Asset Management in Construction Industry

The construction industry in the U.S. faces massive challenges in managing equipment, vehicles, and materials across multiple job sites. Lost tools, unplanned equipment downtime, and lack of visibility often result in budget overruns and project delays. That’s where asset management in the construction industry, powered by asset tracking software, becomes a game-changer. By using real-time tracking, automation, and predictive analytics, construction companies can optimize resource usage, improve project planning, and reduce costly inefficiencies.

Asset management in the construction industry involves tracking, monitoring, and optimizing the use of heavy equipment, tools, vehicles, and materials to ensure efficiency, reduce costs, and prevent losses. Asset tracking software enables U.S. construction companies to achieve this in real time by using technologies like RFID, GPS, and IoT. It helps contractors gain visibility into asset location, utilization, and maintenance schedules, leading to higher productivity, safety, and compliance across projects.

Top construction asset tracking software in 2025 helps track tools, equipment, and vehicles in real time using IoT, GPS, RFID, or BLE technologies.

Best Construction Equipment Fleet Monitoring Software

Choosing the right software means finding the best fit for your company's size and needs.

We've reviewed the leading platforms to help you decide.

1. ToolWatch

Best for: Mid-to-large Indian contractors with growing fleets.

ToolWatch combines GPS and barcode tracking with solid inventory control. The platform includes preventive maintenance features and integrates with key industry platforms like Procore.

• Pros:
  • Tracks tools, consumables, and materials.
  • Supports geofencing and alerts.
  • Integrates with Procore and Sage.
• Cons:
  • No built-in RFID/BLE support.
  • Limited on-site IoT sensor support.
• Pricing: Starting at $30/month per user.
• Geo-Suitability: Strong presence in the U.S. and India.
• Mobile App: Available on Android/iOS.

2. Hilti ON!Track

Best for: Heavy equipment and tool-intensive contractors.

Hilti’s ON!Track is a hardware-backed solution that uses smart tags and BLE. It’s designed specifically for construction with rugged tags and seamless app integration.

• Pros:
  • Includes rugged BLE tags for durability.
  • Tracks tool ownership and maintenance history.
  • Provides asset theft alerts with location logging.
• Cons:
  • Requires an expensive initial hardware setup.
  • Better suited for users already within the Hilti ecosystem.
• Pricing: Starts with a ₹35,000 setup fee + ₹1,000/month/site.
• Geo-Suitability: Global presence, with a strong focus on the UAE and India.
• Mobile App: Features a clean UI and excellent offline support.

3. Tenna

Best for: U.S. and UAE infrastructure companies.

Tenna uses GPS trackers and QR codes for mixed-fleet tracking. It's built for the construction industry and supports integration with heavy equipment telematics from brands like CAT VisionLink.

• Pros:
  • Supports GPS, QR code, and RFID technologies.
  • Includes maintenance scheduling and fuel tracking.
  • Provides real-time engine diagnostics.
• Cons:
  • Not yet widely available in India.
  • Pricing is not transparent and requires a custom quote.
• Pricing: Custom quote, with required hardware.
• Geo-Suitability: Strong presence in the U.S. and UAE.
• Mobile App: A fleet-focused app with a robust alert system.

4. GoCodes

Best for: Small Indian construction firms.

GoCodes is a simple and affordable solution. It primarily uses QR codes and GPS. It is ideal for companies with fewer than 500 assets who need an easy-to-use system.

• Pros:
  • Very affordable pricing.
  • Easy QR-based check-in/check-out process.
  • Cloud-based, so no server setup is needed.
• Cons:
  • No dedicated GPS hardware; it relies on mobile device location.
  • Has limited integration capabilities.
• Pricing: Starting at $500/year for 100 assets.
• Geo-Suitability: Available in the U.S. and India.
• Mobile App: A simple UI with fast scanning features.

5. Trackunit

Best for: OEM-integrated telematics for large construction fleets.

Trackunit works best for companies that use equipment from OEMs like Volvo and Komatsu. It focuses more on real-time diagnostics and usage analytics.

