What Is A Bluetooth Beacon?
A Bluetooth Beacon can also be called a Bluetooth radio transmitter. It is a compact lighthouse that continuously transmits radio signals that can be picked up by nearby Bluetooth-equipped devices. It neither needs an internet connection nor any other complex procedure to make it work. All you need to do is position the beacon and it’ll start emitting radio signals. As soon as the signal is picked up by a device, it is recognized by an application and the desired function is performed. The function can be anything from detecting the location to determining the temperature; it depends on the type of beacon being used and its specialized functions.
Bluetooth Beacon and Warehouse Logistics
Beacons are largely being used in warehouses for asset tracking and management. A few beacons can be positioned at a measured distance to monitor a large warehouse space. Moreover, if you’re dealing with a more complex space that has smaller rooms and corridors, the beacons can be used as fleets for maximum coverage.
As soon as Bluetooth-equipped devices come into contact, they form a device-to-device communication network called Personal Area Network (PAN) or a Piconet. PAN can be established amongst up to 8 devices. This ensures an uninterrupted connection which is especially very useful in the warehouse environment as it doesn’t need user intervention and operates smoothly. Furthermore, the real-time data provided by the Bluetooth beacons can be archived and analyzed later.
Uses Of Bluetooth Beacons In A Warehouse Environment
There are countless uses of Bluetooth Beacons in a warehouse environment. We have listed some of the major uses below:
- Asset monitoring
- Asset tracking
- Asset location updates
- Vacant space updates
- Information on available space
- Increased asset organization
- No need for manual scanning of goods
- Real-time status of inventory
- Cost-saving
- Energy-saving
- Workforce Optimization
- Increased security
- Increased control
- Reduced Operational Costs
- On-time shipping
Bluetooth Beacon And Asset Management Use-Cases
Now, let’s discuss some of the main Asset Management Use-cases:
Asset Monitoring and Tracking
Bluetooth Beacons can play a crucial role in Asset monitoring. With the help of this technology, warehouse workers can obtain real-time data and keep a close eye on the goods being moved here and there. They can identify the goods that have been transported and the pieces that are still lying in the warehouse. Moreover, expensive goods can be monitored efficiently and the risk of misplacement, mismanagement and theft can be reduced to a greater extent. Digital monitoring also keeps the employees up to date with pending orders or the goods that have wrongly been assigned to another destination. Last but not the least, digital monitoring enables the differentiation between old and new stock.
Asset Organization
Bluetooth Beacons can support the employees in sorting out and organizing the assets. Vacant spaces and shelves can be located effectively, and goods can be moved accordingly. Moreover, the goods can be assigned places in order of their transportation times so that fast loading onto shipping vehicles can be ensured. Hence, asset organization and space optimization are the features that make Bluetooth Beacons a promising technology in warehouses.
Real-time Inventory
Preparing inventories and manual counting processes are not only time-consuming but are also subject to human errors. Such human errors can cost a business millions of bucks and additional time-consuming and expensive procedures. With the use of Bluetooth technology, all that needs to be done is assigning Bluetooth tags to goods and positioning a Bluetooth Beacon within range. The beacon will in turn be connected to applications installed on devices such as smartphones that warehouse employees can carry. As the beacon will read the tags and connect with the device, all information will be displayed on the smartphone. This device-to-device communication is not only hassle-free but is also error-free. Hence, instant and smart inventories can be generated at any time using real-time data. Smooth, isn’t it?
Increased security and control
Instant tracking and real-time information also ensures increased security and control. It is noteworthy that Bluetooth Beacons not only locate orders and goods but also unassembled parts and tools. Hence, this can support labour in quickly locating the equipment they need during production. With the increase in production flow, the real-time inventory also counters the issue of understocked or overstocked supplies. The employees are more in control of the information about the location, quantity and availability of goods.
As everything is monitored and visible, there are fewer workplace thefts and frauds.
Cost-saving
Cost -saving is another perk that comes with Asset Management using Bluetooth Beacons.
Bluetooth Beacons are light on the pocket and extremely cost-friendly. Beacons have tiny batteries that can last from 6 to 24 months. Energy-saving beacons can even have a battery life of 5 years. The reason being that Bluetooth technology does almost all the work and we all know that Bluetooth runs on incredibly low power. Moreover, the infrastructure needed for Bluetooth system is also minimal and is 1/4th the infrastructure needed for the setting-up of any other kind of RFID technology.
As soon as Bluetooth Beacons become part of a warehouse environment, cost-saving is further observed in multiple areas including staffing needs, theft avoidance, delayed or lost shipment issues, inventory-making and so on.
CONCLUSION
In summary, Bluetooth Beacons are a valuable source of Asset Management in Warehouses. From space management to stock maintenance, they are a modern solution to issues faced in the field of logistics. They not only help in identifying and tracking location but also help in the utilization of assets and equipment. Moreover, it is up to the warehouse in-charge to decide whether he wants to place Bluetooth tags on inventory objects or also on other valuable objects that are present in the warehouse. These can include pallets, scales, expensive machinery, forklifts and even staff members. This can all lead to better communication, less idle time, more productivity, minimal margin of error, on-time shipments and more profit to the business.
Bluetooth Beacon is simple, efficient and undoubtedly a product of the future!
