BLE Tracking vs. GPS Tracking: 3 Key Differences to Help You Choose the Right Technology

What is BLE? 

BLE is a wireless communication technology, designed for short-range data exchange with minimal energy consumption. This technology is often used for tracking assets in small, confined environments where power efficiency and cost-effectiveness are key considerations.  

How Does BLE Asset Tracking Work? 

BLE asset tracking operates through a network of beacons, sensors and receivers. Beacons are small devices that broadcast signals to nearby BLE-enabled devices. These signals are picked up by sensors and receivers, allowing for the tracking of an asset location and environmental conditions in real-time. Generally, this technology is used for indoor tracking purposes, as these devices need to be in close proximity to a gateway or other BLE-enabled devices to transmit location data. Consumer products such as Apple AirTags and Bluetooth tiles utilize this technology, commonly for tracking personal items, but the application of such devices is very limited in a commercial setting. 

BLE Tags: Apple AirTags for Commercial Use

The quarter-sized Apple AirTag is ideal for BLE tracking of personal items, offering a convenient option for consumers who already utilize an Apple device such as an iPhone. Apple AirTags communicate location when within close proximity to a neighboring Apple iPhones, as part of the Find My network. While this allows users to see the location of their connected asset, limitations exist when needing to access location data if  assets are in a remote location. Data accessability is also limited, with AirTag data only available to a user via a connected Apple device. This prevents the sharing of and access to location information to additional sources, which is a necessary requirement in commercial settings.

For commercial purposes, businesses prioritize asset visibility and require solutions that do not continually rely on infrastructure such as Bluetooth gateways to transmit location data. In addition to location, organizations tracking high-value assets may require additional data and insights, such as tamper, theft, and impaction detection. This functionality is often limited with BLE tags, with GPS devices offering far more robust functionality.

Durability and lifetime are also key considerations for organizations when electing a tracking technology. BLE asset tracking devices are limited in their ability to withstand harsh industrial environments and detect rapid movements, while their battery-life lasts only 1 year when sending location data weekly. Many organizations require asset location information multiple times per day, which if using BLE tracking devices, would lead to frequent battery replacements. While the cost of an Apple AirTag battery is relatively inexpensive, it is not often feasible to physically locate and change batteries when assets are deployed, particularly if tracking high volumes of assets.

BLE Tracking Applications 

Using a BLE tracker may have limitations for commercial tracking requirements, but it offers significant advantages within indoor settings and personal tracking in urban environments. The following industries successfully utilize BLE tracking:

• Healthcare: Track medical equipment, ensuring that vital devices are always accounted for, easily accessible, and properly maintained within healthcare facilities. 

• Retail: Manage inventory with real-time updates, helping to prevent stockouts and overstocking. 

• Smart Buildings: BLE technology in smart buildings facilitates indoor navigation, helping occupants find their way around large complexes. It also tracks assets like furniture and equipment, ensuring optimal utilization. 

• Industrial Applications: Track tools and equipment within a small site, reducing downtime, improving efficiency, and ensuring that all tools are used and maintained properly. 
  
  

Advantages of BLE Tracking 

• Low Energy Consumption: Ideal for devices that need to operate for long periods without frequent battery changes. AirTags may have a relatively shorter battery life compared to other BLE devices due to their continuous active tracking and frequent communication with nearby devices for precise location updates.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Generally cheaper than GPS tracking solutions.

• Ease of Deployment and Maintenance: Simple to set up and maintain, particularly when Bluetooth gateways exist. 

• Real-Time Tracking Capabilities: Provides immediate location updates.

• Scalability: Simple to add and track additional tags. 
  
  

Disadvantages of BLE Tracking 

• Limited Range: Effective only for short-range tracking, typically within a few hundred feet, which limits its use in large-scale or outdoor applications. 

• Interference: Signals can be susceptible to interference from other Bluetooth devices, potentially affecting accuracy and reliability. 

• Security Vulnerabilities: Without proper security measures, BLE networks can be vulnerable to unauthorized access and data breaches. 

• Dependence on BLE-enabled devices: Tracking requires the presence of BLE-compatible devices and infrastructure, which can limit its deployment in certain environments.
   

Comparing BLE Asset Tracking with GPS Asset Tracking 

BLE vs GPS: Key Differences

GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking involves the use of satellite signals to precisely determine the location of an asset. Typically, GPS tracking is used in outdoor tracking due to its extensive coverage and accuracy. 

1. Range

The most significant distinction between BLE and GPS is the range of operation.

• BLE tracking is designed for short-range communication, typically within a few hundred feet, making it ideal for confined spaces such as warehouses, hospitals, or offices.

• GPS tracking, on the other hand, uses satellite connectivity to provide global coverage. It can track assets over long distances, across cities, or even countries, with consistent accuracy.
  For organizations that manage assets on the move or across large geographic areas, GPS provides far greater visibility and reliability than BLE.

2. Application

Each technology performs best in specific environments and use cases.

