5 Best Indoor Asset Tracking Technologies to Optimize Your Business

Did you know that businesses lose thousands of dollars every year due to lost or misplaced assets?

Whether it’s a healthcare facility trying to find critical medical equipment, a warehouse struggling with stock shortages, or an office managing shared resources, having real-time visibility of assets indoors is important. Unlike outdoor environments where GPS solutions are commonly used, indoor tracking requires specialized technologies that can navigate complex layouts and provide accurate positioning in enclosed spaces.

At TEKTELIC, we know how challenging it can be to find the right solution, and we’re here to help you choose a technology that best fits your needs. With over 15 years of experience, we’ve supported businesses across different industries in improving operations and cutting unnecessary costs.

In this article, we will cover 5 best indoor asset tracking technologies and guide you in choosing the best asset tracking method for your business.

Let’s start.

What is RTLS and Why Indoor RTLS Matters

Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) are technologies used to automatically identify and track the location of objects or people in real-time, often within indoor environments. These systems use various technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ultra-Wideband, and more to provide accurate positioning.

Indoor RTLS helps businesses prevent asset loss, boost productivity, and cut costs by offering real-time insights into asset location and usage. Indoor tracking has different needs compared to outdoor solutions, such as dealing with walls, interference from other electronic devices, and requiring higher precision in tight spaces. With the right solution, businesses can make better decisions and run operations more smoothly.

How Did We Choose These Asset Tracking Technologies?

With so many RTLS technologies available, picking the right one can feel like a big task. To help businesses make an informed choice, we considered these key factors:

• Accuracy: How precisely the solution can track assets in indoor spaces.
• Scalability: How well the solution can grow with your business.
• Cost-effectiveness: The balance between upfront investment and long-term savings.
• Ease of deployment: How simple it is to install and integrate with current systems.
• Battery life: How long devices can last before needing maintenance.
• Privacy: Ensuring data security and compliance with regulations.

Based on these principles we have compiled a list with the best and most reliable technologies, as selected by our technical expert with 2 decades of experience.

Just scroll down a bit and you’ll find the list you need.

The Best Types Of Indoor RTLS Technology For Your Business

Let’s take a look at the most commonly used RTLS technologies and see how they compare in terms of accuracy, ease of setup, and cost-effectiveness.

1. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

BLE uses low-power signals to track asset locations within indoor environments. It’s a cost-effective option for applications requiring moderate accuracy and scalability.

Technical Characteristics:

• Operates on 2.4 GHz frequency.
• Achieves localization via Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) or Angle of Arrival (AoA).
• Typical range: 30–50m (up to 100m in open spaces).
• Low power consumption, enabling multi-year battery life for trackers.

Pros:

• Cost-effective infrastructure and tags.
• Mature technology with a wide ecosystem.
• Easy to deploy with minimal training.

Cons:

• Moderate accuracy (1–5m).
• Signal interference in dense environments.

2. Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi uses existing wireless networks to track asset locations based on signal strength or advanced techniques like Time of Flight (ToF). It’s a convenient option for businesses that already have a Wi-Fi infrastructure.

Technical Characteristics:

• Operates on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies.
• Localization is based on RSSI or advanced techniques like Time of Flight (ToF).
• Typical range: 50–100m indoors.
• Higher power consumption compared to other solutions.

Pros:

• Utilizes existing infrastructure in many facilities.
• Wide range of supported devices.

Cons:

• Lower accuracy (5–15m).
• Power-intensive for asset trackers.

3. Ultra-Wideband (UWB)

UWB utilizes short radio pulses to achieve high-precision tracking, offering centimeter-level accuracy. It is well-suited for environments that require pinpoint accuracy.

Technical Characteristics:

• Operates on 3.1–10.6 GHz frequency range.
• Provides highly accurate positioning (10–30 cm) using Time of Flight (ToF).
• Typical range: 10–50m indoors.

Pros:

• Industry-leading accuracy.
• Minimal interference from other RF technologies.

Cons:

• High initial cost for hardware and installation.
• Requires specialized skills for deployment.

4. Acoustic/Ultrasound

Acoustic/Ultrasound tracking works by emitting sound waves that bounce off objects and return to receivers, providing accurate positioning data. It is particularly effective in quiet indoor spaces.

Technical Characteristics:

• Operates at ~40 kHz frequency.
• Achieves localization by detecting sound waves emitted by tags.
• Typical range: 10–20m indoors.

Pros:

• High accuracy (10 cm–1m).
• Suitable for quiet environments.

Cons:

• Prone to interference from ambient noise.
• Requires line of sight or minimal obstructions.

