Real-Time Asset Tracking Systems: The 2026 Guide to RTLS & IoT

Ripples IoT - Realtime asset tracking system using Bluetooth AoA, LoRAWAN

RTLS solutions

 


RipplesIPS Realtime asset tracking software on Wirepas mesh

Gateway device for Real-time asset tracking software

Real-Time Asset Tracking Systems: The 2026 Guide to RTLS & IoT

Realtime asset tracking solutions FAQ for warehouse inventory tracking, motor pump performance and remote worker tracking.  The Bluetooth mesh network deployed is highly reliable and scalable, making it a cost-effective infrastructure for a wide range of real-time indoor GPS asset tracker use cases, such as:

High-Visibility Inventory & Supply Chain Management

Our real-time asset tracking software is designed to eliminate the “search time” that slows down warehouse operations. By integrating with existing inventory tools like InveTree, Ripples IoT provides a live map of your stock movement. This ensures 100% accuracy in stocktakes and facilitates seamless FIFO (First-In, First-Out) workflows.

  • Automated Stock Audits: Eliminate manual cycle counting with real-time location audits.
  • Loss Prevention: Receive instant alerts if high-value assets or pallets leave designated zones.
  • Lead Time Reduction: Optimise forklift routes and worker paths by analysing historical movement data.
  • Compliance & Safety: Maintain automated logs for cold chain movement and hazardous material locations.

Asset tracking FAQ with Bluetooth & LoRaWAN

Ripples IoT solutions team leverages its 7 years of expertise in delivering an easy-to-deploy and quick implementation,  a real-time asset tracking system, which helps in improving productivity and safety in factories, warehouse inventory accuracy, remote worker productivity, cold chain visibility, truck fleet maintenance, and logistics management.

Asset Tracking comparison 

TechnologyPrecisionRangePower ConsumptionIdeal Use Case (2026)
BLE (Standard)2–5m~50mVery LowIndoor general inventory & workforce safety.
Bluetooth AoA< 0.5m~30mLowHigh-precision tool tracking & automated assembly.
LoRaWAN10m+5km+Extremely LowYard management, campus-wide transit, & rural logistics.
UWB10cm~20mHighSafety-critical automation & robotic collision avoidance.
 
Ripples IoT RTLS solutions FAQ for cold chain monitoring, warehouse inventory tracking

 

Accuracy of RipplesIPS Realtime asset tracking solutions

There is a trade-off between accuracy and cost for IPS (Indoor Positioning System). Generally, the more accurate the system, the more expensive it will be to deploy and maintain. However, the application’s specific requirements will determine the optimal balance of accuracy and cost.

 

A cloud-enabled RTLS solutions and CMMS software with real-time asset tracking software for identifying the indoor asset location with an accuracy of 4 x 4 meters, which has the function to categorize the assets based on usage and type, the physical location of the asset, time spent, last known location, etc.

There is an easy-to-configure rule engine that can be enabled to send alerts and notifications, for example, when an employee goes to a no-go zone or if an inventory pallet is found to be stacked in the wrong location
RipplesIPS CMMS software – Asset maintenance has a functionality whereby assets can be grouped and tracked for efficiency. This can be about tracking a group of interns, workers engaged in a specific repair activity, a bill of materials pallet tracking in a production environment
A virtual zone is a set of digital boundaries created in a specific region of the building using a combination of Bluetooth beacons with AoA and LoRaWAN  These could be different departments where people work, inventory storage areas, or front office reception where customers walk in to avail services

We have integrated Inventree software with RipplesIPS to provide you with professional warehouse Pallet inventory monitoring software, which boosts productivity when it comes to inventory stock take, FIFO method and cycle counting. Most enterprises see a full ROI within 9 to 12 months. This is achieved by reducing “search time” by 80%, eliminating ghost stock, and optimising equipment utilisation. In 2026, the integration of Digital Twins further boosts ROI by predicting maintenance before breakdowns occur.

Both the data transmission and the network signaling are secured on the link layer with AES128 encryption and OMAC1 integrity verification. The mesh uses the network-wide Message Integrity Code (MIC) and AES128 encryption key. A replay attack is prevented by adding a nonce to the message. The messages are encrypted/decrypted and integrity checked hop-by-hop.

A mesh network offers several benefits for real-time asset tracking, including:

  • High reliability: Bluetooth AoA and BLE mesh networks are reliable, even in harsh environments.
  • Scalability: RipplesIPS mesh networks can be scaled to support many devices.
  • Inventory tags consume very little power, which extends their battery life.
  • Security: Mesh networks are highly secure and resistant to interference.

The costs associated with using a Bluetooth network for real-time asset tracking will vary depending on the specific application, layout, and coverage. However, the cost of a Bluetooth asset tracking device is relatively low, and the cost of the cloud-based asset-tracking software platform is typically based on a subscription model. Overall, real-time asset tracking with a Bluetooth AoA is a powerful and affordable way to track the indoor location of assets in real time.

EN 12830 cold chain monitoring and tracking solutions can be deployed on the same infrastructure to provide regular alerts and notifications. Bluetooth AoA provides sub-meter accuracy, allowing managers to locate specific bins or tools rather than just general zones. This precision enables the automation of pick-lists and real-time heatmaps of warehouse traffic, reducing bottlenecks by up to 30%.

The devices have certification for CE, FCC, and RoHS. The battery life would vary between 3 months and 10 years, depending on how often they are configured to transmit information (Zone, timestamp). Deployment Note for African Markets: Our hardware is optimised for low-power environments. With battery lives of up to 5 years and “Offline-First” data sync, Ripples IoT ensures your supply chain remains visible even during power fluctuations or remote field operations in East and Southern Africa.

We do have an IoT starter kit that can be shipped to you in two weeks for you to deploy the Bluetooth RTLS solution on your own and try it out with the Logistics Yard Management System or different use cases.

Zero-wire RTLS deployment

Call us to learn more about RTLS solutions, Asset tracking FAQ, Asset maintenance management, RipplesIPS and the benefits of CMMS software for factories and benefits of RTLS solutions

Compiled by Duleep Sahadevan, founder and director