Cargo and Asset Tracking and Tracing Course
Learn to track and trace cargo, containers, boats, vehicles and port equipment across the logistics chain. This course covers the main location technologies, from GNSS and RFID to AIS, beacons and IoT sensors, together with the platforms, geofences and alerts that turn position data into decisions, and shows how to link tracking with transport orders, cargo documents, security and business systems so that you gain real visibility and control over your operations.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Cargo and Asset Tracking and Tracing Course?
This course gives you a practical, logistics-centered view of tracking and tracing. You will start by distinguishing location, tracking, tracing, monitoring, telemetry and traceability, and see how they apply to fleets, goods, containers, boats, port equipment and field services. You will then compare the technologies used to capture data, from GPS and other GNSS systems, cellular positioning, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, QR codes, AIS and beacons to sensors for temperature, humidity, shock, door opening and battery level, along with the connectivity options and the practical limits of accuracy, update rate, autonomy and coverage.
What sets this course apart: rather than focusing on a single technology, it combines several of them to follow assets and cargo from end to end; it shows how to configure platforms, geofences, events and automatic alerts for departures, delays, deviations, temperature excursions or signal loss; it connects tracking with ERP, WMS, TMS and port systems, cargo documents, proof of delivery and claims through APIs, EDI and webhooks; and it covers asset security and the traceability of the cold chain, dangerous goods and high-value cargo, ending with an applied project in which you design a complete solution.
Program highlights
- Key concepts: location, tracking, tracing, monitoring, telemetry and traceability.
- Technologies: GNSS, RFID, QR codes, AIS, beacons, Bluetooth and IoT devices.
- Sensors for temperature, humidity, shock, door opening, movement and battery level.
- Platforms, maps, geofences, events and automatic alerts for control centers.
- Integration with ERP, WMS, TMS, cargo documents and proof of delivery via APIs and EDI.
- Traceability of cold chain, dangerous goods and high-value cargo, plus asset security.
Syllabus of the Cargo and Asset Tracking and Tracing Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Fundamentals of tracking, tracing, traceability and operational control of mobile assets
- 1.1. The concept of tracking and tracing and the differences between location, tracking, tracing, monitoring, telemetry and traceability
- 1.2. Applications in logistics, transport, port operations, fleets, goods, equipment, boats, containers and field services
- 1.3. Main components: GPS devices, sensors, antennas, communication networks, digital platforms, maps and alerts
- 1.4. The relationship between location, asset status, operational events, documentation, security and decision-making
- 1.5. Risks of a lack of tracking: lost assets, delays, theft, poor visibility, claims and extra costs
Location technologies, sensors, connectivity and data capture
- 2.1. GPS, GNSS, cellular triangulation, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, QR codes, AIS, beacons and IoT devices
- 2.2. Sensors for temperature, humidity, vibration, door opening, impact, battery level, movement, speed and load status
- 2.3. Connectivity via 4G/5G, satellite, LPWAN, Wi-Fi, radio, internal networks, gateways and intermittent communication
- 2.4. Update frequency, accuracy, autonomy, power consumption, coverage and limitations depending on the operating environment
- 2.5. Installation of devices on vehicles, boats, containers, pallets, port equipment, machinery and critical assets
Digital platforms, maps, events, geofences and alert management
- 3.1. Real-time tracking platforms, dashboards, mobile apps, maps and asset visualization
- 3.2. Configuring geofences, authorized zones, planned routes, checkpoints, terminals, warehouses and restricted areas
- 3.3. Event management: departure, arrival, stop, delay, deviation, door opening, out-of-range temperature, impact and signal loss
- 3.4. Automatic alerts by email, SMS, app, dashboard, internal systems or integration with control centers
- 3.5. User roles, permissions, movement history, reports, evidence and traceability of actions
Integration with logistics, documentation, security and business systems
- 4.1. Integration with ERP, WMS, TMS, CRM, booking platforms, port systems, inventories and document management
- 4.2. Linking tracking with transport orders, cargo documents, delivery notes, invoicing, proof of delivery and claims
- 4.3. Asset security: prevention of theft, tampering, unauthorised deviations, improper access and loss of goods
- 4.4. Traceability of the cold chain, dangerous goods, high-value cargo, critical equipment and sensitive operations
- 4.5. Interoperability through APIs, EDI, connectors, data export, webhooks and synchronization between platforms
Applied project in tracking and tracing systems
- 5.1. Defining the case: local fleet, maritime transport, containers, warehouse, port assets, deliveries, machinery or sensitive goods
- 5.2. Diagnosis of assets, routes, risks, connectivity, data required, users, existing systems and traceability goals
- 5.3. Design of the solution with devices, sensors, connectivity, platform, geofences, alerts and user roles
- 5.4. Building the integration flow with documentation, logistics, security, inventory, reporting and customer service
- 5.5. Development of the plan for maintenance, privacy, indicators, data analysis, support and continuous improvement
Duration and format of the Cargo and Asset Tracking and Tracing Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Cargo and Asset Tracking and Tracing Course
Career opportunities after the Cargo and Asset Tracking and Tracing Course
Questions about the Cargo and Asset Tracking and Tracing Course
To monitor the location and status of assets, goods or vehicles in real time and keep a record of their movements, improving efficiency, security and decision-making.
Tracking tells you where an asset is now; tracing reconstructs where it has been and what happened to it. Together they provide traceability.
It goes beyond satellite positioning to combine RFID, QR codes, AIS, beacons and IoT sensors and to integrate tracking with logistics documents and business systems.
No. Programming experience is useful for the integration topics, but the course explains APIs, EDI and webhooks from a functional point of view.
The design of a complete tracking solution for a real or realistic case, with devices, connectivity, platform, alerts, integrations, privacy and indicators.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
More programs in Cargo and logistics
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at logistics and supply chain managers, security and risk professionals, transport and distribution companies, tracking and telematics service providers, and data analysts and software developers who integrate tracking with other platforms; technical training in electronics, telecommunications or IT, or professional experience with tracking systems, is recommended, and programming experience is useful but optional.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser, videoconferencing software and spreadsheet or data visualization tools.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.