Trackpac, a cutting-edge asset tracking solution built on the Helium Network, uses Mapbox technology to provide a seamless user experience for its customers. With tracking data visualized with Mapbox, the newly launched ‘NanoTag’ tracking devices from Trackpac deliver real-time visibility into inventory levels, theft prevention, shipment tracking, and transportation conditions better than ever before, particularly those in the crucial cold chain sector.
The transportation of temperature-sensitive goods such as food and medicine are known as ‘cold chain’ businesses––and their success is dependent on careful tracking. Monitoring the quality of goods by preserving certain temperatures directly impacts health, safety, and revenue. This is where Trackpac offers a high-performance solution.
Introducing Trackpac: A New Era of Asset Tracking
Trackpac is revolutionizing how businesses track assets by leveraging Helium, a low-cost, long-range IoT network. Helium is a decentralized, peer-to-peer wireless network that uses blockchain technology and hotspots operated by individuals to create wide coverage areas for IoT devices. This approach significantly reduces costs and infrastructure needs compared to traditional cellular networks.
NanoTags, the hardware at the core of Trackpac's solution, are lightweight, versatile, and unobtrusive devices that can be attached to just about anything, parcels to papayas and pharmaceuticals. Equipped with sensors and advanced tracking capabilities, these energy-efficient tracking devices can monitor location, temperature, and other environmental factors for years––all on one battery charge. Extended battery life is achieved through a combination of hardware and communication protocols that minimize power consumption while maintaining reliable connections to the Helium Network.
High-precision, low-cost asset tracking helps businesses save time, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency by providing lightweight and accurate real-time data on the location and condition of their assets.
Real-Time Asset Tracking Needs High-Performance Mapping
Trackpac's innovative use of Mapbox technology serves as a prime example of the critical role high-quality mapping solutions play for businesses that depend on real-time tracking and monitoring of their assets.
Trackpac's CEO, Neil Skoglund, recognized that their initial mapping feature was unable to meet the expectations of both customers and the company's management team, stating that “tilesets were limited and the functionality was very basic.” Skoglund sought to incorporate more advanced features, such as real-time tracking, map customization, and the refinement of fast-moving tracker signals to ensure accurate user experiences for fast-moving assets.
Assets in motion generate a significant amount of data, which can be difficult to display on a mapping interface. Efficiently handling this data and providing a smooth, real-time representation of assets is crucial for helping businesses better manage their supply chains, prevent theft or loss, and monitor the conditions of their goods.
This is particularly important for businesses with temperature-sensitive items and time-critical deliveries, as accurate and real-time information is essential to avoid costly mistakes. To better serve these customer needs, Trackpac turned to Mapbox for a tailored mapping platform.
Trackpac Visualizations Powered by Mapbox
In response to the need for better mapping solutions, Trackpac embarked on a journey with Mapbox to address the challenges with their initial map implementation, including outdated tilesets and limited functionality. By integrating Mapbox, Trackpac was able to provide its users with a modern, interactive map experience that far exceeded their expectations.
By building with Mapbox GL JS, Mapbox Studio, and the Map Matching API, Trackpac created a visually appealing and interactive map experience for its customers. These tools not only enhanced the Trackpac interface but also provided custom map styles, multiple routing profiles, and smooth camera controls for following routes.
NanoTags are A Case Study of Tracking Transformation
Skoglund shared how customers have praised the enhanced mapping capabilities and the significantly improved user experience following the implementation of Mapbox technology. This success has been demonstrated in numerous cases, from recovering stolen bikes to monitoring entire fleets of rental vehicles.
"Mapbox has truly transformed our technology offering. Our customers are impressed with the advanced mapping capabilities and seamless user experience. The ease of use and outstanding support have been invaluable in providing better services to our end users." - Neil Skoglund, CEO, Trackpac
These positive customer experiences underscore the critical role that high-performance mapping solutions play in the world of asset tracking, particularly in the cold chain industry, where accurate and real-time information is vital.
By providing the capability to accurately map and monitor individual and potentially sensitive items on a global scale, low-cost, long-range asset tracking solutions like NanoTags are poised to bring millions of devices online, generate valuable data for new systems, and transform businesses in the cold chain and beyond.
Ready to get started with your own asset tracking solution? Create an account for free or talk to our experts. For more information on their asset tracking solution, connect with Trackpac.
