How StarTag Asset Tracking Works

At its core, asset tracking is about knowing where your equipment, parcels and vehicles are at any time. A good asset tracking solution will also notify you when each device is in motion, giving you complete oversight as to how they’re being used.

What are STARtags?

STARtags are compact Bluetooth tracking devices that help businesses monitor and track the location of their physical assets. 

In industries where equipment is managed at scale, STARtags allow businesses to see the location of individual items at any time. This is especially important for valuable assets.

Best of all, STARtags are a discreet asset tracking solution, with thin profiles and clean, understated designs that enable secure installation on any item that moves.

These two case studies are using startag devices and you may want to link them 

https://www.netstaraustralia.com.au/case-study/keeping-critical-mining-operations-moving/

https://www.netstaraustralia.com.au/case-study/how-a-logistics-company-regained-cage-visibility/

 

How STARtag Tracking Works

Effortless Set-Up

Designed for easy deployment, STARtags are shipped ready for installation.

Each device can be activated by toggling it on. Then, simply pair with a smartphone to connect the STARtag to the MyNetstar app.

There’s no need for wiring, professional installation or specialised tools. Once activated, the STARtag will begin broadcasting its signal, allowing for immediate asset tracking. 

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Tracking

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology is at the core of each STARtag’s ongoing performance.

BLE is a wireless communication protocol that transmits small amounts of data over short distances while using minimal battery power. 

Each STARtag continuously emits a secure Bluetooth signal. When the signal is detected by a nearby compatible Apple device, its location is recorded and subsequently associated with the asset.

In contrast to GPS, where a single tracker sends location data directly, BLE-enabled devices leverage networks nearby to update the location of the assets they are connected to.

BLE tracking offers a range of advantages:

• Long battery life: Minimal power consumption allows devices to run for extended periods without charging.
• Scalability: Deployable at scale over tens or hundreds of devices, without the need for complex infrastructure.
• Indoor, close-range tracking: Usable in warehouses and on job sites where GPS signals can be weak or obstructed by buildings.
• Cost efficiency: Removes the need for continuous satellite connectivity.
  

In-App Monitoring

Once STARtags are deployed, the location of each asset is managed through the Startag app or its corresponding desktop platform.

Users can track the locations of their assets and review movement history to identify patterns in how the equipment or inventory is being utilised. 

In addition to providing consistent location updates, the MyNetstar app helps businesses identify misplaced or underutilised assets, monitor equipment availability and assist emergency services in recovering items if theft occurs. 

The app offers a central view of all assets fitted with STARtags, allowing teams to efficiently manage multiple assets or large vehicle fleets. 

 

Our STARtag Range for Tracking Every Asset

Each asset needs a different type of protection, based on the environments it is used in and how long it will be in service. Below, we run through the full STARtag range to help you choose the most suitable tracker for each of your commercial assets. 

STARtag Trace

Trace is the STARtag designed for reliable asset tracking on a daily basis. Designed for field services and logistics environments, it provides consistent location visibility for parcels, packages and small equipment.

STARtag Trace is easy to deploy across a wide number of assets. Its compact design allows for fast installation, with BLE tracking providing efficient performance while consuming minimal power.

STARtag Flex

STARtag Flex is the flexible tracking solution for valuable commercial assets. Its credit card-shaped design makes it suitable for discreet placement in a wide range of assets, including equipment and tools. 

The flexibility of STARtag Flex allows businesses to maintain visibility across their inventory without compromising on performance. With a 2-year battery life and easy activation, it provides consistent, accurate location information on all of your assets.

STARtag Core

A compact tracker with a long 3-year battery life, STARtag Core is designed for smaller, high-value assets where space is limited. Its low-profile design allows it to be mounted discreetly, making it ideal for vehicles, trailers and other portable equipment.

STARtag Core delivers consistent performance through BLE tracking, enabling businesses to maintain visibility over their vehicle fleets without adding bulk or complexity.

STARtag Pulse

STARtag Pulse is engineered for demanding environments. Designed to withstand harsh conditions, it is suited to construction sites, heavy industry and outdoor operations where assets are constantly exposed to a variety of conditions.

Its rugged construction provides reliable tracking performance in all environments, while an impressive 5-year battery life supports efficient, long-term operation. STARtag Pulse is ideal for tracking larger or more exposed assets that require a heavy-duty solution.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How is BLE tracking different from GPS tracking?

BLE and GPS serve different purposes in asset tracking.

GPS trackers communicate directly with satellites to provide location information. GPS is commonly used for tracking vehicles or other devices that move large distances.

BLE works over shorter distances, relying on nearby devices to capture location updates. This makes it more efficient for everyday tracking in a range of commercial environments. 

How is BLE tracking different from RFID?

RFID requires dedicated readers to scan tags at specific checkpoints. Commonly used in inventory management, its effectiveness depends on assets passing through multiple, controlled locations.

By contrast, BLE tracking is more dynamic. Assets are detected automatically as they move within the range of a compatible device, making it suitable for unpredictable applications like vehicle and parcel tracking.

How does STARtag work for logistics and warehousing tracking?

STARtags make for excellent parcel trackers. A STARtag Trace can be attached to cages, packages or envelopes to track their movement across a facility or throughout a delivery network.

As the asset moves, its location is updated in the MyNetstar app when a nearby device is detected. This provides businesses with visibility into where their items are and how they are being used.

How does STARtag work for tracking government assets?

Asset tracking of government assets is critical to ensure their safety. 

With governments and their contractors managing large fleets of assets distributed across multiple locations, STARtags offer a scalable way to monitor equipment, tools and vehicles. This helps improve accountability and reduce asset loss while maintaining visibility across departments and projects.

Can I use STARtag for vehicle tracking?

Yes, STARtags can be used as part of your vehicle tracking solution. They are particularly useful for tracking non-powered assets, such as trailers and rental equipment. They are also useful for tracking the movement of rental vehicles and hire cars.

Can I track overseas assets?

Yes. STARtags track assets throughout different regions, enabling businesses to maintain visibility over their assets across borders.