RFID tells you that an asset exists and has been seen at a reader location. RTLS tells you where that asset is right now — continuously, in real time, with sub-metre precision. The difference matters enormously in environments where finding equipment quickly is critical.
How RTLS Works
An RTLS system consists of tags attached to assets (or worn by people), a network of fixed reference points (anchors or readers) installed throughout a facility, and software that calculates and displays position data.
The system estimates position using one or more of these techniques:
- Time of Flight (ToF): Measures the time a signal takes to travel from tag to multiple anchors. Highly accurate (10–30 cm).
- Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA): Compares when a signal arrives at different anchors. Accurate to 0.1–0.5 m at scale.
- Received Signal Strength (RSSI): Estimates distance based on signal power. Less precise (1–3 m) but lower cost.
- Angle of Arrival (AoA): Uses antenna arrays to determine the direction of a signal. Sub-metre accuracy.
RTLS Technologies Compared
UWB (Ultra-Wideband) is the leading choice for precision indoor tracking. It achieves 10–30 cm accuracy, is immune to multipath interference, and is now integrated into consumer devices (Apple AirTag, iPhone). Used in hospitals, factories, and logistics.
RF Controls RTLS (used by RFID.BG) combines UHF RFID infrastructure with proprietary location algorithms, delivering zone-level to sub-metre accuracy using existing RFID investments as the backbone.
BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) offers room-level accuracy at low tag cost. Common in retail and office environments.
Where RTLS Delivers Value
- Hospitals: Locating infusion pumps, wheelchairs, and crash carts. Nurses spend 1–2 hours per shift searching for equipment — RTLS eliminates this.
- Manufacturing: Tracking work-in-progress through assembly stages and locating tools in large facilities.
- Logistics: Real-time dock management, trailer location, and yard management.
- Offices: Hot-desking space utilisation and meeting room management.