What is a Real Time Location System (RTLS)?

RTLS stands for Real-Time Location System and refers to any system that can accurately determine the location of a device in real time. It is also referred to as an indoor positioning system (IPS) which is used indoors for tracking, locating, and monitoring the activity of people and things. There are two major types of RTLS systems - Precision-based and Proximity-based RTLS system. 

Precision-based RTLS is implemented through either ultra-wideband or WiFi-based technologies. This allows tracking of assets to an exact location, making it useful for applications like inventory management. The drawback of precision RTLS is that it is very expensive and requires a great deal of infrastructure to drive its accuracy.

Proximity-based RTLS systems are used in solutions that don’t require exact locations. Proximity-based RTLS systems are less expensive and require far less infrastructure.