RTLS

RTLS is a technological system that can detect and track the exact position of objects or people in real time. RTLS uses various technologies and methods for this purpose. Real-Time Location Systems offer numerous advantages, particularly in terms of safety, efficiency, and workflow management. This leads to greater efficiency and reduces the need for manual intervention. Autonomous vehicles in warehouses and production facilities can optimize their routes and react automatically to changing conditions, for example.

Sensors, UWB, RFID, and BLE play an important role in RTLS systems. Sensors capture precise data on position and movement in real time. UWB (Ultra-Wideband) offers high localization accuracy and is particularly suitable for industrial applications. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) makes it easy to track objects and is often used in logistics. BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) is energy-efficient and ideal for mobile and cost-effective applications. Together, these technologies enable reliable and efficient real-time localization in various industries.

The term real-time refers to the ability of an IT system to react within a certain time frame. According to DIN ISO/IEC 2382, the term “real-time” describes the ability of a system to react immediately to inputs or events so that the results are available within a clearly defined and often very short time frame – without any perceptible delay.

Immediate Reaction
A real-time system must react immediately to incoming data or events.

Defined Time Frames
The time within which the system must react is fixed and varies depending on the application. This period can range from a few milliseconds to several seconds or even minutes.

Continuous and Reliable Operational Readiness
Programs and systems that work in real time must be constantly ready to process data and take appropriate action.

Evaluation and Time Window
The evaluation and analysis of real-time data can increase the transparency of processes, improve planning reliability or identify potential sources of error at an early stage. The time window for data acquisition is not fixed and can vary from a few milliseconds to several hours, depending on the application.

Conclusion
Real-time means the technical ability to retrieve data at the moment it happens. The system tracks the exact location of something and updates the RFID tracking information in real time. This means that the system is always up-to-date and precise.

According to a report by the Indian information and market research platform “Markets and Markets”, the global RTLS market was estimated at 5.2 billion USD in 2023. This figure is expected to rise to 16.2 billion USD by 2028, with the highest growth rates expected for the Asia-Pacific region. This is due to the rapidly growing manufacturing sector in China. Japan, South Korea, China, and Australia are also experiencing high demand and adoption of RTLS technologies, especially for healthcare applications such as the improvement of patient safety.

RTLS systems are divided into segments consisting of hardware, software, and services. According to a report by the American market research and management consulting company “Global Market Insights”, hardware accounted for around 50 percent of the RTLS market share in 2022. RTLS systems can consist of various wireless technologies, including RFID, Wi-Fi, UWB, BLE, and GPS, to name a few. RFID accounted for 30 percent of the RTLS market share in 2022.

North America held the largest share of the global RTLS market in 2022 at 45 percent. This is due to the increasing adoption of RTLS in the automotive, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, retail, and transportation sectors. In North America, Wi-Fi was the predominant technology used for RTLS systems.

Which Hardware Components are Part of an RTLS Solution?

RTLS often uses radio frequency signals such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to locate and track people, objects or vehicles. How does it work? A transponder or sensor is attached to the asset. This emits radio signals. In the area to be covered by RTLS, there are receivers that receive the radio signals.

The receivers triangulate the signals, and can thus determine the exact location of each item. In simple terms: The wireless network consists of sensors, transponders, and receivers. Together with an IT system, these components can detect movements and objects. As soon as an object is identified, its precise position can also be determined.

An RTLS solution includes various hardware components that work together. These include:

Tags: These are attached to objects or people.

Anchors: Stationary receivers that receive the signals from the tags.

Gateway: A device that collects and forwards the data from the anchors.

Server: Processes and stores the location data.

User Interface: For visualising and analysing the data.

Absolutely. The enormous growth figures are proof of this. RTLS is increasingly being used across industries and is having a transformative impact on business processes and technologies.

Industry 4.0 and IoT
RTLS plays a crucial role in the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) and the Internet of Things (IoT). The ability to localize and track objects and people in real time enables improved automation, efficiency, and transparency in production and logistics processes.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management
In logistics and supply chain management, RTLS improves inventory management, optimizes the flow of goods, and reduces losses. Real-time data on the location of goods and assets enables more precise planning and faster reactions to changes in the supply chain.

Healthcare
In the healthcare sector, RTLS is used to track medical equipment, staff, and patients. This leads to a better use of resources, increases patient safety, and improves the efficiency of processes in hospitals and care facilities.

Retail
In retail, RTLS helps optimize inventory, track merchandise, and improve the customer experience through personalized offers and navigation in large shopping malls.

Security and Emergency Management
RTLS enables improved security in companies and public facilities by tracking people and assets. In emergencies, the technology can help to locate and evacuate people more quickly.

Smart Buildings and Smart Cities
In smart buildings and cities, RTLS helps to increase efficiency and improve quality of life by enabling the monitoring and control of resources such as energy, water, and transportation.

Distance and Safety Zone
RTLS enables the automatic monitoring of safety distances of employees or vehicles. This can prevent accidents on factory premises and in logistics areas. By defining safety zones, warnings can be issued automatically when employees approach these areas.

Infection Chains
Another advantage of RTLS is the tracking of infection chains. In the event of a disease outbreak such as corona, it is possible to trace which employees have been in contact with each other. This enables the rapid and targeted quarantine of affected persons and minimizes the risk of the infection spreading further.

Employee Safety
Emergency situations can be identified more quickly thanks to the real-time monitoring of fire and rescue services. In the event of accidents, the system automatically triggers an alarm. Shorter response times increase the rescue potential.

Warnings
RTLS systems can issue warnings that are individually configurable. These warnings can be of a preventative nature, for example when approaching dangerous machines or areas, or in the event of an emergency when rapid assistance is required. This proactive safety measure increases employee awareness of potential hazards and reduces the risk of accidents.