Possible applications for Bluetooth beacons
There are numerous use cases for Bluetooth beacon tracking in the construction industry and trade:
- Localization of small devices (“where is the machine?”) that are not suitable for GPS localization: small construction machines, tools, expensive small devices, expensive excavator attachments, breaker hammers, excavator shovels, expensive transport pallets, skips…
- Controlling and monitoring of machines and equipment issued: who took which equipment from the building yard to which construction sites and when?
- Documentation of use (“was it used?”): construction companies can draw conclusions about the use time of small appliances or tools based on the use time on different construction sites
- Protection against loss and theft of expensive devices (“when was the last time the device reported in?”): if expensive devices are no longer received, an alarm can be triggered.
Which Bluetooth Beacon models are available?
Beacons are available from different manufacturers and in different sizes.
The beacons differ in terms of the additional signals. In addition to identification, there are beacons with temperature detection, motion detection and magnet detection.
Track skips and containers digitally with Bluetooth
Bluetooth trackers can be used to determine on which construction site the skip was left. The duration on the construction site, the collection and transportation of the skip are recorded as soon as the truck with the tracking device collects the skip or container from the construction site. The scheduling department is informed via the software which skips have already been collected or where the skips were last placed.
Monitor the last location of small appliances with beacons
The current position of the Bluetooth beacon can be “located” using the GPS position of the GPS tracking device in the vicinity of the beacon: is the tool on the construction machine, or is it still in the vehicle on the road or at the building yard?
Operating times on the construction site
Bluetooth trackers can be used to determine on which construction site the skip was left. The duration on the construction site, the collection and transportation of the skip are recorded as soon as the truck with the tracking device collects the skip or container from the construction site. The scheduling department is informed via the software which skips have already been collected or where the skips were last placed.
Frequently asked questions about Bluetooth beacons (FAQs)
What is the difference between Bluetooth tracking and GPS tracking?
Bluetooth tracking
Limited range: Bluetooth beacons, or Bluetooth trackers, are usually small and inconspicuous, which means that the transmission power can be limited to 10 to 30 meters depending on the model. If the Bluetooth beacon is not in the direct vicinity of a transmitting device (GPS tracking device or Bluetooth hub) with activated Bluetooth function, the Bluetooth beacon cannot be found directly.
Determining the position: the position of the Bluetooth beacon is determined via the position of the transmitting GPS tracking device. The beacon itself does not transmit any position data and is located indirectly.
Indoor tracking: by using the fixed positioning of Bluetooth hubs or beacons and the signal strength, a Bluetooth beacon can enable localization in large building complexes. In a similar way, it is possible to determine the number and location of workers or vehicles monitored by Bluetooth beacons in a mining mine or industrial plant in order to react quickly in dangerous situations.
Service life: Bluetooth is designed for long-term operation with low energy requirements. This means that Bluetooth beacons can emit a signal every 3-10 seconds for around 2-5 years (longer is possible according to the manufacturer).
GPS Tracking
Wide range: GPS trackers have SIM cards that transmit the current position. In principle, the transmission works wherever a mobile network is available.
Independent positioning: A GPS tracker can independently determine its position to within a few meters via the global GPS satellite system. Due to the higher energy consumption required for GPS positioning, internal batteries are more heavily used than with Bluetooth trackers.
No GPS signal: The signal for GPS positioning is only too weak in garages, buildings, tunnels or due to installation under metal, so that it cannot always be transmitted.
Accessibility: GPS devices can usually be changed remotely via the built-in SIM card (over-the-air), which means that the software on the tracking device can be updated. In the case of Bluetooth beacons, the changeover via tools is usually only possible on site.
Security: GPS tracking devices with SIM cards send the data to the central software via mobile networks; the data is transmitted via proprietary protocols and the mobile network. It takes considerable effort to obtain this data. In principle, the signals from Bluetooth beacons can be received by anyone with a smartphone and the right app.