Save time and money with BLE asset tracking. Learn how this easy-to-use technology is improving efficiency across industries.
From Misplaced to Mastered: BLE Asset Tracking Simplifies Finding Your Stuff
Imagine this: a construction crew arrives at a job site, only to discover that a critical piece of equipment is missing. Hours of valuable time are wasted searching, leading to project delays and frustrated customers. Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common. Studies estimate that businesses lose between 1-5% of their annual revenue due to asset loss, misplacement and theft.Based on this data, a reliable asset tracking system is a must have for many businesses. It is especially true for construction companies, mechanical contractors, and field service companies. These companies have assets constantly moving between multiple job sites and field locations, and without a reliable asset tracking system in pleace it is practically impossible to keep track of everything.
Traditional asset managements systems, like desktop software or spreadsheets, are not effective in this situation. These systems are time consuming, cannot be accessed in the field, do not provide shared data, and are prone to errors. Barcode and QR code asset tracking systems are a big step forward. They allow for field inventory tracking using smartphones for barcode and QR code scanning, real time data updates and provide access to the real time asset data to all authorized system users.
But as technology develops, so do company requirements. Nowadays companies would like to have a more automated asset tracking solution, that either works much faster than QR code or barcode based systems, or track assets automatically without a need to involve field technicians.
Enter BLE asset tracking. This cutting-edge technology uses tiny, low-power BLE tags to make finding your valuable assets a breeze. With BLE, you can quickly locate assets across large areas with a simple tap on your smartphone. No more time-consuming manual searches.
And if you prefer a hands-off approach, BLE-based IoT gateways can automatically track your assets without any human intervention.
Learn more about this simple yet powerful technology and how it can transform your business in the this series of articles on BLE asset tracking.
What Is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Ever misplaced an asset or spent hours searching for a missing tool? You're not alone. Lost or misplaced assets are common, and cost businesses billions of dollars each year. Fortunately, there's a simple and affordable solution: BLE asset tracking. BLE stands for Bluetooth Low Energy.BLE a wireless technology designed for short-range communication, similar to the Bluetooth you use to connect your headphones to your phone. But unlike regular Bluetooth, BLE uses very little power, making it ideal for small, battery-powered devices called BLE tags, or beacons.
BLE tags can be attached to anything you want to keep track of – tools, equipment, inventory, even your employees. When a BLE tag comes within the range of a receiver it sends out a signal with a unique identifier. This signal can then be used to pinpoint the location of the tagged asset. As a result, you know location of all your assets in real time, which saves you time, money, and frustration.
A receiver can be a dedicated gateway, or your smartphone. One of the big advantages of BLE as compared to the other short range wireless communication technologies is its support by smartphones, both Android and iOS, as well as laptop computers.
Why BLE Is A Good Choice For Asset Tracking
BLE's unique characteristics make it an ideal choice for asset tracking in a variety of scenarios.First and foremost, its low energy consumption allows for incredibly long battery life in BLE tags, often measured in years rather than months. This eliminates the need for frequent battery changes, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring uninterrupted tracking.
Another compelling reason is its affordability. BLE tags and the associated infrastructure are relatively inexpensive compared to other technologies like RFID or GPS. This makes it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes, even those with large inventories or numerous assets to track.
Additionally, BLE asset tracking systems are known for their ease of implementation. They are typically simple to set up and scale, requiring minimal technical expertise. This allows businesses to quickly deploy and start benefiting from the technology without significant disruptions to their operations.
Furthermore, BLE's versatility is a major advantage. It can be used to track a wide range of assets, from small tools and equipment to large vehicles and containers. BLE tags can be used both indoors and outdoors, making them suitable for various environments. These include warehouses, construction sites, hospitals, and retail stores. Whether you need to track inventory, monitor equipment usage, or prevent theft, BLE provides a flexible solution that can be tailored to your specific needs.
What Industries Successfully Use BLE Asset Tracking
BLE asset tracking is proving to be a game-changer across a wide range of industries, revolutionizing the way businesses manage their valuable assets.In the construction industry, where tools and equipment are constantly on the move, BLE tags offer a reliable and efficient way to track their whereabouts. This helps prevent theft and loss, saving companies significant amounts of money. Moreover, BLE can optimize equipment utilization by identifying underused assets and facilitating better allocation, ultimately improving project efficiency and profitability.
For field service companies, BLE asset tracking enables real-time visibility into the location of their technicians and equipment. This allows for better scheduling and dispatching, leading to faster response times and improved customer satisfaction. Additionally, by tracking equipment usage and maintenance needs, companies can proactively schedule repairs, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
In manufacturing, BLE tags can be used to monitor the movement of materials and components throughout the production process. This enhances inventory management, reduces the risk of bottlenecks, and enables just-in-time delivery, ultimately streamlining operations and reducing costs. BLE can also be used to track tools and equipment, ensuring that they are readily available when needed and minimizing production delays.
Within the healthcare sector, BLE asset tracking is transforming patient care and operational efficiency. Hospitals can easily locate critical medical equipment like wheelchairs, infusion pumps, and monitors, saving valuable time for staff and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, BLE tags can be used to track patient movements, ensuring their safety and well-being, especially in cases of dementia or wandering tendencies.
In conclusion, BLE asset tracking is revolutionizing industries by providing real-time visibility, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving overall operational effectiveness. Its adaptability and wide range of applications make it a valuable asset for businesses across various sectors.
Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) To Prevent Loss Of Warehouse Assets - Case Study
PositiveCarry, LLC, a delivery company, was facing a recurring nightmare – the regular loss of their expensive Zebra handheld scanners. A QR Inventory software stepped in, implementing a tailored solution using BLE tags and IoT gateways. The results were astonishing. In the year since implementing an IoT asset tracking, Positive Carry hasn't lost a single scanner.
❱❱ BLE Asset Management - Case Study.