The Rise of Bluetooth Tags: Transmitting New Possibilities in Asset Tracking
Introduction
Bluetooth technology has revolutionized the way we connect and communicate with devices, and its impact on the Internet of Things (IoT) is no exception. At the forefront of this innovation are Bluetooth tags – small, low-power devices that transform ordinary items like products, packages, and equipment into smart, trackable assets. By providing location data, environmental sensing, and seamless integration with existing Bluetooth infrastructure, they offer a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to optimize operations and enhance asset management.
Background
Bluetooth technology is a wireless communication standard that enables short-range data transfer between Bluetooth-enabled electronic devices. It was first introduced in 1994 by Ericsson, and since then, it has become an integral part of numerous consumer electronics and industrial applications. For additional information on this technology, refer to our blog “Unveiling the Fascinating Origins and Cutting-Edge Evolution of Bluetooth Technology.”
Bluetooth technology plays a crucial role in telematics by enhancing vehicle connectivity, driver security, and asset tracking. Here are a few examples of how it’s used:
- Vehicle Connectivity: Bluetooth enables seamless wireless connections between smartphones, tablets, and in-vehicle systems. This allows companies and drivers to monitor vehicle data in real-time, receiving alerts for any issues that require immediate attention.
- Driver Identification and Authorization: Bluetooth key fobs are employed for driver identification and vehicle access control. Vehicle access controls ensure that only authorized drivers carrying the paired Bluetooth key fob can start and operate the vehicle, enhancing security and preventing unauthorized use.
- Bluetooth Tags: These tags are attached to valuable assets, such as packages, tools, and equipment, to transmit location and sensing data (e.g., temperature, humidity) to nearby receivers, enhancing asset tracking and management.
Bluetooth Tag Technology Evolution
Battery Life
Bluetooth tags continue to rapidly evolve, addressing previous limitations and opening new possibilities for their use. One of the most significant advancements has been in battery life. Bluetooth tags now boast extended operational periods thanks to energy-efficient designs and the implementation of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. This improvement allows tags to function for months or even years without requiring a battery change, making them more practical for long-term deployment in various scenarios.
Connectivity Range
Connectivity range has also seen substantial improvements. Bluetooth 4.0 devices typically had a maximum range of ~50 meters (164 feet) under ideal conditions. However, with the release of Bluetooth 5.0 in 2016, the range was extended up to 240 meters (800 feet) in open environments, thanks to improvements in the radio and power management systems. This expanded reach has broadened the potential applications for Bluetooth tags, particularly in large-scale industrial and commercial settings.
Location Accuracy
Location accuracy has taken a leap forward with the introduction of high-precision positioning technologies. Bluetooth 5.1 introduced Direction-Finding which utilizes Angle of Arrival (AoA) and Angle of Departure (AoD) to estimate the direction of a Bluetooth signal. These capabilities pinpoint the exact direction of a signal, improving location accuracy to within centimeters to create new possibilities for applications requiring detailed spatial awareness.
Mesh Networking
Another Bluetooth technology evolution is the introduction of mesh networking capabilities. Bluetooth Mesh allows multiple devices to form a network, relaying information between tags and receivers. This technology significantly expands the coverage area for Bluetooth tag systems, enabling tracking across vast spaces or complex environments where direct line-of-sight between tag and receiver might not always be possible.
Integration with Other Technologies
Furthermore, the integration of Bluetooth tags with other technologies has amplified their capabilities. By combining Bluetooth with GPS, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and other location technologies, developers have created hybrid solutions that offer the best of multiple worlds – the energy efficiency and ubiquity of Bluetooth paired with the global reach of GPS or the centimeter-level accuracy of UWB.
Bluetooth Tag Telematics Use Case Examples
These technological advancements have paved the way for a wide array of new and improved applications across various industries including the following examples:
Transportation & Logistics
Bluetooth tags can further optimize supply chain management in transportation and logistics. These tags, attached to packages and read by Bluetooth gateways or devices, enable continuous tracking of goods, reducing losses and boosting efficiency. A 2022 CargoNet study highlighted the persistent issue of cargo losses, estimating annual global losses due to theft or misplacement at $12-15 billion.
Healthcare
Bluetooth tags are now being used to track equipment within medical facilities and for in-home patient care. The tags can be used to track a wide range of assets including portable testing devices, IV pumps, trolleys, crash carts, wheelchairs, and scanners/monitors. AMR Research estimates that between 10% – 20% of a hospital’s mobile equipment is lost or stolen during their useful life at an average cost of $3,000 per asset.
Automotive Dealerships
In the automotive retail sector, Bluetooth tags are solving a longstanding problem for dealerships – keeping track of key fobs. By tagging key fobs, key personnel at dealerships can easily locate specific vehicles on large lots, streamline the sales process, and prevent loss or theft of valuable keys. Research indicates the automotive dealerships typically lose an average of 5 keys per month, each costing approximately $275 to replace. This annual loss amounts to around $16,500, excluding the additional costs associated with the time spent by auto dealer sales representatives and other staff in their efforts to locate missing keys.
Challenges and Considerations
While the use Bluetooth tags to track assets continues to expand, their widespread adoption does come with the following challenges:
Security
Security concerns top the list, as any wireless technology can be vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized access. As Bluetooth tags become more prevalent in sensitive applications, ensuring robust security measures is crucial.
Tag Cost
Bluetooth tag cost is another consideration. Although Bluetooth tag prices are decreasing, RFID tags remain cheaper and are generally easier to deploy. However, RFID tags offer a much shorter range and have limited data capabilities. Companies need to weigh these trade-offs to decide which technology best suits their specific needs.
Infrastructure Cost
Bluetooth tags need access points or gateways to transmit data to central systems. Large facilities like warehouses, hospitals, and auto dealership lots may require a considerable investment in gateway infrastructure. However, deployment costs can be reduced using Wi-Fi routers with built-in Bluetooth radios, allowing tags to leverage the facility’s Wi-Fi network. Additional gateways would only be necessary for areas needing precise zone or meter-level tracking.
Compatibility with Existing Systems
Compatibility with existing systems is also a consideration. As businesses look to implement Bluetooth tag solutions, ensuring these new technologies can integrate seamlessly with current IoT and tracking infrastructures is essential for smooth adoption and maximum benefit.
Conclusion
Bluetooth tags have a promising future, with continued advancements in battery life, accuracy, and integration with other technologies. These improvements will extend the range of use cases and enhance their asset tracking capability. Bluetooth tags are emerging as an integral component of the IoT ecosystem, expanding connectivity in innovative ways.
The innovations we’ve explored – enhanced range, improved accuracy, and integration with other technologies – are just the beginning. As Bluetooth technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more creative and impactful applications across various industries. Whether it’s further optimizing supply chains or improving the tracking of medical equipment within hospitals, Bluetooth tags are already an indispensable part of our connected future.
About Positioning Universal
Established in 2013, Positioning Universal is the leading global provider of off-the-shelf and customizable mobile IoT devices and GPS vehicle and asset monitoring solutions. Our Systems Integration (SI) services deliver turn-key solutions for smooth IoT implementations, leveraging our team’s extensive industry knowledge. With a deep understanding of IoT technologies, we guide companies in designing and deploying IoT solutions that meet their unique needs. Our comprehensive offerings, paired with best-in-class customer support, empower companies with essential business intelligence to sustain a competitive edge in rapidly evolving markets.
