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Getting started with RTLS

Guide to position technologies

  • Tomas Vojtek

  • November 15, 2024

Introduction to RTLS Technologies

Location technologies can be a very complex topic, but we can help you with understanding basic concepts, that can help you to make the correct decision. It's important to know, that twinzo can combine several technologies in a single building, enabling our customers cost-optimized ways how to implement RTLS.

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RTLS Topology – Passive vs. Active

One of the most important distinctions in RTLS is how objects are tracked and how the infrastructure is installed. We can categorize it into passive and active topologies.

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Passive RTLS – BLE-Based Tracking

This topology is used solely by BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) technology.

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•  How it works: Battery-powered BLE beacons are placed in stationary positions to serve as anchors for active devices like mobile phones or tablets.

•  Precision: 3 - 5 meters.

•  Best for: Forklift tracking, maintenance personnel, or tracking a limited number of objects.

‍•  Downside: Mobile devices require frequent charging (every 8-12 hours).

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Active RTLS – High Precision & Scalability

Active topology is similar to WiFi, where antennas are installed to scan premises for tracking tags.

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•  Common technologies: BLE, UWB, RFID.

•  Precision: Under 1 meter (as low as 20 cm for some technologies).

•  Best for: High-volume tracking (people, materials, safety-related use cases).

•  Downside: Installation can be complex due to power requirements.

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Choosing the Right RTLS Technology

The most common RTLS technologies are RFID, BLE, UWB, and Camera Recognition. Each has unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your use case.

BLE – A Flexible RTLS Technology

BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) is a highly flexible RTLS solution that can be deployed using different infrastructure models and localization techniques.

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•  Passive BLE, which offers a precision range of 3 to 10 meters, requires a mobile device as the trackable component, making it particularly useful for forklift optimization. ‍

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•  Active BLE operates with basic BLE tags as trackables, maintaining the same precision while being better suited for tracking people, machinery, and materials. For higher accuracy,

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•  AoA BLE (Angle of Arrival) technology enables precision below 1 meter, making it ideal for optimizing people and material flow within a facility. To support deployment, Twinzo and its partners provide starter kits and step-by-step installation guides for Passive BLE setups.

UWB – High Precision Tracking

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) is a high-precision indoor localization technology.

•  Accuracy: Up to 10 cm.

•  Best for: People & material tracking, process optimization, and collision avoidance.

•  Tag options: Badges, industrial tags, smartwatches, and more.

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RFID – Cost-Effective Asset Tracking

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a traditional and cost-effective asset tracking technology.‍

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•  Best for: Large-scale tracking (hundreds or thousands of objects).

•  Advantages: No battery required (passive tags). Can be printed and used in low-cost applications.

•  Limitations: Limited range. Higher antenna costs.

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