In business, knowledge is power, and with it comes efficiency, productivity, safety, and profits. Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) provide this knowledge by delivering precise visibility of critical assets—supply chain, manufacturing, and human, in real-time.

 

For transportation and logistics enterprises, this knowledge means having end-to-end visibility and traceability of all containers, pallets, and packages. For manufacturers, it enables intelligent management and flow of all critical assets, whether in the facility or at a sprawling storage yard. Under Security and safety operations, it means controlling employee access and ensuring they do not linger in hazardous areas beyond safety requirements.

 

RTLS or indoor positioning systems (IPS) can be simply described as GPS on steroids but used indoors for the purpose of tracking, locating and monitoring the activity of people and things. 

 

It is used in healthcare, manufacturing, smart warehouses, hospitality, education, and other industries for the purpose of maximizing workflow efficiency, safety, wayfinding, and inventory and asset control and has been proven to deliver significant return on investment (ROI).

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Market Size

 

The RTLS market is expected to grow from USD 3.19 billion in 2018 to USD 8.79 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 22.5% between 2018 and 2023.

(Source: marketsandmarkets)

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Business applications of RTLS

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Fleet tracking: Fleet-tracking RTLS systems make it possible for an enterprise to track vehicle location and speed, optimize routes, schedule jobs, aid navigation and analyze driver efficiency.

Navigation: The most basic navigation services provide directions for how to get from Point A to Point B. Incorporating GPS, mapping and mobile cellular technology will enable more complex navigation services.

Inventory and asset tracking: RFID technologies are widely used for asset and inventory tracking. RFID tags communicate wirelessly with RFID readers throughout the enterprise.

 Personnel tracking: systems that track field workers are typically GPS-enabled mobile phones. On-site personnel tracking systems often use RFID technology, such as RFID-enabled badges.

 Network security: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) can limit the physical area from which a user can connect to restrict access based on the user's location.

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RTLS KPI for the business

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Reduce search time for misplaced assets: RTLS allows users to view the precise location of assets and eliminate time-consuming manual searches and audits. 

Reduce equipment movement: real-time enterprise visibility minimizes the need for equipment relocation.

Improve audits and recover lost property: with real-time, online auditing of assets, workers can locate equipment quickly. If equipment leaves a defined area, RTLS automatically triggers an alert.

Inventory and warehouse management: automate inventory control, pick and put-away location, shipping lane verification, and data entry tasks, while providing opportunities for faster time-to-delivery and elevated customer service.

Inbound and outbound logistics: track the most demanding, variable warehouse and operations assets as they move throughout a facility, yard, or industrial complex. The result is higher efficiency of physical storage areas and equipment.

Transportation Management: plan and control inbound and outbound truck, car, rail, and vessel movement with constraint validation, sequencing tools, and stowage validation. 

Capture disparate data: ERP systems integrated with middleware that read any set of auto-ID technologies (RTLS, bar code, RFID, etc.), can quickly capture events, filter, and map disparate data. 

Improve cycle time: track items and personnel, in detail, as they move through zones and processes. 

Create return on investment opportunities: timely knowledge of asset movements helps expedite tasks and transactions, enabling accurate forecasting and improving asset value while reducing the order-to-cash cycle.

Improve safety and security: RTLS enables low latency alarms, it extends asset visibility out to 1,750 meters (far beyond the abilities of passive RFID)