What is the purpose of indoor positioning technology ?

Ripples IOT - Indoor position system software, What is Indoor positioning technology - comparison, cost benefits, industries

Indoor Positioning System Technology comparison

We all know the features of Indoor Positioning technology  (GPS), which enables users to locate a place, thing, or people on the surface of the earth. GPS uses satellite signals to locate a thing. But GPS is unreliable in interior spaces ie) under the roof, as there is no visual contact with the satellites. What is Indoor positioning system technology (IPS). In other words, Indoor Positioning System (IPS) is a system of network-connected devices that is used for the wireless location of objects and persons inside buildings and covered areas. Generally, IPS varies in functionality by means of visual contact, radio frequency, magnetic field, sound, etc. Read on to know what is indoor positioning.

Types of Indoor Position systems, technology

In the world market, there are multiple technologies that can be used to handle different types of indoor positioning. These include radio-based, optical, magnetic, and acoustic technologies with respect to their functionality. Each technology offers a wide range of systems like

  • Radio – Ultra-wideband (UWB)
  • Bluetooth mesh beacons (BLE),
  • UHF RFID (Radio frequency ID),
  • WiFi indoor positioning system (Wireless Fidelity)
  • Optical – Video camera sensors
  • Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR)
  • Infrared light pulses
  • Visible Light Communications (VLC)
  • Using magnetic wave strength;
  • Acoustic  Ultrasounds (echolocation)

Types of indoor positioning technology – BLE vs RFID:

Of all the above Bluetooth indoor position system offerings, mesh beacons and RFID are mostly preferred by customers worldwide.

RFID – It has the ability to sense at a frequency range of 3-5 meters per reader and at a reader range of 1-5 feet. Generally, an RFID reader costs in the range of $1500-$2000. They consume comparatively more power and have quite a long battery life.

Bluetooth Low Energy (Wirepas) – BLE can read 10-50 meter range per reader. Each reader can capture up to 20 feet range. They cost about $30-$70. Indoor positioning beacons are the least power-consuming with a replaceable battery life of 2-5 years.

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is projected as one of the most promising segments of the Indoor Positioning Software Market.

Segments where best indoor positioning technology is most popular

Indoor positioning technologies and systems are a much-needed solution for industries where maximum deployment happens. These are the segments where IPS is used the most,

  • Industry & Logistics – The Indoor Positioning System (IPS) provides location-relevant data and helps streamline logistics visibility and inventory management.
  • Offices & Smart Buildings – In smart buildings (e.g. office environments), Indoor positioning solutions can simplify internal processes and lead to cost savings.
  • Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals – Hospitals, nursing homes, laboratories, and other healthcare facilities benefit from the implementation of the system by reducing patient waiting times, and enhancing staff productivity.
  • Travel & Transportation – The system can be used for various things like indoor navigation and for monitoring passenger flows..
  • Automotive & Assembly – Services related to indoor positioning ensure smooth production processes in the automotive industry.
  • Mining & Construction – Indoor positioning can be used during the construction site safety and maintenance of tunnels and other structures.
  • Retail & Consumption – In retail, solutions for indoor positioning not only deliver added value for customers but also help coordinate internal processes such as pallet & forklift tracking

Barriers to Adopting Indoor Positioning Technologies 

Besides the fact that these industry segments could benefit widely from the system, there are some barriers for industry owners to adopt the system.

An Investment – Though precise Indoor Positioning technologies are an investment, it is not a one-off payment but a subscription product. Each tag and reader should be subscribed periodically as per the vendor plans. Secondly, the installation of the system is a time-consuming task. Most industries are refraining to use IPS due to this cost and time consumption.

Maintenance – There is no need for special maintenance for beacons usually other than a new battery occasionally. In fact, the best BLE actually runs five to eight years per battery change. However, the workload for changing batteries goes up when the number of beacons is high.

Finding the right service provider – Since setting up the system is expensive, it is necessary to find the right provider who can cater to one’s needs. The buyer should also have knowledge about the technology type and power consumption.

Low interference indoor positioning technology

Bad positioning is not at all an Indoor Positioning – A new buyer should always seek a provider that has a good business record because a bad provider with bad technology can provide ambiguous information and navigation.

The Bluetooth Indoor Positioning technologies and Industry have been gradually adopted by various retailers, hospitals, warehouses, and manufacturing units. Thus, the industry shows a steady growth phase. indoor positioning companies provide asset, production inventory, construction site safety, and workflow management solutions.

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