Introduction Real-Time Location Systems enable businesses to understand and utilize their assets efficiently. It makes daily operations more transparent and aids in process optimization. As the Internet of Things develops, an increasing number of options and standards are appearing. WiFi, Bluetooth, UWB, and Zigbee all provide a great service to businesses despite using different methods.

Bluetooth revolutionizes Asset Positioning Systems through:

- Low cost: 1/5th the price of competing technologies

- Better battery life: beacons can last several years; WiFi tags often have to be changed every 24 hours

- Range: Bluetooth provides accuracy even at great distances

Key differences between popular standards

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The importance of any RTLS rests in the data they transfer or collect. Basic systems using NFC or passive RFID simply register when an asset passes through a location. Such rudimentary data can help managers track asset locations, optimize usage, decrease waste, and better understand the flow of operations.

However, more active tracking methods offer more meaningful results.

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BLE-based RTLS capabilities

Bluetooth 5The recent release of Bluetooth 5 is giving asset tracking an unprecedented amount of strength. This means huge changes and cost saving for both developers and end users. Compared to its predecessor, Bluetooth 5 boasts:

4x the range

2x the speed

800% more broadcast messaging capacity

Here’s how it can impact your business.

Location Engine adds value for solution providers

The Location Engine API passes data through a beacon gateway and directly to the cloud, allowing users to check data like beacon location and telemetry.

The API also allows for “triggers,” real-time responses to specified events or changes in the space.

Example applications: Kontakt.io’s Location Engine and Gateway

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Preparing your RTLSHardware

Card Beacon Tough Beacon Other Beacons

These thin, mobile beacons are good for:

People monitoring Employee management Package tracking

These strong, durable beacons are good for:

Outdoor usage Vehicle tracking Equipment tracking

Other beacons may include different batteries, sensors, or add-ons; however, Card Beacon and Tough Beacon are sufficient for most scenarios.

Software

On top the hardware and physical infrastructure, a RTLS system will require proper software and usage. Be prepared to work with a Web Panel or API when necessary.

This is how you can monitor and fully utilize your fleet.

Define Success and DeployBefore moving forward, define exactly what you hope to accomplish and determine methods for quantifying success. Prepare to classify what data is useful, identify poorly connected areas, and evaluate other information that can be used to make a future deployment more effective.

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Table of contentsIntroduction I. RTLS technologies cost comparison

II. BLE-Based RTLS How Bluetooth provides value for customers Upcoming Bluetooth capabilities

III. Complete capabilities for RTLS How Location Engine provides value for solutions providersExample applications: Kontakt.io's Location Engine and Gateway Gateway & Location Engine FAQ

IV. BLE interviews Test your RTLS with Gateway Define Success and Deploy

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