RTLS ADOPTION IS TAKING OFF RAPIDLY
Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), aka On-Site Positioning Systems, are taking off rapidly after years of pilots to prove the technology and the value. Manufacturers, logistics companies and healthcare facilities now understand that it helps them to reduce operating costs, increase efficiencies and provide a better service to their customers:
- RTLS for tracking of mobile medical equipment reduces the need for such equipment by 17% because all the equipment can be accounted for and real-time retrieval becomes trivial.
- Manufacturers reduce stock obsolescence and stock-out by 90% by knowing where spare parts and raw materials are, how much there is, and which material in the FIFO order needs to be consumed.
- Logistics companies can eliminate 95% of scanning operations and receive real-time alerts of incorrect (un)loading operations.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND INSTALLATION COSTS NAMED #1 HURDLE TO ADOPT RTLS
The initial cost for the infrastructure hardware and the time, cost, and operational burden to install the infrastructure are #1 on the list of why companies hesitate to deploy an RTLS system. Some solution providers have introduced rental models to soften the blow from the hardware costs, but even then, companies remain doubtful because they understand most rental models only increase the total-cost-of-ownership in the long run. The installation cost is typically 50% of the initial cost, because wiring up the anchors (aka access points or gateways) is labour intensive and thus costly.
The more affordable providers tout $4/m2 ($0.37 per sq. ft) as the initial cost for the infrastructure hardware and the installation. When the installation is difficult, such as in hospitals, or when on-going operations need to be suspended during the installation, such as in a manufacturing facility, the cost can triple to $12/m2 ($1.12 per sq. ft).
REDLORE’S LOCUS SOLUTION REDUCED THE INITIAL COST TO 8%
RedLore’s RTLS solution, called Locus, is unique in being entirely wire-free. Wire-free practically means that the infrastructure hardware does not require any wiring: no power wiring and no data wiring. Infrastructure hardware devices, called anchors, are attached to the wall, ceiling, or column by means of industrial adhesive tape, which can easily be removed at any time.
As a result, the initial cost is reduced to $1/m2 ($0.09 per sq. ft) which is a 75% to 92% cost reduction.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF WIRE-FREE INFRASTRCTURE
Having infrastructure that is entirely wire-free offers additional advantages:
- As the cost is so much lower, companies will opt to provide connectivity throughout the entire facility as opposed to only the areas where it is absolutely necessary.
- The position selection of the infrastructure hardware devices is no longer limited to where cables can be run. Some locations, such as clean rooms or security vaults were previously often precluded from RTLS because of this limitation. With wire-free infrastructure connectivity throughout the facility can again be achieved.
- Cable installation and connection is the realm of trained technicians, who need to be scheduled and who can be delayed on another job. By doing away with the need for wiring, nearly anybody can do the installation, with no or limited training.
Visit our product page on Locus for more information.