BLE-Based Employee Tracking in Corporate Offices

Overview: 

BLE-based employee tracking systems provide real-time monitoring and location tracking within corporate offices, enhancing productivity, safety, and operational efficiency. Utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology—also known as Bluetooth Smart, Bluetooth LE, or BLE beacons—the system offers accurate and low-power tracking across large indoor and outdoor areas. BLE gateways communicate with lightweight beacons attached to employees, providing detailed location data. 

We offer three versions of the system: 

  • Cloud-enabled (using MQTT/HTTPS protocols) 
  • Local server-based 
  • Mobile PC version 

This flexibility ensures seamless integration into various corporate environments, catering to the specific needs of each office setting. 

Features: 

  • Real-Time Employee Monitoring: Provides live updates on staff location within the office, enhancing security and workflow management. 
  • Adjustable System Range: Supports distances up to 900 ft (300 meters) indoors and 4,921 ft (1,500 meters) outdoors. 
  • Thin and Lightweight Beacons: Beacons are as thin as 0.06 in (1.5 mm) and as light as 0.04 oz (1.2 g), making them discreet and comfortable for everyday use. 
  • Long Battery Life: BLE beacons offer battery life of up to 10 years, reducing the need for frequent replacements. 
  • Rugged Beacons: Beacons with IP67 protection are suitable for harsh environments, resisting dust and water. 
  • Multiple Power Options: Gateways can be powered by PoE, battery, solar, or standard power outlets. Beacons can be powered by battery or solar options. 
  • Flexible Deployment: Choose between cloud, local server, or mobile PC configurations to best suit your operational needs. 
  • Data Security: End-to-end encryption ensures secure data transmission across all versions of the system. 

Technical Specifications: 

  • Range: Adjustable, up to 900 ft (300 meters) indoors, 4,921 ft (1,500 meters) outdoors. 
  • Beacons: Ultra-thin 0.06 in (1.5 mm) and lightweight 0.04 oz (1.2 g). 
  • Battery Life: Up to 10 years for BLE beacons. 
  • Gateway Power Options: Power over Ethernet (PoE), battery, solar, or traditional power outlet. 
  • Beacon Power Options: Battery or solar power. 
  • Protection: IP67-rated beacons for rugged environments. 
  • Communication Protocols: Supports MQTT/HTTPS for cloud-based version. 
  • System Versions: Cloud-enabled, local server-based, mobile PC version. 

Applications: 

  • Employee Location Tracking: Monitor real-time movement of employees across corporate offices, providing insights into space utilization and personnel distribution. 
  • Attendance Automation: Simplify attendance tracking by logging employee entries and exits automatically. 
  • Emergency Evacuation: Quickly locate employees in real-time during emergencies to facilitate faster and safer evacuations. 
  • Workforce Optimization: Analyze employee movement patterns to optimize workspace design and improve departmental efficiency. 
  • Security and Access Control: Integrate BLE with access control systems to secure restricted areas and ensure that only authorized personnel are granted entry. 
  • Workforce Analytics: Collect data on employee presence, time spent in various zones, and overall workforce efficiency to improve productivity. 
  • Asset Management: Track office assets in real-time, ensuring accountability and preventing unauthorized removal or misplacement. 
  • Meeting Room Management: Improve the utilization of meeting rooms by monitoring their occupancy and availability in real time. 
  • Visitor Tracking: Keep tabs on visitors moving through the office, ensuring security and improving visitor management. 

Placement Guideline: 

BLE Gateway Placement: Gateways should be installed strategically throughout the office to ensure complete coverage. Place them at entry and exit points, near high-traffic areas, and in locations with large gatherings of employees, such as meeting rooms. Position gateways at a height of around 10-12 ft (3-4 meters) for optimal signal distribution and minimal interference. 

BLE Beacon Placement: Beacons should be attached to employee badges, keycards, or lanyards, ensuring that they are constantly within range of the BLE gateways. Beacons can also be placed in commonly used areas, such as workstations, offices, and shared spaces, to allow for seamless tracking. 

Industry Standards and Regulations: 

  • Industry Standards: IEEE 802.15.1, Bluetooth Core Specification v5.2, ISO 9001 
  • U.S. Regulations: FCC Part 15, OSHA Workplace Safety Standards 
  • Canadian Regulations: ISED Compliance, Canadian Labor Code Part II 

GAO’s Case Studies: 

  • New York City, USA: A large corporate office utilized GAO’s BLE-based employee tracking system to enhance the safety and efficiency of their workforce. By monitoring real-time staff movements across floors, the system improved resource allocation and room occupancy management. 
  • San Francisco, USA: In a financial institution, GAO RFID’s system was integrated into the security infrastructure to track employees and ensure controlled access to sensitive areas. This led to improved security protocols and more efficient use of restricted spaces. 
  • Chicago, USA: A multi-level office building deployed GAO’s BLE employee tracking system to improve emergency response times. The system provided critical real-time data during fire drills and evacuation scenarios, ensuring swift and safe exits. 
  • Dallas, USA: A tech company deployed the BLE-based system to gather data on employee workflows and room utilization. This enabled them to optimize their workspace and improve the efficiency of various departments. 
  • Los Angeles, USA: A legal firm used GAO’s BLE employee tracking system to automate attendance tracking, ensuring labor compliance and offering real-time insights into staff presence. 
  • Toronto, Canada: A corporate office in Toronto utilized GAO’s BLE tracking system to improve workforce management, streamline employee movement, and enhance office security, leading to better overall operational efficiency. 

 

Here are some of our products that are suitable for this system: 

BLE Beacons 

BLE Gateways 

 

Our system has been developed and deployed. It is off-the-shelf or can be easily customized according to your needs. If you have any questions, our technical experts can help you. Please fill out this form or email us.