Several asset-tracking systems can make use of numerous wireless location technologies. Radiofrequency identification (RFID), Global Positioning System (GPS), WiFiWiFi, and Bluetooth are only a few examples of such technologies (RFID). Bluetooth is one of the finest solutions for commercial asset tracking indoors. However, other methods have their advantages. Bluetooth has evolved over the years to offer a longer battery life without sacrificing the accuracy that makes it so useful. Because of its low price and long battery life, Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) is the preferred version for commercial-grade asset tracking. Let’s understand why companies should prioritize Bluetooth LE over UWB for tracking their business assets.
Ultra-wideband technology: what exactly is it?
Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a high-frequency radio technology with a limited range. Using hundreds of megahertz, the system can send messages pinpointing an asset’s location within 10-30 centimeters. This technology’s accuracy makes it seem like a good fit for businesses, but there are other factors to consider before committing to a UWB system. UWB-operated devices only provide this level of accuracy when assets are close to one another and there is a direct line of sight from the tag to the location transmission device (such as a beacon or cell phone). This is a more expensive option because it is more difficult to deploy.
In other words, how does Bluetooth Low Energy work?
Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) is a wireless locating technology optimized for local interactions. While Bluetooth and WiFiWiFi enable devices to talk to one another, Bluetooth LE only transfers modest data. Take the case of sharing the position of an asset tag with an IoT system. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is ideal for indoor locating applications because of the little quantity of data that must be transferred, resulting in significant energy savings. Most mobile devices are Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) compliant, allowing for simple connection to other Bluetooth gadgets.
When comparing BLE VS UWB Long Battery Life, why go with Bluetooth LE?
Long battery life. Bluetooth Low Energy only updates when necessary and transmits only a minimal amount of data. Battery life can be extended to five years, allowing firms to monitor assets without disrupting operations. The greater amount of data transmitted through UWB greatly increases the energy required, leading to much shorter battery life. Companies would have additional work to do since hundreds or thousands of asset tracking tags would require frequent battery replacement.
The price is quite low. When comparing Bluetooth LE to UWB, the commercial infrastructure supporting Bluetooth LE is superior. Due to its low implementation cost and quick return on investment (ROI), Bluetooth Low Energy systems can be up and running in as little as 5 minutes. Thanks to their increased longevity, companies save money because they don’t have to buy new batteries as often. The increased frequency of battery replacement for increasingly complex systems, like UWB, can have a substantial financial impact on businesses. UWB-tagged assets are more expensive since they require direct line-of-sight transmission and additional equipment. There is also a big difference in how much tags cost: although low-volume orders of traditional UWB tags can run as high as $70 per, Bluetooth LE tags typically cost between $10 and $15. Costs associated with an asset tracking system can be reduced by as much as 80% if tags can be made more affordable.
Accuracy. With the help of Bluetooth LE, businesses can fine-tune their asset tracking to match any specific requirements they may have. Installing additional Bluetooth LE beacons throughout the interior of a building allows businesses to either keep track of their belongings in a restricted area or hone in on the precise location of those belongings. Tags and beacons can communicate regarding their locations without requiring a direct line of sight, as with UWB RTLS. Increasing the number of beacons you use will produce more precision; nevertheless, the ideal number will vary depending on the conditions. If the accuracy required by your application is just on the order of meters rather than feet, then Bluetooth LE is the way to go. UWB provides a higher level of precision, but it is optional to use it.
In conclusion, ultra-wideband technology provides high precision in asset tracking; however, Bluetooth Low Energy is the preferred choice for many firms for various reasons, making it the clear winner in this comparison. Bluetooth Low Energy provides a tracking system with longer battery life, fewer installation costs, and greater flexibility in customizing the system to fit particular requirements. Bluetooth LE is a solution that is more cost-effective and feasible for most commercial asset monitoring needs than UWB, which may be useful for applications requiring extremely high precision levels.
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