Construction Law

Anti-Theft Tracking Devices and Construction Equipment Part 2 featured image

Anti-Theft Tracking Devices and Construction Equipment Part 2

If you are a contractor, hopefully you have already instituted some theft prevention countermeasures to help protect your equipment. This includes engraving important information on your equipment to differentiate it from similar makes and models, keeping purchasing records on file, and having your insurance information accessible just in case the unexpected happens.  

Although you do your best to deter thieves, there’s always a chance that your equipment can be stolen. That’s why you need a contingency plan in place. In this four-part article, a Florida contractor lawyer is discussing the best anti-theft tracking devices. In the last section, we offered a few time-tested solutions to protect your equipment overnight and on the weekends. In this section, we will discuss a few modern technologies: geo-fencing and GPS tracking.

Geo-Fencing

Geo-fencing is a pre-programmed technology that establishes a virtual perimeter around an area. The software utilizes GPS, RFID, WiFi, and cellular data. Although the technology is often used in marketing to trigger text messages or alerts to smartphones, it can also be used in the construction industry to monitor, track, and even shut down company property. Most of the best construction brands now install a telematics system into their equipment, so equipment owners have the ability to track and locate their investment.

GPS Technology

A telematics system utilizes GPS technology to track the location of the equipment it is connected to. The technology can also evaluate the performance of the machinery and diagnose specific technical issues. In other words, the equipment can determine the amount of fuel, the engine temperature, and other valuable data regarding its performance. As this data is captured, it is sent to a smartphone or tablet to notify the owner of any updates. For example, if the equipment was turned on after hours, the owner of the equipment would receive a text notifying them. These GPS capabilities also allow you to pinpoint the location of equipment that has been removed from the jobsite.

A telematics system can improve the following aspects of a construction site:

  • Increase productivity: The more valuable data you collect, the more improvements you can make to your workflow.   
  • Improved maintenance: When issues with equipment are quickly diagnosed, they are easier to correct resulting in a longer lifespan.
  • Remain on budget: With improved fleet management and increased productivity, you can reduce the operating costs of your projects.
  • Theft prevention: With real-time tracking capabilities, you can always know when your equipment is taken off-site and where it is located.  

For more information about anti-theft tracking technology in the construction industry, please read sections three and four.

If you would like to speak with one of our Florida contractor lawyers, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.