Most companies today understand that implementing efficient and competitive technologies is essential to remaining competitive, but the question remains which technology and why? With its various advantages, many are looking to BLE to help manage and track their valuable assets, and here we’ll dig a bit further into what BLE is, its history, and its advantages as an inventory management and asset tracking tool.

What is BLE

BLE stands for Bluetooth Low Energy, also known as Bluetooth Smart, and is a relatively new development. As the name suggests, BLE requires relatively low-power for devices to connect with each other.

In other words, BLE is a wireless personal area network, similar to WiFi, but unlike wifi, BLE was created mainly for IoT (Internet of Things) applications such as Smart homes, healthcare, and asset management.

A brief history of BLE

Bluetooth Low Energy was originally developed by Nokia under the name Wibree and adapted by SIG in 2010 as a significant enhancement to the classic Bluetooth technology. Its purpose was to enable low-power wireless communication between devices while maintaining excellent connectivity; however, its capabilities quickly expanded beyond personal devices, finding immense utility in industrial and commercial applications, including asset tracking.

Advantages of BLE in Asset Tracking

Today, so many asset-tracking technologies are available out there, and each one has its own features, benefits, and disadvantages. Here are some of BLE’s advantages:

Energy efficient

One of the most significant advantages of BLE is the fact that it does not require a lot of power, ensuring longevity and reducing maintenance costs. This energy efficiency is extremely important in asset-tracking scenarios where devices need to operate continuously without frequent battery replacements.

Extended range

Unlike RFID, BLE has a very extensive range of up to 100 meters. This capability allies seamless tracking of assets across large areas. With this range, there is no need for numerous fixed readers and antennas, allowing for reduced infrastructure costs.

Cost-effective

A BLE solution is relatively cost-effective since its tags and beacons are inexpensive, making it feasible to deploy them on a larger scale without breaking the bank. This affordability makes BLE an attractive choice for businesses of all sizes, including small and medium enterprises aiming to improve their efficiency on a limited budget.

Real-time tracking

BLE enables real-time asset tracking, providing businesses with accurate and up-to-date information about their inventory. By leveraging BLE tags and beacons, companies can monitor the location, movement, and status of assets in real-time, enhancing operational efficiency, minimizing errors, and minimizing loss or theft.

Not only location tracking

BLE can be integrated with other sensors to track not only the locations but also movements, speeds, temperature, humidity, light, and more. This is extremely valuable when tracking sensitive items such as food, medication, healthcare equipment, cosmetics, etc. With this precious capability, BLE can ensure regulations requirements are met and save items from bad processes that cause spoilage.

Suitable for challenging environments

Unlike other technologies, BLE can operate in more complicated environments such as liquids and metallic products, opening the world of asset tracking to companies that previously struggled to find a solution to fit their unique needs.

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The power of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) in asset tracking cannot be overstated. Its energy efficiency, extended range, cost-effectiveness, real-time tracking capabilities, and scalability make it a compelling choice for businesses seeking to optimize their inventory management processes. Whether you are operating a warehouse, a retail store, or a manufacturing facility, BLE can revolutionize the way you track, locate, and manage your assets. Embracing BLE technology empowers businesses to streamline operations, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in an increasingly data-driven world.