Bluetooth Asset Tracking

BLE asset tracking operates through a network of BLE devices, including beacons, sensors, and receivers. Beacons are small BLE tags that broadcast signals to nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices. These signals are picked up by sensors and receivers, allowing for the tracking of an asset’s location and environmental conditions in real time. Generally, BLE technology is used for indoor tracking purposes, as these BLE devices need to be in close proximity to a gateway or other Bluetooth-enabled devices to transmit location data.

Consumer products such as Apple AirTags and Bluetooth tiles utilize BLE technology, commonly for tracking personal items. However, the application of such BLE tags is very limited in a commercial setting.

• BLE Asset Tracking: BLE tracking relies on BLE devices, such as BLE beacons and sensors, to communicate with nearby receivers or gateways. It is primarily used for indoor tracking in controlled environments like warehouses, hospitals, and office spaces. BLE asset tracking is ideal for real-time location tracking, proximity-based monitoring, and environmental condition sensing. It is energy-efficient, cost-effective, and works well within confined areas where GPS signals may struggle to penetrate.
• GPS Asset Tracking: GPS tracking, on the other hand, uses satellite signals to determine the real-time location of an asset. It is best suited for outdoor tracking across long distances, such as fleet management, logistics, and remote asset monitoring. Unlike BLE, GPS does not require nearby receivers but does need an unobstructed view of the sky to function effectively. GPS devices generally consume more power than BLE tags, making them less suitable for battery-sensitive applications.

BLE asset tracking is ideal for indoor environments with short-range, high-precision tracking needs, while GPS asset tracking is best for outdoor, long-range tracking of mobile assets. Many businesses integrate both technologies for a hybrid tracking solution that provides seamless indoor and outdoor asset visibility.

Whilst GPS and BLE trackers have their distinct advantages and disadvantages, devices that combine the functionality of both offer superior tracking for indoor and outdoor applications. 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.

Key Features

Digital Matter’s Bluetooth asset tracking solutions provide seamless visibility for assets moving between indoor and outdoor environments. Our advanced devices combine GPS tracking and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, enabling precise location tracking while communicating with nearby BLE tags, sensors, and accessories.

Designed for versatility, these solutions support applications such as inventory management, door open/close monitoring, condition monitoring, fleet management, and exception reporting.

With global connectivity across multiple cellular networks, including 2G, 4G, 5G, and LTE-M/NB-IoT, we ensure reliable, worldwide asset tracking for businesses of all sizes.

Other key features of our BLE tracking devices include:

• Rugged design: The devices feature ultra-rugged and waterproof housings, designed to withstand harsh environments, impact, fine dust, and brief submersion.
• Compatibility: Our solutions support industry-standard BLE formats and are compatible with third-party Bluetooth tags, sensors, and accessories, offering a plug-and-play solution.
• Customization: The devices allow for efficient management of Bluetooth asset tracking parameters, including location reporting frequency, movement-based events, and accelerometer settings.
• Long battery life: Our “deploy once” battery life ensures enduring tracking capabilities, promoting convenience and efficiency in your asset tracking efforts.
• Over-the-air updates: Device settings and firmware can be updated remotely, allowing for continuous enhancement and adaptability.
• Integration capabilities: Our BLE solutions can be seamlessly integrated into existing platforms, minimizing complexities while maximizing impact.

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tags are a more advanced option for commercial use. These battery-powered BLE beacons are small, wireless devices that connect to a Bluetooth-enabled tracker and a cloud-based system. Unlike AirTags, which are tightly integrated with Apple’s ecosystem, BLE offers a cost effective tag that is platform-agnostic and work with any device and system, making them a versatile Bluetooth tracking solution.

BLE tags have:

• Scalability: BLE tags can be monitored by multiple devices at the same time, perfect for businesses with large inventories. 
• Sensor Capabilities: BLE tags can have additional sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, pressure, or motion. This is useful for industries like cold chain logistics where environmental conditions are critical. 
• Reliable Connectivity: BLE tags transmit BLE signals to nearby receivers, enabling seamless tracking and real-time data collection.

BLE tags are ideal for industrial use cases where equipment and environmental data is critical. This makes BLE tags better than consumer-grade options like Air Tags for tracking business assets. 

Why BLE Asset Tracking Matters

BLE asset tracking enhances visibility, efficiency, and security by providing real-time location data and environmental monitoring. Its low-power, cost-effective technology enables seamless indoor tracking, helping businesses optimize operations, reduce losses, and improve asset utilization.

• 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.

Yes! Our devices are fully configurable via our Device Management Platform. Here, you can access a comprehensive library of device parameters and make updates over-the-air without physically plugging into, retrieving, or replacing devices.

Our devices are designed to efficiently scan and detect Bluetooth-enabled devices within range, capturing a broad spectrum of tags with strong signal quality for location monitoring.

While they are capable of identifying a wide array of devices, the practical limit for simultaneous scans to our BLE gateways depends on the Bluetooth module RAM and processors on the device. This varies across our product range and encompasses all supported tag types, ensuring a versatile and inclusive connectivity solution. Additionally, our devices are optimized for location accuracy, providing precise and reliable tracking data. Check out our Bluetooth Getting Started Guide to learn more.