INDOOR POSITIONING LOCATION+
DIVIS expands product portfolio with tagless Bluetooth Low Energy localisation
Bordesholm, May 8, 2021
With our software module Location+ we now also offer Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) localisation. This means that, in addition to Ultra-wideband (UWB), DIVIS customers get another optional choice for locating scanners and means of transport in the logistics hall. With BLE technology, no physical transmitters (transponders or tags) need to be installed on the devices to be located. This brings maximum flexibility for the use of tagless technology.
For a long time, Ultra-wideband has set the standard for indoor positioning in logistics halls due to its high reliability, transmission speed, accuracy and stability in case of interferences and is therefore also part of the DIVIS solutions. Meanwhile, Bluetooth Low Energy has developed into an attractive alternative. For this reason, we have also added the technology to our product portfolio.
Perfect symbiosis of software and hardware for locating
UWB and BLE can also be used as an automated solution for display of the scan image in the video management software from DIVIS, ensuring a quick research start when looking for shipments. Both options enable uninterrupted logistics processes, because they can be integrated without the need for double scans or for additional relationship entries in the scanner, such as the gate number, for example.
Especially when many scanners are in use, for example, driver scanners in addition to hall scanners, the tagless BLE system offers advantages compared to UWB.
Simplified integration: no transponders necessary with Bluetooth Low Energy
We obtain the right hardware for our projects from a selected partner network, ensuring the best quality at fair prices for our customers.
In terms of locating with BLE, we opted for the solution from Quuppa. The product not only impresses with its quality but also offers one decisive advantage: unlike with UWB, transponders are not required here. A conversion of the hardware with the usually required location sensors (transponders or tags) or a switch to appropriately equipped scanner models is therefore not necessary for use of BLE. Bluetooth capability from 4.0 LE and higher as well as an Android operating system on the mobile terminals are sufficient to install the app developed by DIVIS. The app takes over the function of the transponder for the scanner locating in the system.
Even if scanners do not meet the requirements for tagless location, it is still possible in many cases to integrate them into a BLE locating system by equipping them with BLE tags. The acquisition costs of BLE tags are low compared to those of UWB transponders.
More performance and flexibility in the second BLE generation
In order to locate the scanners in the logistics hall, an appropriate infrastructure is required for both technologies. In the case of BLE this is an antenna-receiver system, the so-called locators. DIVIS specifically opted for the second generation of Quuppa locators because they are more robust, reliable and powerful than their predecessors and are therefore ideally suited for use in the logistic environment.
Hendrik Reger, Managing Director of DIVIS, underlines the decision for tagless BLE location: “The new technology offers our customers numerous advantages and greater flexibility when using the scanner hardware. Since there are no transponders, we can offer everything from a single source with our own app”, and he adds: “In many cases the initial provision of the location is possible faster. The management of the devices to be located is also much easier with the app."
“The new technology offers our customers numerous advantages and greater flexibility when using the scanner hardware. Since there are no transponders, we can offer everything from a single source with our own app.”
Hendrik Reger, DIVIS Managing Director
Especially when many scanners are in use, for example, driver scanners in addition to hall scanners, the tagless BLE system offers advantages compared to UWB. There are no additional costs for transponders including assembly and maintenance, which can be damaged or become unusable by falling. This also means fewer failures and repairs. Without the tags, newly purchased scanner hardware can also be quickly integrated into the locating system thanks to the app. Overall, the app saves time and money both in preparing the hardware for localisation and during operation.
One task, two convincing options for a perfectly fitting locating result
By offering two different technologies for indoor positioning, we can now tailor our video management solution even more precisely to the specific needs of our customers.
Whether UWB or BLE brings more advantages in your logistics system has to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and depends on the requirements and the respective conditions on-site. The DIVIS experts therefore view the property before preparing the offer and recommend the optimal variant for indoor positioning in each case.