• BLE tracking excels indoors, where assets remain within range of gateways or receivers. It is well-suited to static or semi-mobile assets, such as equipment within facilities or inventory stored on-site.

• GPS tracking is optimized for outdoor applications, where line-of-sight access to satellites allows for precise, real-time location data. It also supports movement-based tracking, making it ideal for fleets, containers, or portable equipment that travels frequently.

The choice between BLE and GPS largely depends on whether your assets are stationary or mobile, and whether tracking needs to extend beyond building boundaries.

3. Infrastructure

Infrastructure requirements also play a major role in deciding between BLE and GPS tracking.

• BLE systems depend on a network of receivers or gateways to capture and relay location signals. This setup can be cost-effective for small areas but becomes complex to scale across multiple facilities or large campuses.

• GPS systems require minimal local infrastructure, as devices communicate directly with satellites and transmit data via cellular or low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN). This makes GPS deployment much easier in remote, outdoor, or geographically dispersed environments.

In short, BLE offers simplicity within contained indoor spaces, while GPS provides broader scalability with less infrastructure dependency.

BLE vs GPS Comparison at a Glance

Advantages of GPS Tracking 

• Wide Coverage: Track assets over long distances, suitable for logistics, fleet management, and any application where assets move across large geographical areas. 

• Precision: Provide accurate location data, even in remote or difficult-to-reach areas, ensuring reliable tracking.

• Versatility: Monitor various aspects of an asset beyond location, such as speed and direction, as well as tamper, impact and theft detection, providing comprehensive data for analysis.  

• Durability: GPS devices are often designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, ensuring durability and longevity. 
  
  

Disadvantages of GPS Tracking 

• Cost: Generally, more expensive than BLE devices. 

• Indoor Limitations: GPS tracking is less effective indoors due to signal obstruction by buildings and other structures, limiting its use in enclosed environments. 
  
  

Considerations for Choosing Between BLE and GPS 

Selecting the right tracking technology depends on your operational environment, asset type, and data requirements. The following factors can help determine which approach is best suited to your business needs.

1. What Are You Tracking?

Start by defining the type, value, and mobility of the assets you want to track.

• BLE tracking is ideal for smaller, lower-value, or stationary assets located within a facility, such as tools, trolleys, or equipment.

• GPS tracking is better suited to higher-value or mobile assets, such as vehicles, shipping containers, or rental equipment that moves between sites.

The more valuable and mobile your assets are, the more important it becomes to have continuous, wide-area visibility provided by GPS.

2. Where Is It Going?

Consider the environment and distance over which your assets travel.

• BLE performs best indoors or in small, defined spaces where devices can communicate through gateways or receivers.

• GPS provides reliable tracking across long distances and is less dependent on local infrastructure.

If assets move frequently between indoor and outdoor environments, a hybrid BLE-GPS solution may be the most effective approach, providing continuous tracking coverage wherever the asset goes.

3. Where Does the Information Need to Be Sent?

Think about how and where your data will be collected, transmitted, and stored.

• BLE networks typically transmit data to a local server or cloud platform via Bluetooth gateways. This requires the right on-site connectivity and network design.

• GPS trackers send data directly through cellular, NB-IoT, or satellite networks, offering more flexibility in remote or large-scale outdoor settings.

The choice often depends on whether your infrastructure can support Bluetooth coverage or whether direct-to-cloud transmission via GPS is more practical for your operations.

4. Additional Monitoring Needs

Beyond location, you may need to monitor other asset conditions or external factors.

• BLE can capture basic proximity or movement data, which is valuable for indoor location tracking or simple usage patterns.

• GPS devices can provide more advanced insights, such as temperature, impact, motion, tamper events, or environmental readings, depending on the sensor integrations available.

If your operations require real-time performance data or alerts for theft, damage, or environmental changes, GPS or hybrid solutions are typically the better fit.

Whilst GPS and BLE trackers have their distinct advantages and disadvantages, devices that combine the functionality of both offer superior tracking indoors and outdoors solutions simultaneously. Our Bluetooth-enabled GPS devices feature internal Bluetooth gateways, allowing for superior indoor tracking by communicating with proximate Bluetooth tags and sensors to communicate more information about the asset or its environment.
 

Summary

Choosing the right tracking technology depends on your specific use case and requirements. BLE tracking is ideal for assets that are in an indoor environment, where low energy consumption and cost-effectiveness are crucial. GPS on the other hand, is better suited for outdoor applications that require wide coverage and precision, with the ability to on-send data to specified asset management platforms for enhanced visibility.

If you’re looking for an affordable yet highly capable asset tracking solution, the Barra Core stands out as a competitive solution. Perfect for businesses, it provides the reliability of NB-IoT, performing both indoors and out, and can be configured for custom performance needs, supports geofencing, impact detection and more. Lasting up to ten times longer than typical Bluetooth tags, the Barra Core is the ideal, low-cost solution for businesses seeking long-term, reliable results. 

Learn more about the Barra Core or contact us to discuss your specific requirements.