Over the past few months at Link Labs, we have been breaking down the differences between Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) and Xtreme Low Energy (XLE®), and how these two connectivity solutions play a role in the future of asset tracking and monitoring. In this article, we will explore a full recap of the topics explored.
IoT Bluetooth LE vs. XLE®: What’s the Difference?
You may be wondering, what exactly is XLE® and how does it differ from Bluetooth LE in terms of asset tracking? Link Labs has advanced Bluetooth LE in recent years to become faster and more energy-efficient than ever before through what is now being defined as XLE® or Xtreme Low Energy.
Bluetooth LE has helped build the groundwork for advancement to XLE® technology. Through its patented installation setup, companies have access to a variety of benefits from ROI, accuracy, improved battery life, and more.
Why Choose Bluetooth LE over UWB?
There are a variety of wireless location technologies that can be used in different asset tracking platforms. Some examples include Ultra-Wideband (UWB), GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Although there are different benefits to each, one of the best options enterprises can use for indoor commercial asset tracking is Bluetooth.
Bluetooth has improved over the years by providing an even longer-lasting battery life while maintaining its precision value-add. This version, referred to as Bluetooth LE, is the go-to choice for commercial-grade asset tracking because of its low cost and long battery life. Let’s take a deeper look at why enterprises should consider Bluetooth LE over UWB for commercial asset tracking.
AirFinder’s Industrial OnSite XLE® Explained
Technology is constantly changing and evolving to enable more efficient operations. Particularly in the world of IoT (Internet of Things), solutions continually evolve – from how we drive cars, listen to music, and even keep track of our stuff. When thinking about IoT connectivity solutions such as Bluetooth, there has been a steady progression of technological advancement.
In recent years, classic Bluetooth has further advanced into what is known as Bluetooth LE. Bluetooth LE remains in sleep mode until a system initiates a connection, allowing the technology to be very power efficient – a single battery can last up to five years depending on the use case.
In the realm of asset tracking and monitoring though, where the need to track an asset occurs multiple times a day, battery life is of the utmost importance. That is why Link Labs created an even more advanced generation of industrial Bluetooth LE known as XLE®, short for Xtreme Low Energy, because of its ability for a single battery to last up to 7 years.
How Bluetooth LE Works in Industrial Environments
When implementing a Real-Time Location System (RTLS), companies in industrial environments need to thoroughly review their options to find the best-fit solution. Industrial settings often have specific requirements needed from a RTLS solution due to complex working environments – that includes warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and hospitals, to name a few. Capabilities such as frequency of location updates, long battery life, location accuracy, and other asset monitoring capabilities are critical factors to consider. With many communication technologies on the market to help transfer data within RTLS solutions, it can be a daunting task when deciding which is best for your industrial workplace. Bluetooth LE is one of the leading communication technologies powering RTLS solutions.
What Do Electric Vehicles and Asset Trackers Have in Common?
Manufacturers around the world are focused on increasing battery life of their products – think smart phones and cars for example. The race to create the ultimate battery has been prevalent for decades as consumers and commercial industries have an increased need to access their most favored and used devices.
The electric vehicle (EV) in particular has made some amazing advances in recent years in regards battery life. That said, EVs are not the only ones that need longer-lasting batteries. The need for longer battery life in the world of IoT asset tracking is also rapidly growing.
Everyone wants more visibility and transparency about where their most-valuable assets are at all times. Commercial industries need to track inventory, equipment, vehicles, and more. But they do not want to spend the time replacing the asset tracker batteries every couple of months. This common pain point has been slowing down the adoption of commercial asset tracking systems for years. Perhaps the answer is not creating not just a better battery but an efficient IoT system to regulate the usage of asset tracker batteries.
The Best Bluetooth LE and XLE® IoT Devices for Asset Tracking
When it comes to connectivity technologies for industrial asset tracking and monitoring, you’ve probably heard of Bluetooth LE. But how familiar are you with XLE®? In this blog, we better define both Bluetooth LE and XLE®, and overview the best IoT devices behind each for industrial asset tracking.
Top 3 Ways Bluetooth LE and XLE® Technology Work for Industrial Asset Tracking
With the need for increased visibility of a company’s assets comes the need for an asset tracking and monitoring system that provides such visibility. In industrial workplaces, asset tracking promotes workplace productivity and protects against loss, ultimately providing an immediate ROI. Among the top connectivity solutions for industrial asset tracking are Bluetooth LE and XLE®. Due to their ability to conserve energy while still processing enough data to accurately identify asset location, they have both become recognized as leading options.
How Bluetooth LE Benefits a RTLS
Bluetooth LE is a type of wireless location technology that has become popular for use within RTLS solutions. RTLS is used to automatically identify and track the location of objects or people in real-time. With this type of asset tracking platform, businesses can then use real-time location data to drive productivity and efficiency. As the need for IoT tracking devices continues to grow, Bluetooth LE has grown to be one of the leading wireless technologies to power an RTLS because of its many benefits. Let’s take a look.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Enterprise: Bluetooth LE or XLE®?
When researching IoT solutions, it is necessary to remember that all enterprises are created equal. Ok, obviously that is not true.
Yet, for some reason, many decision-makers make a similar assumption when researching industrial technology that can connect their assets to the internet for tracking and monitoring purposes. If your organization has unique needs, then it needs to consider the various types of IoT asset tracking platforms to get the job done. Many enterprises run into common problems regarding asset tracking and monitoring that can be easily solved by conducting thorough research before implementation.
Comparing Communication Protocols: Angle of Arrival vs. Phase Ranging?
As the IoT industry continues to boom, many companies have begun to develop RTLS for commercial use cases. There are several protocols that can be used in RTLS to determine a tagged asset’s location. Some newer technologies being used are Phase Ranging and Angle of Arrival (AoA). In this article, we will explore both technologies, as well as benefits and drawbacks to each, as part of a RTLS.
How Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Shape Asset Tracking
Through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), asset tracking technologies are becoming smarter than ever before. Companies are finding that the incorporation of AI and ML allows them to make better and more informed decisions.
5 Fast Facts About Bluetooth LE for Asset Tracking
When searching for a commercial asset tracking solution, you’ll probably spend a lot of time combing through various websites trying to find out what the most important considerations are before deciding on a solution.
Searching for the perfect solution can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. That is why we’ve highlighted 5 fast facts to consider when it comes to selecting the best Bluetooth LE solution for asset tracking.
Take the Next Step in Your Asset Management Journey
Now that you have a greater understanding of how both Bluetooth LE and XLE® function in the asset tracking and management space, take the next step and get in contact with a Link Labs representative. We’d love to hop on a call and give you a demo of our system today!
