Deploying a wireless Real-Time Locating System (RTLS)
Learn about deploying the most affordable RTLS system in Bengaluru, India
Define your requirements for deploying RTLS
- Do you want to track? People, assets, inventory, or workflow, or simply monitor a warehouse remotely
- What level of accuracy do you need? This will depend on your use case. For example, inventory stocktake in a warehouse may only require meter-level accuracy, while tracking patient waiting times in a hospital may need centimeter-level accuracy.
- What is your budget? RTLS solutions can range in price from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the technology used and the size of your deployment.
Technology for deploying the most affordable RTLS in India
Several different wireless technologies can be used for the most affordable RTLS, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common technologies include:
- Ultra-wideband (UWB): Offers high accuracy and good penetration through walls and other obstacles, but comes at a cost, hence not an affordable RTLS system to consider.
- Wi-Fi: This can be used with existing infrastructure, but accuracy is generally lower than UWB.
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE mesh): Low power consumption and cost, but limited range and accuracy, however easy to deploy, low cost of ownership and maintenance.
- RFID: Good for tracking large numbers of items, but limited to line-of-sight reading, involves close-range scanning of codes
Hardware devices for deploying the RTLS system
- Tags: These are attached to the objects you want to track. They come in a variety of depending on the technology you choose, which decides how an affordable RTLS solution you wish to deploy. These range from asset tracking, lone worker tracking, intruder detection, inventory counting & temperature humidity.
- Readers/anchors: These devices emit signals that are used to locate the tags. The number of readers you need will depend on the size of your deployment area and the desired accuracy.
- RTLS Software: This is used to collect and analyze the data from the tags and readers. It can also be used to generate reports and trigger alerts and notifications
Deploying an affordable RTLS system in Bengaluru
- Install the readers/anchors: The placement of these devices is critical for accuracy. You will need to carefully consider the layout of your deployment area and the location of the objects you want to track.
- Attach the tags: Make sure the tags are securely attached to the objects you want to track.
- Configure the software: This will involve setting up the system to collect the data you need and generate the reports you want, depending on the RTLS use cases.
Test and refine the RTLS system
Once your system is deployed, it is important to test it to make sure it is working correctly. You may need to adjust the placement of the readers/anchors or the configuration of the RTLS software to get the accuracy you need.
Here are some additional tips for deploying a fully wireless RTLS solution:
- Start small: Don’t try to deploy a system that is too large or complex at first. Start with a small pilot project and then scale up as needed. Go with an RTLS starter kit which helps you learn the finer aspects.
- Get buy-in from stakeholders: Make sure everyone who will be using the RTLS system is on board with the project. This will help ensure its success.
- Consider the future: Make sure the system you choose is scalable and can be easily expanded as your needs grow. Ensure the network and devices have an over the air update function.
By following these steps, you can deploy a fully wireless RTLS solution that meets your needs and budget.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful for deploying an affordable:
Cost of deploying an affordable RTLS system in Bengaluru
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the cost of deploying an affordable RTLS software as it depends on several factors:
Technology & Hardware
- Chosen technology: UWB offers high accuracy but tends to be the most expensive of the lot, more than Wi-Fi or BLE.
- Number of tags and readers: More tags and readers mean higher costs.
- Infrastructure requirements: Existing Wi-Fi or power may reduce cabling costs. New-generation BLE mesh solutions do not require any cabling and can help reduce the cost of deployment considerably.
Implementation & Project Scope of the RTLS system
- Deployment size and complexity: Large, complex installations will be pricier.
- Software licensing fees: Some systems require annual subscriptions, while others have one-time fees.
- Installation and configuration: Professional setup adds to the cost.
Additional Factors to consider about an affordable RTLS system
- Customization and integration: Custom features or integration with existing systems can be expensive.
- Maintenance and support: Ongoing service contracts add to the overall cost.
Here’s a rough breakdown of potential costs
- Software: Can range from $ 5,000 to $25,000+ per year, depending on features and scale and the number of inventory tags needed in a warehouse
- Hardware: Tags can range from $20 each to $100+ depending on technology and features. Anchors can cost $50 to $100 each.
- Implementation: Installation and configuration can cost $10,000 to $50,000+ depending on size and complexity.
To get a more accurate estimate, consider these elements
- Define your needs and goals: What do you want to track, what level of accuracy is required, and what’s your budget?
- Consult with RTLS vendors: Discuss your specific requirements and get quotes for different hardware and software options.
- Factor in implementation costs: Include installation, configuration, and training in your budget.
Remember, the cost of an RTLS solution should be weighed against the potential benefits it can bring to your organization, such as reduced time for inventory stocktake. Increased efficiency, productivity, and safety can often justify the initial investment.