High Value: Generally, mobile assets have
high value. This may be actual value, as with shipping containers, refrigerated trailers, or specialized packaging, or intrinsic value, where the value of the contents is high compared to the cost of the container. Mobile assets may also have regulatory value, where the contents are subject to tracking and reporting requirements for hazmat or homeland security purposes, or strategic value, where availability of the contents for just-in-time production or customer contractual requirements outweighs the cost of the asset.

Mobility: The mobility of supply chain assets makes it difficult to track them through traditional means. Barcodes may be difficult to read and are subject to wear and environmental deterioration. Scanning devices may not be available in places such as ports, open yards and container storage areas. Plus, it is often hard to get customers to scan assets that don'€™t belong to them.

Complexity of supply chain operations: The handling of assets across global supply networks has become more complex. Time zones, geographic locations, third party handlers, multiple shipment modes and control systems, import/export documentation, homeland security and traceability requirements all contribute to the need for more advanced asset tracking.

Security and condition monitoring: Mobile assets and their contents must be secure from theft, tampering, loss and environmental damage. Therefore, they must not only be tracked, but monitored for changes in status and condition. For example, a refrigerated trailer filled with perishable meat or produce must maintain temperatures within proscribed limits to avoid spoilage.