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RipplesIPS - Best Bluetooth 5 AoA Indoor positioning RTLS in factories

The best Bluetooth 5 AoA RTLS solutions in factories

Deploying Bluetooth 5 AoA Indoor positioning RTLS in factories significantly improves efficiency, productivity, and safety. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started. Bluetooth 5.1 brought with it a major new capability: Direction Finding. This feature relies on two principal techniques: Angle of Arrival (AoA) and Angle of Departure (AoD).

Specifically, Bluetooth 5’s Angle of Arrival (AoA) is a method designed for very precise indoor positioning and the tracking of objects. Let’s look at how it operates and what gives it its strength:

Define your goals and use cases

  • What do you want to achieve with RTLS solutions in factories? Increase asset tracking, optimise production flow, improve worker safety, or something else?
  • Identify specific use cases: Track raw materials, monitor equipment utilisation, guide automated vehicles, etc.

Choose the right Bluetooth 5 AoA RTLS technology

  • Consider factors like accuracy requirements, range, environment, budget, and integration with existing systems.
  • Popular technologies: Wi-Fi, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), RFID, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Know about affordable RTLS infrastructure.

Design your network infrastructure

  • Determine the number and placement of anchors/readers based on your chosen technology and desired coverage.
  • Consider obstacles and interference sources.

Tag your assets

  • Attach tags to pallets, equipment, tools, and even workers (optional).
  • Choose tags suitable for the environment and desired tracking frequency.

Install and configure software:

  • Select the right Bluetooth AoA indoor positioning system that integrates with your RTLS hardware and existing systems.
  • Set up dashboards and alerts for real-time monitoring and insights.

Pilot and refine your RTLS for factories

  • Start with a small-scale pilot project to test and refine your deployment before full implementation.
  • Train your staff on using the system and interpreting data.

Additional tips

  • Work with an experienced Bluetooth 5 AoA RTLS vendor, such as Ripples or a consultant for guidance.
  • Ensure data security and privacy compliance.
  • Start small and scale up as you gain experience and value.
  • Push the RTLS data onto a demand forecasting software to gain insights

Here are some specific examples of how RTLS in factories can help

  • Track raw materials and finished goods: Monitor movement throughout the production process, preventing bottlenecks and optimizing inventory management.
  • Optimize production flow: Track equipment utilization and worker activity to identify inefficiencies and improve scheduling.
  • Guide automated vehicles: Use RTLS for precise navigation of forklift safety, AGVs and robots, enhancing safety and efficiency.
  • Improve worker safety: Create virtual fences and geofences to prevent collisions between workers and equipment.
  • Track maintenance needs: Monitor equipment operating hours and conditions to predict and schedule preventive maintenance with RipplesCMMS

By deploying Bluetooth 5 AoA indoor positioning systems RTLS effectively, factories can gain a significant competitive advantage by boosting efficiency, productivity, and safety. Remember to carefully plan your deployment and choose the right technology and software for your specific needs