RTLS means Real-Time Location Systems, and it relates to any system that can identify the location of an object or person. RTLS is a goal that should be achieved with various asset tracking and management systems. Rather than a specific system or technology, the time at which assets are tracked is a crucial part of RTLS. Again, the data can be used in various ways depending on the function.
Check out the reasons why RTLS technology represents the future of factories.
1. Continuous monitoring
Identifying where assets or employees are at any one time is extremely beneficial to a company. Many businesses now implement real-time location systems to meet their needs. These include; manufacturing firms, delivery companies, and firms that provide various services.
There is a near-constant need to monitor numerous objects here, and any company can enjoy RTLS Benefits. And this is because monitoring software can track the history of employee movements, which helps reduce process errors.
2. Perfect automation
RTLS technology supports constant and quality communication. It has a remarkable range because it can transmit through objects and walls. That’s not all; RTLS is incredibly exact, locating a person or location to within a few centimeters.
Through the technology, a company replaces manual operations thanks to the advanced technology. This allows for faster responses to modifications or inaccuracies as well as operation automation. By replacing obsolete, inefficient methods like spreadsheets, RTLS systems automate previously manual and error-prone operations.
3. Ensures forklift safety
Annually, thousands of people incur critical injuries in forklift accidents, and many spend millions on treatment. Whether it’s assigning responsibilities or changing your warehouse flow to prevent accident-prone hot zones, RTLS gives you the necessary information required to uncover the cause of problems.
Using driver data to figure out how and why an accident happened is a great example. It’s simple to figure out what went wrong and how to avoid it in the future by analyzing route and speed data.
4. Workflow optimization and automation
The main agenda for your factory is to ensure a smooth flow of materials and people. Also, the time your outputs get produced is a critical factor. The RTLS case studies point out that the technology is beneficial for managing human resources and inventory effectively.
Utilizing RTLS infrastructure in production and tracking assets ensures optimized processes and safety. RTLS technology improves the efficiency of tasks and diagnoses issues that may arise. Moreover, it ensures that employees don’t perform improper operations.
5. Environmental and heat monitoring
RTLS technology uses sensors attached to passive and active ID tags to detect the environment. Emission levels, heat, humidity, and even movements could signify an avalanche or rock slide. This is an excellent tool you can use if you have a factor that deals with hazardous situations such as mines and logging operations.
6. Improving material supply
In manufacturing, RTLS can ensure sufficient material delivery, which is a fundamental prerequisite for efficiency. The user using RTLS for production, for example, can observe how many boxes with supplies are left at a given stage in the process by labeling them with location tags.
As a result, the management will inform the workers that the material supply should get replenished. Furthermore, by studying past patterns of material delivery, it is feasible to optimize and maximize the efficiency of the supply chain.
What are some of the parts of an RTLS?
In every application of an RTLS technology, you should incorporate certain components to ensure efficiency. The quantity of software and hardware components in your system will determine how optimal your technology works. Below are some of the elements you should know.
Software
The software in these techniques can range from a fundamental piece of software incorporated into the receiver hardware to many software. Examples on a host computer include a location engine, application software, and middleware. The software achieves the required system functionality.
- Middleware-connects application software and firmware
- Firmware-its software that resides on hardware.
- Application software-This one resides on the back end of a server
Transponder
A transponder is a device that is attached to an asset or person. Also, it is usually individually identified. A transponder usually receives a signal from a receiver and responds with its unique ID, but it can also provide the initial signal if it has an internal power source. Examples of transponders depending on the application of the technology can be; Smart devices, Bluetooth beacons, and infrared tags.
A receiver
It is a piece of hardware that sends and receives signals from transponders. Mostly it is powered by a network. The receiver subsequently sends the data to back-end host computers or databases. Receivers can be existing infrastructure in some systems, while others must be built-in.
In conclusion, the market for real-time location tracking is likely to develop soon. The development will be due to the growing number of connected devices and the practically endless possibilities for RTLS systems.
