Source: Prostock-studio/Technology/Adobe Stock
The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is pivotal in providing the foundational data necessary for effective location services. IoT devices offer a wealth of data points, such as temperature, motion, and proximity, which, when combined with location data, provide deep contextual insights. For instance, in smart buildings, IoT systems can adjust lighting or HVAC settings based on occupancy detected through location services, enhancing both operational efficiency and user experience.
Adoption of location services technology
In a study conducted by 451 Research, a part of S&P Global Market Intelligence, around 49% of building decision-makers implemented location-based services (LBS) in their facilities. The transportation sector leads in LBS adoption, primarily due to asset tracking and usage analytics. Additionally, 23% of respondents plan to adopt LBS within the next two years, with utilities and oil and gas sectors showing significant interest.
Location services often work in tandem with indoor positioning systems (IPS), which use software and sensors to track movements via Wi-Fi signals and occupancy data. These services aim to improve operational efficiency, enhance user experiences, and support analytics like geofencing and marketing.
Indoor location services require a foundational map to overlay real-time data. Vendors create these maps by converting building models or CAD files into proprietary mapping engines. Some vendors enhance these maps with LiDAR for a digital twin-like interface, while others use them as a base for sensor placement.
Data collection typically involves Wi-Fi access points equipped with multiple radios, Bluetooth beacons, IoT sensors, and asset tags. Most buildings utilize a mix of internal and external data from sensors and GIS systems to ensure seamless navigation and personalized experiences. In retail, higher education, and corporate campuses, this integration helps guide customers, offer location-based promotions, and streamline processes. On campuses, it aids in navigation, updates, and resource access, fostering user satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Vertical industry use cases
Certain verticals have embraced location services more enthusiastically due to their specific needs and challenges. Some examples of different verticals leveraging location services include:
Healthcare: The use of location services enhances security, improves user experience, and boosts operational efficiency. This technology enables secure tracking systems for patient data, optimize navigation within facilities, and streamline asset management.
Campus environments: Smart campuses integrate operational technology with IT systems to optimize resource management and improve safety. Location services support event monitoring, crowd management, and the efficient tracking of resources like laptops and lab equipment.
Office spaces: The future office must accommodate hybrid work models, support personalization, and achieve sustainability goals. Location data plays a crucial role by optimizing workspace usage, adjusting environmental controls in real-time, and enhancing employee comfort and productivity.
Retail: Retailers leverage location data to optimize in-store navigation, personalize customer experiences, and improve inventory management. However, to fully capitalize on these opportunities, retailers must upgrade their network infrastructure to support the high data demands of advanced location services.
Enabling technologies
The evolution of location services is supported by emerging technologies such as 5G networks, edge computing, Wi-Fi 6, and LPWANs. These technologies provide the high-speed, low-latency connectivity necessary for real-time data collection and processing. For example, in healthcare, 5G enables real-time asset tracking and patient monitoring, while in educational and office environments, it supports dynamic services like personalized wayfinding and efficient resource management.
Overcoming implementation challenges
Despite the potential of location services, organizations face challenges with implementing them effectively. A robust network infrastructure is essential, along with careful partner selection and vertical use-case identification. Additionally, indoor positioning systems, which rely on software- and sensor-based architectures, must be tailored to the specific needs of each industry. These systems often use Wi-Fi signals and occupancy data to track movement, requiring a base map created by rendering building information models or CAD files into proprietary mapping engines.
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