Understanding Real Time Location System (RTLS) and its Applications

RTLS stands for “real time location system.” The loose definition of RTLS technology is any type of system that provides you with the current location of a given object or individual. It tells you where your asset is right now.

A relatively new technology, real time location system, was first used commercially in the 1990s by healthcare facilities in the United States. Since that time, the technology has exploded and applications of this technology have grown tremendously.

In other words it is an Indoor Positioning System that locates and tracks anything, anyone within a defined zone that is covered by radio frequency.

Companies looking for a better way to monitor their employees and equipment can have it with the utilization of a real-time location system (RTLS). This unique and innovative technology is rapidly being implemented by many industries around the world.

With the ability to track asset and worker movement in real-time using location monitoring equipment and software, companies are able to minimize production slowdowns, identify areas to improve, and provide workers with added safety features.

RTLS system is a blend of hardware and software that work together to create a mesh network capable of overseeing the movement of RFID tags within a specific location. This wireless network is created by placing anchors (active RFID readers) at key points throughout and surrounding a facility.

These anchors send out radio signals, and also receive radio signals. They can recognize the active RFID tags every time they come within range of the anchor. When the anchors get a signal from a RFID tag, the location of the tag can be calculated by using triangulation, received signal strength (RSSI), time difference of arrival (TDOA), or similar methods. This calculation is done by the location engine, which is a part of the RTLS software.

Typically, RTLS works by attaching some kind of location tag to an item. As these tagged items move around, the tag sends signals to receivers that are fixed in the surrounding environment. The receivers then can figure out where these items are currently located and communicate that to the platform being used by the system.

This platform can be customized and tailored to the needs of the user. As receivers collect data, the platform makes that data usable. For example, certain platforms may offer interactive maps which show, in real time, where the asset that is being tracked is located.

The different types of Real Time Location System (RTLS) technologies are as follows:

Passive RFID

Passive RFID systems are similar to those systems that stores use to prevent theft. The receivers send out radio signals. The tag, which is powered by electromagnetic energy from the reader, hears the signal and sends out its own signal, which the receiver takes in.

The major benefit of passive RFID systems has to do with the inexpensive tags being used. These can last forever if no damage is done to them since there is no battery. In addition, these passive RFID tags are smaller in size and generate little to no noise.

The maximum range from which receivers can get the signal from a tag is fifteen feet. Additionally, these readers are fairly expensive. Also, there may be confusion if two readers try to read the same tag or a reader tries to read two tags simultaneously.

Active Bluetooth-Based RTLS

Active RTLS tags communicate with receivers throughout a building. Those receivers then send that information to the cloud. They can use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tags to reduce system and operational costs and enable asset tracking. These systems can also offer sensor data in addition to just positioning data.

This is often the least expensive RTLS option which is great for small businesses looking to scale; however, if a user is looking for exact room accuracy, this option may not be as useful since Bluetooth signals can travel through walls. Additionally, many receivers may be needed for a high level of accuracy.

Wi-Fi Real Time Location System (RTLS)

Wi-Fi RTLS allows tags placed on objects to communicate with multiple access points via Wi-Fi signals. Based on the amount of time it takes for the signal to be received, the readers can locate the tag.

This is often one of the more accurate systems of RTLS – it is possible to get a location within a few feet. Additionally, this system can use the existing Wi-Fi network of a business. However, if these systems need to be serviced, the Wi-Fi system may need to be shut down, which is not an option in settings like hospitals. Furthermore, this is one of the more expensive and most power-consuming solutions.

Infrared Real Time Location System (RTLS)

In an Infrared RTLS system, the asset tag communicates via infrared ID signals which it gives off. That signal is then picked up by a receiver that is typically on the ceiling. As long as there is a visual path between the two, this method gives a highly accurate location.

Similar to Wi-Fi RTLS, an Infrared RTLS system is also expensive to install because of the sheer number of receivers that have to be installed since the light that is transmitted cannot go through walls and doors. Moreover, these tags generally have a shorter battery life than other alternatives.

Ultra Wide-Band RTLS (UWB)

Ultra-wide band RTLS solutions are the gold-standard in terms of location precision.  It uses small, low-powered tags that transmit an ultra wide-band signal using a spark-gap-style transmitter. This instantaneous burst of energy creates a very wide signal and transmits across gigahertz of spectrum. This system is the most accurate of all RTLS solutions mentioned, but UWB systems can be very expensive.

