Some of the Types of Tracking Technology Available

Indoor location tracking solutions give businesses a better understanding of their most important assets' movements and provide relevant business analytics on how they are used in real-time.

Fremont, CA: Indoor location tracking systems are a versatile technology with numerous uses. They can provide a complete picture of how your employees and assets move around your facility in real-time using a network of transmitters and receivers. Indoor tracking can be accomplished using a variety of wireless methods.

The different types of tracking technology

Wi-Fi-based systems

The infrastructure used by these IPS systems is the same as that of wireless internet service. They keep track of the MAC address, or identification number, of each connected device's Wi-Fi card. Compared to most other IPS systems, they have a range of up to 150 meters. On the other hand, Wi-Fi IPS is less accurate, often locating an object within 15 meters of its true location.

Ultra-wideband (UWB) IPS

Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, UWB IPS use a significantly higher radio frequency. It works well in environments where lower frequencies are disrupted by materials such as metal surfaces or thick walls. UWB is extremely precise, with an effective range comparable to Wi-Fi and the ability to find objects within a few centimeters.

Infrared (IR) IPS

Like a TV remote control, these systems use an infrared beam of light to convey location data from tags to receivers. IR IPS consume very little power, and the systems are typically less expensive. Infrared signals do not penetrate walls. This can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the IPS application in question.

Acoustic (ultrasonic) systems

Ultrasonic IPS systems use sound instead of light to send location information, similar to how sonar signals ping off a target. These systems can be quite precise, but because solid surfaces block signals, they are usually only practical in bigger, spacious facilities.

Bluetooth systems

This is a short-range wireless technology that is often used to connect electronic items together, such as headphones and a smartphone. The range of Bluetooth IPS is just 25 meters; however, it is accurate to within 3 meters. If you already have a large number of Bluetooth-enabled assets in your office, Bluetooth IPS is a good option.