5. Radar/mmWave

Radar/mmWave technology detects object movement and position using electromagnetic waves. It performs exceptionally well in challenging indoor conditions, such as environments with dust or low visibility.

Technical Characteristics:

• Operates at 24 GHz or 60 GHz frequencies.
• Uses electromagnetic waves to detect objects and motion.
• Typical range: 10–50m indoors.

Pros:

• High accuracy (~10 cm).
• Performs well in challenging conditions like dust and low light.
• Preserves privacy as it doesn’t capture visual data.

Cons:

• Higher cost and complexity.
• Requires advanced signal processing.

Comparison of Indoor Asset Tracking Technologies

Technology	Range	Accuracy	Deploy-ment Complexity	Operating Cost	Battery Life	Maturity	Privacy	Key Limitations
BLE	30–50m	1–5m	Low	Low	Multi-year	High	Moderate	Signal interference in dense environments.
Wi-Fi	50–100m	5–15m	Low to moderate	High	Low (~days-weeks)	High	Low	High power usage and lower accuracy.
UWB	10–50m	10–30cm	High	Moderate	Months	Moderate	Moderate	High cost and limited range.
Acoustic	10–20m	10cm–1m	Moderate	Moderate	Multi-year	Low	High	Affected by noise and obstructions.
Radar/ mmWave	10–50m	~10cm	High	Moderate	N/A (fixed sensors)	Moderate	High	High cost and complex processing.

What Are Some Examples Of Indoor Asset Tracking Technology Deployment?

One example is the TEKTELIC Sparrow Tracker. This device combines the long-range, low-power benefits of LoRaWAN® with the universal availability and reliability of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). With a 5-year battery life, it offers a dependable solution for tracking assets indoors, ensuring seamless monitoring and efficient asset management.

Indoor asset tracking technologies are widely used across different industries to enhance operational efficiency and security. Here are a few real-world examples:

• Healthcare: Hospitals utilize RTLS to track critical medical equipment such as wheelchairs, ventilators, and infusion pumps, ensuring they are readily available when needed.
• Warehousing and Logistics: Distribution centers use BLE and UWB technologies to monitor inventory movement, reducing stock discrepancies and optimizing order fulfillment.
• Retail: Retailers leverage Wi-Fi and BLE solutions to track high-value merchandise and optimize store layouts based on customer movement patterns.
• Manufacturing: Factories use acoustic/ultrasound tracking to monitor tools and equipment across production lines, preventing delays and improving workflow efficiency.
• Smart Offices: Offices implement radar/mmWave solutions to monitor occupancy levels, helping optimize workspace usage and energy consumption.

Many hospitals are already using TEKTELIC Sparrow to monitor the location of critical medical equipment such as ultrasounds, endoscopes, and patient beds. This ensures equipment is always available when needed, reduces search times, and improves overall patient care efficiency.

Conclusion

Investing in the right indoor RTLS technology can transform your operations by improving asset visibility, optimizing efficiency, and reducing operational costs. By carefully assessing your needs, you can implement a solution that aligns with your business objectives and enhances productivity.

For cost-sensitive, moderately accurate applications, BLE is a go-to solution. For high-precision needs, UWBand Radar/mmWave are ideal but come with higher costs. Specialized environments may benefit from Acoustic/Ultrasound or Radar/mmWave, especially where privacy is a concern.

At TEKTELIC, we are committed to supporting you on your IoT journey by providing expert guidance and cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs. Our team is here to help you make the right decisions to optimize your asset tracking operations and achieve significant cost savings.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss your specific needs and discover how our solutions can help you achieve your goals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

What is the best indoor asset tracking technology for cost-effective solutions?
BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) is widely considered the most cost-effective solution for indoor asset tracking. It offers a balance of affordability, easy deployment, and long battery life, making it ideal for warehouses, offices, and healthcare facilities.

How does LoRaWAN® compare to other indoor asset tracking technologies?
LoRaWAN® stands out for its long-range capabilities and low power consumption compared to Wi-Fi and BLE. It is ideal for large-scale deployments where extended battery life and reliable connectivity are critical.

What are the key benefits of using UWB for indoor positioning?
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) offers the highest precision, with accuracy down to 10-30 cm. It is best suited for applications requiring pinpoint accuracy, such as manufacturing and worker safety in hazardous environments.

How can indoor asset tracking technologies help businesses reduce operational costs?
Indoor asset tracking technologies provide real-time visibility of assets, helping businesses reduce search times, optimize resource allocation, and prevent asset loss, ultimately leading to significant cost savings.

What factors should businesses consider when choosing an indoor asset tracking solution?
Businesses should consider factors such as accuracy requirements, deployment complexity, operating costs, battery life, scalability, and privacy concerns when selecting an indoor asset tracking solution.