Real-time tracking made easy with active RFID tags and BLE technology

RFID technology is becoming an increasingly popular choice among businesses for tracking inventory and assets. However, with two main types of RFID tags available – active and passive – it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your business. In this blog post, we will focus on the benefits of active RFID tags and explain how BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) technology makes them an even more compelling option for businesses, especially when real-time tracking is needed.

Active RFID tags, powered by an internal battery, have several advantages over passive RFID tags. For one, they can transmit data over greater distances, making them ideal for tracking assets in large warehouses or other facilities. Additionally, they don't require line-of-sight to be read, so they can be hidden inside products or packaging. Active RFID tags also have more memory, which means they can store more information. But one of the most important feature of active RFID is that it can be used for real-time tracking of assets. This feature allows for near real-time monitoring and reporting of the location, movement and status of assets, which can be of significant value for many businesses.

While active RFID tags do have the cost of battery replacement, BLE technology is the right choice to address these issues. BLE has a very low power consumption, which makes it an ideal technology for active RFID applications where devices need to be powered for long periods of time. Additionally, BLE can transmit their signals over long distances, allowing for more accurate and efficient tracking of assets.

The InPlay's NanoBeacon BLE SoC is an excellent example of how BLE technology is making active RFID tags more cost-effective. It eliminates the need for software programming, which is one of the biggest expenses for active RFID tag manufacturers, by providing an easy-to-use config tool. This not only simplifies the development process but also reduces development costs, making BLE-based RFID tags an accessible option for businesses of all sizes.

In conclusion, active RFID tags with BLE technology are an excellent option for businesses looking to track inventory and assets. They offer a long read range, don't require line-of-sight, have more memory and most importantly, they can be used for real-time tracking of assets. BLE technology further adds the benefits of low power consumption and long-range transmission. Additionally, with new innovations such as the InPlay's NanoBeacon BLE SoC, the deployment and maintenance cost of active RFID tags are becoming more cost-effective. It's important to weigh the costs and benefits of both active and passive RFID tags, but in many cases, active RFID tags with BLE technology can be the best choice for businesses that need real-time tracking capabilities.