• Pros:
  • Excellent for fleet visibility and reporting.
  • Includes predictive maintenance features.
  • Offers a developer-friendly API.
• Cons:
  • The setup can be complex for small firms.
  • Can be expensive for companies with fewer than 200 assets.
• Pricing: Custom quote only.
• Geo-Suitability: Global presence, with a strong focus on the UAE and Europe.
• Mobile App: Designed for fleet operations managers.

How Do Construction Asset Tracking Systems Work?

Construction asset tracking systems use GPS, RFID, BLE, and barcode technology to track tools, equipment, and vehicles across job sites in real time.

In the U.S., top contractors use a mix of tracking tech to monitor assets worth millions, scattered across counties, subcontractors, and mobile fleets.

Each system plays a different role depending on the type of asset, location, and use case.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

Best for: Excavators, bulldozers, trucks, loaders
Who uses it: Heavy civil contractors, DOT contractors, large GC fleets

How it works:
Hardware installed on equipment connects to satellites to stream real-time location, movement history, engine hours, and idle time to cloud software.

Why it’s used:

• Monitor high-value mobile equipment
• Prevent unauthorized usage or theft
• Assign machines based on proximity

Real Example:
Tenna installs dual-mode GPS + cellular trackers for a Houston-based earthworks contractor, allowing project managers to locate over 70 pieces of equipment from a single dashboard.

Main Benefit:
Real-time GPS data improves fleet utilization and cuts downtime.

RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification)

Best for: Scaffolding, hand tools, copper wire reels, small parts bins
Who uses it: Contractors with warehouses or centralized material yards

How it works:
Passive RFID tags are attached to assets. They’re scanned using handheld devices or fixed readers at warehouse gates or jobsite trailers. Unlike barcodes, they don’t require line-of-sight.

Why it’s used:

• Perform rapid inventory audits
• Reduce tool hoarding between crews
• Track warehouse-to-site transfers

Real Example:
A Denver-based MEP firm using Trimble AllTrak equipped all tools with RFID tags. Each foreman uses a handheld scanner to check tools in/out, reducing inventory write-offs by 35%.

Main Benefit:
Fast bulk inventory tracking across warehouses and jobsites.

BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)

Best for: Power tools, cords, core drills, compact equipment
Who uses it: Vertical construction firms, electricians, HVAC crews

How it works:
Small BLE beacons (like Hilti’s ON!Track Smart Tags) attach to tools. These beacons continuously broadcast signals detected by nearby phones or fixed readers.

Why it’s used:

• Tag hundreds of tools without scanning
• Receive alerts when tools leave geofenced areas
• Pair BLE with mobile apps for easy tool audits

Real Example:
A New Jersey GC uses Hilti ON!Track to manage over 400 tagged tools across 10 projects. BLE readers at each site sync tool location hourly and flag missing items.

Main Benefit:
Passive tracking of hand tools without manual check-in.

Barcode / QR Code Scanning

Best for: PPE, consumables, inspection records, loaner tools
Who uses it: Small to mid-size contractors, safety teams, field crews

How it works:
Assets are labeled with printed barcodes or QR codes. Workers scan using mobile apps or barcode readers to check items in/out or confirm inspection logs.

Why it’s used:

• Low setup cost
• Works with standard smartphones
• Perfect for tools that don’t move often

Real Example:
A roofing company in Illinois uses GoCodes to label and track ladders, harnesses, and generators. Crew leaders scan tools daily using a mobile app, syncing usage data to a web dashboard.

Main Benefit:
Low-cost asset tracking using labels and phones.

How to Choose the Right System for Your Business

• Know what you need to track: Are you tracking a few expensive excavators or hundreds of small power tools? The type of assets you have will guide your choice of technology (GPS vs. RFID).
• Think about your company's size: A small business with a few dozen tools will have different needs than a large enterprise with a fleet of hundreds of vehicles. Look for a system that is easy to start with but can grow with you.
• Check for ease of use: The best system is one your team will actually use. Look for a platform with a simple mobile app and a clear dashboard. If it's too complicated, your team will go back to manual methods.
• Look for integrations: Does the software work with your existing tools, like your accounting or project management systems? A system that can connect with what you already use will save you a lot of time.