RTLS Maintenance: Batteries, Tags and Support After Go-Live
An RTLS that works well at go-live can slowly lose accuracy if nobody looks after it. Tag batteries run out, tags go missing, devices are moved or covered, and software needs updates. This guide sets out the routine checks and support arrangements that keep a location system dependable.
Key takeaways
- Plan tag battery changes before tags go silent.
- Check devices and coverage on a regular schedule.
- Keep a list of tags and their owners, and review lost items.
- Agree who provides support and how quickly they respond.
Tag batteries: monitor, plan and replace
Most active tags run on batteries, and life depends on how often they report. Use the software to list tags with low battery and replace them in planned batches rather than one at a time. Keep spare tags so that an item is never left untracked while a battery is changed.
A simple schedule of routine checks
| When | What to check |
|---|---|
| Daily | Review tags that have stopped reporting and alerts that were ignored |
| Monthly | Check device status, power and network links across zones |
| Quarterly | Walk the site to test position accuracy in key areas |
| Yearly | Review software versions, security settings and spare stock |
Handling lost, damaged and reassigned tags
Tags get dropped, taken home or left on scrapped equipment. Record who holds each tag, require tags to be returned at the end of a job and run a periodic audit. When an item changes use, update the tag record straight away or the data will mislead people. See our guide to how RTLS works and where it is used for the basics of tags and readers.
When the site layout changes
New shelving, machinery or walls can change signal behaviour. Tell the RTLS owner before layouts change, then test coverage afterwards. A short check after each change prevents accuracy problems that are hard to trace later.
What a support plan should cover
Agree response times, who calls whom, spare parts, software updates and how often the supplier reviews performance with you. Include training for new staff, because turnover is a common cause of neglected systems.
Supporting your RTLS after go-live with Suraj Informatics
Suraj Informatics provides RFID and RTLS solutions with service support after installation. Contact us to discuss maintenance for a system you already run.
RTLS maintenance: common questions
How often do tag batteries need changing?
It depends on the tag type and reporting rate. Check the maker’s rating and watch the battery report.
Why do positions drift over time?
Moved devices, new obstacles and weak batteries are common causes.
Who should own the system?
Name one internal owner, even if the supplier handles repairs.
Can maintenance be outsourced?
Yes. Many sites use a service plan with agreed response times.
Talk to our RTLS team
Tell us what you need to locate and where, and we will suggest the right tags, readers and software.
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