Introduction
- In industries such as healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and construction, Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) are key to tracking valuable assets and improving operational efficiency. But not all RTLS technologies perform the same. Each has different accuracy levels, infrastructure needs, and costs. This article compares common RTLS technologies for asset tracking and helps identify which is best suited for specific use cases.
RTLS Technologies for Asset Tracking
| Technology | Accuracy | Range | Power Requirement | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UWB (Ultra-Wideband) | 10–30 cm | Up to 100 meters | Medium (battery-powered tags) | High-value assets in hospitals, factories |
| BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) | 1–5 meters | Up to 50 meters | Low to medium | Warehousing, light asset tracking |
| Wi-Fi RTLS | 3–10 meters | Wide area coverage | Medium to high | Office equipment, campus-wide assets |
| Passive RFID | Zone-level (1–5 m) | Short-range (gates) | No battery in tags | Inventory, entry/exit tracking |
| Infrared / Optical | < 1 meter | Line of sight only | Medium | Room-level precision |
Key Comparison Points
- Accuracy: UWB provides the highest accuracy for critical equipment.
- Cost: Passive RFID is the most affordable, but with limited precision.
- Scalability: BLE and Wi-Fi offer easier scaling across large sites.
- Battery Life: Passive RFID has no battery; UWB tags may last 1–3 years.
- Environment: Indoor environments favor BLE/UWB; outdoor assets may need GPS or hybrid RTLS.
Conclusion
- The best RTLS for asset tracking depends on your specific needs. UWB is ideal for environments requiring high precision, such as surgical equipment tracking. BLE works well for medium-accuracy tracking in warehouses. RFID suits basic presence detection at checkpoints. Evaluate based on accuracy, cost, and environment to select the most effective RTLS for your operation.
