellite networks. The choice depends on range requirements, data volume, power availability, and deployment environment. Battery-powered sensors using LoRaWAN or cellular are popular for remote or mobile asset monitoring because they require no wired infrastructure.
Related terms
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance (PdM) uses real-time data from sensors, IoT devices, and analytics to forecast when an asset is likely to fail, enabling maintenance to be performed just before a breakdown occurs. Techniques include vibration analysis, oil analysis, thermal imaging, and machine-learning models trained on historical failure data. It represents the most advanced tier of proactive maintenance strategies.
Condition-Based Maintenance
Condition-based maintenance (CBM) is a strategy that triggers maintenance actions based on the actual measured condition of an asset rather than fixed time intervals. Condition indicators may include vibration levels, temperature, pressure, fluid analysis results, or visual inspections. It sits between simple preventive maintenance and fully predictive maintenance on the maturity spectrum.
OEM Telematics
OEM telematics refers to the factory-installed tracking and diagnostic systems built into vehicles, plant, and heavy equipment by the original equipment manufacturer. These systems collect and transmit data including GPS location, engine hours, fuel consumption, fault codes, idle time, and operating parameters. Major OEMs such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, John Deere, Volvo, and Hitachi each offer proprietary telematics platforms.
GPS Tracking
GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking uses satellite signals to determine and record the real-time geographic location of assets, vehicles, or equipment fitted with GPS receivers. Tracking data is transmitted to a central platform via cellular or satellite networks, providing continuous visibility of asset movements, routes, and dwell times. GPS tracking is fundamental to fleet management and high-value mobile asset monitoring.
Asset Tracking
Asset tracking is the process of monitoring the location, status, custody, and condition of physical assets throughout their lifecycle. It combines identification technologies (QR codes, barcodes, RFID, GPS) with software to maintain a real-time or near-real-time record of where assets are and who is responsible for them. Asset tracking applies to tools, equipment, plant, fleet, IT hardware, and any other tangible items of value.
See how MapTrack handles iot sensors