We notice that there is a lot of confusion regarding the functionalities of the Barra Core, Barra Edge, and Barra GPS. So, let's clarify exactly how it all works.
Barra GPS
The Barra GPS is specifically designed as an outdoor tracker. This tracker connects to GPS satellites to determine its location and sends this information to either the OEM server of Digital Matter or to a private server. Because the Barra GPS generates its own locations, this unit can last about 2 to 3 years on a single battery charge. Once it is indoors, it can no longer generate locations due to the lack of a clear view of the sky.
Advantages:
* Generates its own locations
* Lasts longer than competing trackers
* Can operate without the OEM server of Digital Matter, reducing costs
Disadvantages:
* Works only outdoors
* The Barra Edge and Core last much longer
* Lacks direct functions due to the absence of the OEM server
Barra Edge
The successor to the Yabby Edge is the Barra Edge. This tracker is particularly suitable for obtaining indoor and outdoor locations. The Barra Edge, as the name suggests, utilizes Edge technology. This allows the unit to scan the sky for satellites and scan WiFi MAC addresses, relaying all this information to the Digital Matter location engine. As a result, the device does not need to generate its own locations, making it highly energy-efficient. According to the brochure, it can operate for up to 10 years with 2 location updates per day, but generally, customers want more data, so we indicate a lifespan of about 3 to 5 years.
Advantages:
* More affordable than the Barra GPS
* Generates fantastic indoor and outdoor locations
* Thanks to Edge computing, the batteries last for years longer
* The all-around best tracker for nearly all solutions
Disadvantages:
* Subscription to the OEM server is required
* Subscription to the WiFi bundle is required
* This results in monthly costs
Barra Core
What makes the Barra unique is that it has been designed to compete on price with other trackers, such as those from China. The Barra Core generates locations based solely on Wi-Fi MAC addresses and does not have a GPS chipset onboard. You might be thinking, "A GPS tracker without GPS?" Indeed, because in a country like the Netherlands, we see a remarkably high penetration of Wi-Fi coverage, allowing the Barra Core to achieve very good locations almost all the time. This tracker is specifically intended for localizing objects that are indoors, but experience shows that it also performs very well outdoors.
Advantages:
* Very affordable to purchase
* Generates fantastic indoor and outdoor locations
* Thanks to Edge computing, the batteries last for years longer
* Designed to track objects indoors, but works excellently outdoors in most cases
Disadvantages:
* Subscription to the OEM server is required
* Subscription to the WiFi bundle is required
* This results in monthly costs
* In specific construction sites where limited to no Wi-Fi signals are present (think of new housing developments), the Barra Core performs less effectively.
