Indoor Asset Tracking

Why Indoor GPS Tracking Doesn’t Work

First launched in 1993, the United States GPS (Global Positioning System) has transformed the way that we track assets. Now complemented and rivaled by constellations from other nations. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) all work by having a tiny receiver listen for and perform sophisticated math on signals emitted by a constellation of satellites with highly accurate clocks.   

Due to the nature of the technology, the receiver needs to register at least four satellites in order to resolve an accurate location – three for triangulation and another for calibrating its own sense of time.  Concrete, metal, and other solid objects in between the satellites and the receiver weaken the signals to the point of preventing detection at all. When this happens, the receiver fails to find enough satellites to determine its location, making GPS unusable in environments like warehouses, hospitals, and multi-story buildings. 

Where traditional GPS fails, businesses need to turn to specialized indoor asset-tracking solutions and WiFi positioning to track their assets. 

Indoor Asset Tracking Options

Indoor asset tracking uses WiFi technology to track the location of assets within indoor environments. Unlike GPS which uses satellite signals, indoor tracking solutions use alternative methods like WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other technologies to overcome signal obstructions. 

Why is Indoor Asset Tracking Useful?

Indoor environments like warehouses, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities have high-value assets that need to be managed. Tracking these assets means: 

• Operational Efficiency: Find equipment quickly, reduce downtime, and increase productivity. 

• Asset Security: Prevent loss or theft by knowing where your assets are at all times. 

• Simplified Processes: Streamline inventory management and reduce time searching for lost items. 

Use Cases for Indoor Asset Tracking

Hospitals 

In hospitals, indoor asset tracking ensures assets such as wheelchairs, infusion pumps, and beds are always available when you need them. By monitoring their location in real-time, you can reduce time searching for equipment, and improve equipment utilization and patient care efficiency. With indoor positioning systems using WiFi, you can track assets across floors and departments. 

Warehouses 

Indoor asset tracking in warehouses optimizes storage and supply chain operations. By monitoring pallets, forklifts, and inventory, you can streamline workflows, reduce misplacement, and get goods ready for shipment, ultimately increasing operational efficiency. A WiFi indoor positioning system makes this happen without the need for expensive hardware. 

Factories 

Factories use indoor asset tracking to ensure tools and machinery are in the right place at the right time. With a WiFi-based location system, you can track equipment across big facilities and avoid production delays due to misplaced tools. This level of visibility enhances operational efficiency and reduces downtime. 

WiFi Positioning System

A WiFi positioning system (WPS) uses existing WiFi networks to locate an asset. These systems work by scanning for nearby WiFi access points and analyzing the signal strength to estimate the device’s position. 

How does a WiFi Positioning System work?

• Triangulation: The system uses signal strength from multiple Wi-Fi networks to triangulate an asset’s position. The more WiFi networks available, the more accurate. 

• No Network Connection Required: WiFi positioning systems don’t need to connect to the network. They only scan for available networks, so they’re efficient and easy to deploy. 

• Infrastructure Dependent: WiFi positioning works best in areas with dense infrastructure like cities where multiple WiFi access points are available. 

How to Improve WiFi Positioning Systems

• Add Beacons: These are small devices placed strategically to provide additional location data, to improve accuracy and coverage. 

• Use in Dense Areas: Urban areas with robust WiFi networks deliver better results as there are more signals to scan. 

Benefits of Indoor Asset Tracking

Having an indoor tracking solution is critical for businesses that operate in large or complex indoor environments. 

Key Features: 

• Visibility: Get precise location of assets, reduce time searching for items in warehouses, hospitals, or offices. 

• Cost Effective: Unlike traditional RTLS systems, WiFi positioning systems don’t require expensive proprietary hardware, they use existing infrastructure. 

• Efficiency: Automate asset tracking and improve overall productivity. 

What is a WiFi GPS Tracker?

A WiFi GPS tracker is a hybrid device that combines the best of GPS and WiFi technologies to track across indoor and outdoor environments. 

Our Edge Range

The edge range, including devices like the Oyster Edge, has hybrid tracking capabilities allowing for seamless indoor/outdoor tracking. The edge range achieves this by: 

• GNSS Scanning Technology: The Edge range uses GNSS scanning rather than a dedicated hardware module, providing outdoor tracking with lower power consumption. While it trades some accuracy for efficiency, this makes it ideal for long-term deployments. 

• WiFi Positioning: Uses WiFi AP MAC Address Scanning for indoor tracking. 

• Hybrid Functionality: Combines GNSS and WiFi to track as assets move between indoor and outdoor environments. 

Why Edge Range?

• Versatility: For businesses with indoor/outdoor tracking requirements, like hospitals, warehouses, and logistics companies. 

• Cost Effective: Balances accuracy with power consumption, devices can run up to 10+ years on replaceable batteries. 

• Seamless Tracking: Delivers asset visibility across multiple environments, with no blind spots. 

Get in Touch to Optimize Your Indoor Asset Tracking

Indoor asset tracking requires special solutions such as a WiFi positioning system to ensure reliable and cost-effective tracking. For companies that require both indoor and outdoor tracking, we recommend a hybrid solution such as our edge range. Get in touch with us today to talk about your requirements and see the Digital Matter difference.