u‑blox Powers AddMobile’s Asset Tracking with BLE Beacons for Construction Sites

u‑blox has announced that its Bluetooth Low Energy module NINA‑B1 will serve as the core of AddMobile’s new short‑range equipment‑tracking beacons, branded AddTrackers. The Swedish construction‑site management provider selected the module to enhance its AddMobile Toolbox platform, adding a robust, low‑power tracking layer to tools and machinery across job sites.

What is the AddMobile Toolbox?

The Toolbox is a comprehensive, cloud‑based suite that lets site managers:

• Control mobile work orders
• Log fleet vehicle mileage
• Secure site entry and staff check‑in/out
• Manage fleet operations and equipment safety

It relies on a mix of hardware components: stationary hubs, entrance control units with BLE and cellular connectivity, RFID readers, and mobile hubs that combine GNSS, BLE, and cellular links. In addition to the NINA‑B1, the platform incorporates u‑blox’s GSM/GPRS module SARA‑G3 and MAX‑M8 GNSS module series.

How BLE Beacons Enhance Asset Visibility

Tools and equipment are fitted with AddTrackers, each broadcasting a unique identifier via BLE. When a beacon’s signal is detected by a nearby smartphone or AddMobile hub, the asset’s ID and GNSS coordinates are immediately transmitted to AddMobile’s cloud platform. Managers then see an up‑to‑date map view of the asset, a detailed equipment profile, and its position on the maintenance schedule.

Dynamic Tracking: From Site to Off‑Site

Trackers are not limited to static positions. In one deployment, a company vehicle hosts a mobile hub that includes GSM connectivity, GNSS positioning, and a BLE interface in the cargo area. As tools are loaded onto the van, their beacons are picked up by the hub, allowing managers to follow the assets off‑site. This real‑time visibility ensures that field crews always have the right tools for any task and that their location is known when they travel between job sites.

Why u‑blox? Cost, Scale, and Future‑Proofing

Beyond technical performance, AddMobile highlighted u‑blox’s cost efficiency and the vast installed base of interoperable BLE technology. The partnership is poised to expand, potentially incorporating a longer‑range Bluetooth variant to further cut tracking costs on expansive, complex sites. The collaboration will also explore the optimal use of cellular networks for asset tracking, ensuring reliable coverage wherever the work goes.