BLE-Based People Tracking System for Manufacturing Facilities

Overview 

The BLE-based personnel tracking system is designed specifically for large manufacturing facilities, offering real-time tracking of workers and equipment across expansive areas. With adjustable ranges, the system provides accurate location tracking indoors up to 900 ft (300 meters) and outdoors up to 5,000 ft (1,500 meters). This technology utilizes one or multiple BLE gateways that communicate with rugged BLE beacons attached to personnel or machinery, enhancing workplace efficiency and safety. 

Features: 

  • Adjustable Range: Up to 900 ft (300 meters) indoors and 5,000 ft (1,500 meters) outdoors, adaptable to various manufacturing environments. 
  • Extended Battery Life: BLE beacons feature a battery life of up to 10 years, minimizing maintenance downtime. 
  • Rugged Design: IP67-rated BLE beacons withstand harsh manufacturing conditions, including exposure to dust and water. 
  • Flexible Power Sources for Gateways: BLE gateways can be powered via PoE, battery, solar power, or power outlets, allowing flexible placement. 
  • Beacon Power Options: Beacons are powered by long-lasting batteries or solar power, offering versatile operational options. 
  • Scalable Setup: The system supports multiple gateways working in tandem with numerous beacons to cover large or multi-story manufacturing facilities. 

Technical Specifications: 

  • System Range: Adjustable, up to 900 ft (300 meters) indoors and up to 5,000 ft (1,500 meters) outdoors. 
  • Battery Life: Up to 10 years for BLE beacons. 
  • Gateway Power Sources: Power over Ethernet (PoE), battery, solar power, or standard power outlets. 
  • Beacon Power Sources: Battery or solar power. 
  • Beacon Rating: IP67 (dustproof and waterproof). 
  • Placement Guidelines: BLE gateways should be installed strategically at elevated positions, such as walls or pillars, to maximize signal range and minimize obstructions. BLE beacons can be worn by personnel or attached to machinery, tools, or safety gear to monitor movements across work zones. 

Applications: 

  • Worker Zone Monitoring: Track personnel to ensure they remain within designated work zones, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. 
  • Emergency Response: Enable quick identification of workers’ locations in case of an emergency, reducing response times. 
  • Labor Compliance: Ensure compliance with labor safety standards by tracking worker movements and time spent in hazardous areas. 
  • Shift Management: Monitor personnel across multiple shifts, improving workflow management and reducing downtime. 
  • Tool and Equipment Assignment: Assign BLE beacons to tools and equipment, ensuring accurate tracking of their usage and location across the facility. 

Case Studies: 

  • Detroit, USA: In a large automotive plant, BLE gateways were installed across several production lines, and beacons were distributed among key workers. The system helped supervisors monitor workflow and reduce safety incidents, significantly improving operational efficiency. 
  • Chicago, USA: A leading manufacturing facility implemented the BLE-based tracking system to monitor personnel on its vast shop floor. The system’s rugged beacons, capable of withstanding exposure to harsh conditions, provided real-time data to ensure employees stayed within safe zones during high-risk operations. 
  • Toronto, Canada: A fabrication plant used GAO RFID’s BLE system to manage worker assignments across multiple shifts. The system’s scalability allowed seamless integration into their existing infrastructure, helping improve labor management and reduce downtime. 

 

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.