Tracker tags from ABAX: GPS and Bluetooth for optimal asset control

ABAX tracker tags combine GPS and Bluetooth technology to give UK businesses a clear picture of how assets are being used and where they are located. Whether you run a fleet of vans, manage heavy plant, or rely on smaller equipment across multiple sites, ABAX helps you stay in control.

This article explains the difference between GPS and Bluetooth tracking, how the technology works, the most common applications, and UK customer cases where ABAX has delivered results.

GPS vs Bluetooth: which asset tracking technology fits your business?

Tracking is often associated only with GPS, but ABAX offers two complementary technologies, each designed for specific requirements.

1. GPS trackers: Best for vehicles, plant and larger equipment that require precise positioning across long distances. Frequently used for electronic mileage logs and nationwide asset monitoring.

2. Bluetooth tags: Ideal for smaller tools and equipment where short-range localisation is most important, such as on construction sites, in depots or for assets that move in and out of vehicles.

How tracking solutions work

Both technologies send positional data to the ABAX platform, accessible via the app or web service.

GPS tracking devices (e.g. ABAX Fleet)

• Receive satellite signals to calculate global position.

• Transmit data via the mobile network to ABAX servers for real-time monitoring.

Bluetooth tags (e.g. ABAX Locator)

• Transmit Bluetooth signals detected by nearby ABAX GPS units in vehicles or machines, or by smartphones scanning for nearby hardware using the ABAX app.

• Relay this information via the mobile network to ABAX servers, showing that the tool or asset is within the detection area of the unit that captured the signal.

Technical characteristics

• Gateway architecture: When an ABAX Locator signal is detected by an ABAX GPS device (or ABAX app actively scanning), payload data and timestamp are recorded. This data is packaged with the GPS coordinates of the gateway device and transmitted via LTE/2G to the ABAX Cloud.

• Positioning: The system uses position data from the gateways that receive the ABAX Locator signal - ABAX GPS Devices.

• Power Management: The device uses a highly energy-efficient SoC (System-on-Chip) with deep sleep mode between advertising intervals, providing a battery life of over 5 years.

• Robustness: IP67-rated enclosure, operating temperature from -20°C to +60°C, as well as shock and vibration certified for use in demanding environments such as construction sites and industrial areas.

Advantages in practice

This technology provides a passive, maintenance-free solution where devices continuously broadcast their presence without the need for manual interaction. The data is seamlessly integrated into the ABAX portal, where users can view location, history and receive geofence alerts when an ABAX Locator is detected.

Shared feature: Geofencing

Both GPS and Bluetooth devices support geofencing, allowing you to set virtual boundaries and receive alerts if assets move into or out of defined areas.

How UK businesses use ABAX GPS and Bluetooth tags

ABAX tracking technology is widely used by UK businesses to improve control, efficiency and accountability.

• Vehicle fleets – GPS provides HMRC compliant electronic mileage logs, enables effective fleet management and driving behaviour insights.

• Construction machinery – GPS trackers deliver detailed usage logs, assist in recovering plant and heavy equipment if moved without authorisation, and improve utilisation.

• Tools and smaller equipment – Bluetooth tags help track smaller assets and items that move with vehicles or between sites, such as roll cages or containers.

UK customer stories: GPS and Bluetooth tracking in action

ABAX tracking solutions are proven in practice, supporting UK companies across industries. Here are two examples that show the impact of GPS and Bluetooth tracking.

GPS case: FANUC Ltd – accurate mileage & fleet oversight

FANUC Ltd, a UK industrial automation company, needed a reliable way to record business mileage and remain compliant with HMRC rules. With ABAX Fleet installed across its vehicles, FANUC achieved:

• HMRC-compliant mileage reporting

• Real-time GPS visibility and automated reporting

• Cost savings and reduced administration through automation

Bluetooth / tools case: Thurlow Nunn Distrigo – roll cage tracking

Thurlow Nunn Distrigo, a UK motor parts distributor, faced high losses from roll cages used in deliveries. Each cage cost around £150 and many were misplaced or left behind.

By fitting ABAX Locator Bluetooth tags to every roll cage and installing beacons in their vans, the company gained complete visibility of equipment movements. The system showed exactly when and where cages were collected or dropped off.

Key results included:

• Significant reduction in lost cages and replacement costs

• Improved control of equipment moving between depots and vehicles

• Additional value from being able to track vans through the same beacons

Why UK businesses choose ABAX GPS and Bluetooth tracking

ABAX provides GPS trackers and Bluetooth tags that are easy to use and designed to give you full control of your assets. Real-time tracking, geofence alerts and clear dashboards across desktop and mobile help businesses cut costs, streamline operations and strengthen asset management.

ABAX’s popular solutions

• ABAX Fleet (GPS): Complete fleet tracking with automated mileage logs.

• ABAX Worksite (GPS): Designed for plant and heavy equipment, with live monitoring and geofencing.

• ABAX Locator (Bluetooth): Compact trackers for tools and assets that move with vehicles or between sites.