Real-Time Locating System (RTLS): How It Works and Where It Is Used
A real-time locating system (RTLS) shows where people, assets and vehicles are inside a building or site, right now. It is used to find tools and equipment, track goods through a warehouse, keep workers safe and speed up operations. This guide explains how RTLS works, the main technologies and where it is used.
Key takeaways
- RTLS uses tags on assets or people and fixed readers or anchors to calculate location.
- Main technologies are active RFID, BLE, UWB and Wi-Fi, each with different accuracy and cost.
- Uses include asset finding, worker safety, yard and warehouse tracking.
How a real-time locating system works
- Tag. A small tag is attached to an asset, vehicle or worker badge.
- Detect. Readers or anchors around the site receive signals from the tag.
- Locate. Software calculates the tag’s position.
- Show and alert. Locations appear on a map, with alerts for zones and rules.
RTLS technologies compared
| Technology | Typical accuracy | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Passive RFID | Read-point (gate or zone) | Low-cost tracking at doors and dock doors |
| Active RFID | Zone level | Vehicles, containers, large assets |
| BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) | Room or zone level | Asset finding, staff location, low cost |
| UWB (ultra-wideband) | Very precise, often under a metre | Forklifts, high-value tools, safety zones |
| Wi-Fi based | Zone level | Using existing Wi-Fi infrastructure |
Where RTLS is used
- Warehouses: find pallets, forklifts and tools; see goods flow.
- Manufacturing: track work-in-progress and equipment.
- Yards and ports: locate trailers, containers and vehicles.
- Worker safety: mustering, lone-worker alerts and restricted zones.
- Hospitals: track equipment and patients.
For tracking assets with RFID software, read RFID asset tracking software.
RTLS from Suraj Informatics
Suraj Informatics provides real-time location systems and RFID solutions for warehouses, plants, yards and ports in India.
Real-time locating systems: common questions
What is RTLS?
A real-time locating system that shows where tagged people, assets or vehicles are inside a building or site.
What is the difference between RFID and RTLS?
Passive RFID shows when items pass a reader; RTLS continuously tracks location across an area.
How accurate is RTLS?
It depends on the technology, from zone level with BLE or active RFID to under a metre with UWB.
Talk to our RFID and RTLS team
Tell us what you need to track and how precisely, and we will suggest the right RTLS technology.
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