The choice of the technology depends on various factors like cost, the use case and the special requirements of accuracy or the environment of implementation. It is therefore better left to a specialist to decide or suggest the technology. It is also needed to have a practical expectations so that the choice of technology best suits your purposes.

Here are a few common ways RTLS technology is being used to improve productivity and customer satisfaction:

1. Asset Tracking: One of the most basic functions of RTLS is to monitor and track the movement of your vehicles, equipment, and tools. With the right technology, you can actively observe vehicles traveling on a tarmac at the airport, find where tools have been left behind by workers in a large facility, and even make sure no equipment leaves a designated area.
2. Employee Tracking From Long Range: Keeping track of personnel is also a vital function of a real-time location system. Businesses can use this technology to do virtual roll calls, monitor the active movements of staff members, check that staff are actually working, and even keep track of important data, such as hours worked, tardiness, and which employees used which equipment.
3. Inventory Management: Tracking merchandise and inventory in a warehouse is another excellent way to utilize RTLS. With passive and active ID tags, facilities can automatically log the entry of merchandise from the loading dock and keep an accurate count of inventory. This information can also be used to track down point of origin when needed, monitor the production of raw materials, and easily distribute inventory to retailers and other facilities.
4. Maintenance Management: Sensors installed on ID tags that are affixed to vehicles and equipment can monitor the status of your assets and trigger alerts when maintenance is needed. You can also utilize RTLS to keep track of how often maintenance is needed on various equipment, monitor the results of maintenance and reduce repair costs from breakdowns.
5. Environmental & Heat Monitoring: Sensors can also be affixed to passive and active ID tags to monitor the environment, such as gas levels, temperature, humidity, and even vibration that could indicate an earthquake or rock slide. This is a great tool to use in hazardous environments like mining facilities and logging concerns.
6. Workplace Safety: ID tags worn by employees can also include Man Down alerts that trigger when the employee hasn’t moved for a long period or has even fallen. RTLS can also be used to assist with emergency evacuation, fire training, and collision avoidance. Real-time location software can actively monitor the movement of vehicles and equipment, such as forklifts, to prevent accidents and crashes.
7. Facility Security: Gateways set up within an RFID network can monitor passage of personnel to prevent unauthorized access to specific areas. Passive ID tags affixed to tools and equipment may even trigger an alert when someone walks away from the site with these assets. Panic buttons and alarms on ID tags also allow employees to request emergency assistance from security.
8. Customer Engagement & Wayfinding: Customer Engagement can be facilitated in brick-n-mortar firms by understanding visitors’ point of interest based on their movement/location and engaging with them via email/SMS etc. Navigation and Way-Finding within the premises can also be enabled resulting in a smooth shopping experience for the customer.

Agreefy is a solution that helps you gather valuable insights on what is happening in the physical world.

Agreefy is the lens into your physical world with a full suite of location-aware technologies, including UWB, NBIoT, IoT, RFID, Bluetooth, and WiFi. Advanced, next-gen features like wayfinding, indoor navigation, and people and asset tracking help you improve your business productivity, regardless of the size or type of your business.

Agreefy Tag is an innovative, location-based solution that helps you manage any type of asset. Whether you are trying to locate inventory, furniture, vehicles, or people, we are here to help. If you tag it, we can find it in real-time, so you can stop worrying, and focus fully on your business.

Minimize in-person wait times by allowing customers to automatically book, reschedule, and pay for appointments online. A win-win all around.

Agreefy Flux is a multi-technology platform which analyzes activity on your site, making crowd management and indoor wayfinding simple. This allows you to act on real-time occurrences or predictions based on historical insights.

Agreefy Flux utilizes detailed location analytics to help you succeed.

Agreefy Connect is an interactive platform that provides you with detailed understanding of your customers’ on-site behaviors so that you can take customer engagement to the next level.

Agreefy Connect integrates analytics, engagement, and location-based advertising tools to provide you with a simple yet efficient experience that is tailored to your business.

Deploying RTLS doesn’t have to be a complex, expensive and time-consuming process. If you focus your initial efforts on addressing one or two less complex business applications, you will have less risk and a lower resource commitment will likely see measurable results more quickly and will be able to determine the overall potential ROI for Real Time Location System (RTLS) within your operations.

Have a use case in mind? Contact us to learn more about how RTLS can be used to support the specialized needs of your organization.

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