Asset tracking received a spike in interest last year when Apple released its product, the Apple AirTag. The product allows users to track their personal belongings with an iPhone through WiFi and cellular. It caused many commercial companies to start researching asset tracking systems for commercial use cases. With research, they soon realized that the Apple AirTag is not an ideal solution. Let’s take a look at how AirTag stacks up against AirFinder, an enterprise solution for tracking items, in the healthcare industry. With many high-dollar capital assets in a hospital, asset tracking and monitoring is a huge priority.
RTLS Software for Hospitals
Real-time capabilities are essential for any asset tracking solution that a hospital implements. A RTLS (Real-Time Location System) is preferred because it can locate your assets (people, equipment, supplies, inventory, etc.) in real time with no strain or security risks on a hospital’s wifi network. With AirTags, that is not a possible option. Apple limits users to track their assets through their Find My App program. This application only works with an iPhone. Its tracking capabilities are only accessible through personal WiFi or your cellular network. If you do not have an iPhone, you cannot track your assets.
Link Labs AirFinder is a leading provider for enterprise RTLS asset tracking. Not only does it provide tracking tags, but it provides a full RTLS system that leverages Bluetooth LE, XLE®, WiFi, Cellular ID, and GPS to track assets at an affordable rate. AirFinder OnSite has the functionality of working independently from a hospital’s IT network. This independence means workers can look for assets without worrying about network outages or consuming bandwidth from the hospital’s WiFI.
Indoor and Outdoor Asset Tracking for Healthcare
Asset tracking’s value is evident when assets are transported in and out of hospitals. Aside from having equipment move in between facilities, it is common for hospitals to lease or rent equipment. It is necessary to track that equipment during the rental duration. With Apple AirTag, the ability to seamlessly track hospital equipment from indoors to outdoors is difficult. The AirTag’s distance capabilities are limited to Bluetooth LE, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and the various iPhone users nearby. The amount of distance covered is unclear. Indoor obstructions also play a factor.
With Link Labs AirFinder Everywhere, the SuperTag uses GPS and WiFi to communicate. As long as there is a signal, your hospital can track your tagged assets indoors and outdoors. The SuperTag, as part of AirFinder Everywhere, also works in home healthcare instances as professionals travel between patients’ homes. The impact of the pandemic hit hospitals hard, and home healthcare has become an alternative for those that are trying to avoid the risk of infection in hospitals.
With that said, the increase in home healthcare needs alongside rental equipment increase the need for a solution that can track and monitor assets both indoors and outdoors so hospitals can remain efficient and compliant.
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- Innovation. Organizations can be freed up to innovate and bring more impactful products and services to market.
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- Digital Transformation. Discover competitive advantages, new revenue opportunities, improved customer relationships and increased efficiency.
Affordable Tracking for Hospitals
Hospitals need to remain prepared for any situation; PAR level management alone can result in overspending. So, when looking for an asset tracking solution, it would be wise for hospitals to look at how much it will cost them. When comparing AirTag to AirFinder, one thing that will stand out is the price comparison:
- AirTag: $29 for one tag or $99 for a four-pack
- AirFinder: $8-15 depending on volume and tag type
With AirFinder, you can avoid unnecessary capital expenditure, increase utilization of commonly-used assets, and improve patient flow. Hospitals will see an immediate boost in ROI when using AirFinder as its capabilities and cost make it practical and beneficial for your asset tracking needs.
The Best Asset Tracking Solution for Hospitals
Although the Apple AirTag can help with consumer use, its limitations begin to show when tracking assets at an enterprise scale. Hospitals need an asset tracking solution that can provide real-time tracking, seamless indoor-outdoor tracking capabilities, and help them save some money. To learn more about AirFinder, book a demo today!
