Learn how you can implement BLE asset tracking in your business, saving time and money. BLE technology is already improving efficiency in many industries - learn how to use it to your advantage.
BLE Asset Tracking - A Reliable Solution For 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 place it is practically impossible to keep track of everything.
Traditional asset managements systems, such as 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 the field inventory tracking. Field employees can use smartphones for barcode and QR code scanning, real time data updates and information access.
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 the QR code or barcode based systems, or track assets automatically without a need to involve field technicians.
That's when BLE asset tracking systems come into play. This cutting-edge technology uses tiny, low-power BLE tags to locate assets in the monitored locations. 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 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 is a wireless technology designed for the 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. Low power usage allows BLE tags to run on a small, coin-size battery for years, making them ideal for asset tracking applications.
BLE tags can be attached to anything you want to keep track of – tools, equipment, inventory, even your employees. BLE tag constantly emits a signal with unique identifier, which is picked up by the receiver - a smartphone or a dedicated IoT gateway. This signal is 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 a 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 the 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 the affordability of BLE devices. BLE tags and the associated infrastructure are relatively inexpensive compared to other technologies, such as RFID or GPS. Low cost makes BLE asset tracking 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, transfrming the way businesses manage their 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. (see BLE construction asset management for details). Reliable asset tracking helps prevent theft and loss, saving companies significant amounts of money. Moreover, by implementing BLE asset tracking construction companies can optimize equipment utilization. The tracking system helps them identify underused assets and facilitate better allocation, improving projects efficiency and profitability.
For the field service companies, BLE asset tracking provides real-time visibility into the equipment location and movements. This allows for the 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 asset tracking can be used to monitor the movement of materials and components throughout the production process. BLE tags simplify manufacturing inventory management and reduce the risk of the production delays, leading to streamlined operations and reduced production costs. BLE tracking system can also be used to monitor location of the manufacturing tools and equipment. Real time tools monitoring ensures that they are readily available when needed and minimizes production delays.
Within the healthcare sector, BLE asset tracking is improving patient care and operational efficiency. Hospitals can easily locate critical medical equipment ( wheelchairs, infusion pumps, monitors, etc.), saving valuable time for staff and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, BLE tags can be used to track patients' movements, ensuring their safety and well-being, especially in cases of dementia or wandering tendencies.
To sum up, BLE asset tracking is used in multiple industries for real-time visibility, process automation, and valuable data. BLE adaptability and wide range of applications make it a valuable tool 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.
Learn more about BLE asset tracking in these articles
- BLE Asset Tracking System Components - what devices are used in the BLE asset tracking system, how they work together, and what is involved in BLE asset tracking hardware purchasing and installation.
- Role Of IoT In Asset Tracking - what role IoT technology plays in asset tracking applications.
- BLE Asset Tracking With Smartphones - how to track assets using BLE tags and smartphones.
- BLE Asset Tracking With IoT Gateways - how to create a fully automated asset tracking system with BLE tags and IoT gateways.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discover how you can implement BLE asset tracking system in your business, increase operations efficiency and improve your bottom line.