BLE asset tags are Bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacons. BLE beacons broadcast data that nearby Bluetooth devices can pick up and interpret. In the case of the asset and inventory tracking a BLE beacon tag broadcasts an ID number that uniquely identifies an asset or inventory item. The devices that listen to the BLE beacon tags can be smartphones, Bluetooth IoT gateways and / or edge IoT devices. Listening devices can do some data processing in place, and then send asset and inventory data to the backend cloud software for processing, storage and reporting.
BLE tags power and battery life. BLE tags are powered by the small coin-size batteries. The bluetooth low energy protocol was specifically designed to preserve energy, so the batteries in the BLE tags can last for several years. Some BLE tags have replaceable batteries. Many BLE tags manufacturers provide an option to configure BLE beacon parameters, such as transmission signal strength and broadcast interval. Using these beacon configuration options you can select your own trade offs between BLE beacon responsiveness (broadcast interval), distance (beacon signal strength) and a BLE tag battery life.
BLE tags range. On average, BLE asset tags have a range (a distance at which a signal can be picked up by the Bluetooth receiver) between 50 and 100 meters in the open space. Any walls or obstructions reduce this distance. The distance at which a BLE tag signal can be picked up depends on both a tag and a Bluetooth receiver. Smartphones usually have lower scanning range. Bluetooth gateways, on the other hand, may have up to a kilometer scanning range in the open space.
Industrial BLE tags. Industrial BLE tags are rugged, waterproof devices that are suitable for construction tools and equipment in outdoor conditions. Industrial asset tags IP rating is between IP65 and IP67 (can withstand dust, forein particles, and water jets from low pressure to high pressure). IP67 rated BLE tags can be completely submerged into the water for the short time period.
BLE tags size and weight. Physically BLE asset tag is a small lightweight plastic tag, round, square, or rectangular. The tag size may range between one and two inches, and thickness is around half an inch or less. BLE tags are suitable for putting on the small equipment, tools, and other assets, as well as on or inside inventory bins, totes, or boxes. You can attach a BLE tag to the asset with a zip tie or screws. Some BLE tags have an adhesive surface that allows you to stick a tag to the asset. You can also put BLE tags on or inside boxes or bins for tracking small inventory items.
Bluetooth low energy is becoming a less expensive and more robust alternative to RFID for the asset and inventory tracking.
You need three components for the smart IoT asset and inventory tracking using Bluetooth low energy:
A rugged weatherproof BLE tag suitable for use on the construction tools, equipment and machinery in outdoor conditions. Use screws or a zip tie to attach it to the assets. Low power consumption, battery lasts up to four years and is replaceable. The beacon signal transmission range is up to 100 meters in the open space.
A waterproof BLE tag suitable for the indoor and outdoor use. This BLE tag is well suited for the inventory, assets, equipment, warehouse pallets, or for tracking employees. Protected from the rain, snow, condensation and flooding - can tolerate being submerged into the water for up to 30 minutes at the shallow depth. Use zip tie to attach it to the equipment, tools, assets or inventory, place inside the inventory packaging, or attach to the employees' tags using a key chain. Low power consumption, battery lasts up to three years. Battery is not replaceable. The beacon signal can be read at the distance of up to 80 meters in the open space.
A temperature and humidity sensor with BLE beacon option can be used to monitor environmental conditions
(temperature and humidity)
of the warehouse assets and inventory, as well as
conditions on the construction sites, in the smart buildings, in the labs and on the shop floor.
Combining inventory and asset tracking
with the automatic temperature and humidity monitoring ensures that assets and inventory are stored or transported
in the correct temperature and humidity environment, prevents spoilage and waste.
The inventory and asset management system knows
the acceptable temperature and humidity range for the sensitive assets and inventory,
and in which zone each asset is located
at any moment.
As you move assets and inventory between locations, the system verifies that all assets and inventory are
in the acceptable temperature and humidity range. You receive immediate alerts if any asset or inventory item is moved in the
zone with the temperature and humidity conditions which can be harmful, or if the temperature or humidity conditions in the
zone go
out of the acceptable range for the assets and inventory which are located in this zone.
You also have an access to the temperature and humidity log for
all sensitive assets and inventory for the traceability and accountability purposes.
This temperature and humidity beacon can store up to 400 temperature and humidity values, so you always have an access
to the detailed temperature and
humidity logs even if the connection is interrupted.
