Today, tracking sensitive objects has become essential. Whether for security, logistics, or resource management, tracking technologies like GPS and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) offer a variety of solutions.
This article explores the key criteria for choosing between GPS tracking and BLE tracking.
Signal range and coverage are essential elements to consider when choosing between GPS and BLE.
GPS offers a range of several kilometers, making it an ideal solution for tracking objects over long distances, such as vehicles or goods spread across a large area. On the other hand, BLE, with its generally limited range of a few meters (some BLE beacons can be read at 100 meters), is more suitable for close-range applications, such as tracking objects in an indoor environment. Therefore, if you need to track a distant asset, GPS is undeniably more effective.
However, some tracking applications require precision inside buildings or densely populated urban environments, and this is where BLE comes into play. With its ability to operate in confined spaces, BLE enables closer tracking.
BLE beacons can be strategically placed to provide continuous coverage, which is often a challenge for GPS due to obstructions.
The accuracy of tracking devices is another major criterion that influences the decision between GPS and BLE. GPS systems generally provide accuracy within a few meters, which is sufficient for most outdoor applications.
However, their effectiveness can decrease in urban environments where obstacles like buildings interfere with the signal. It is therefore crucial to assess the conditions in which the tracking will be performed.
BLE, on the other hand, stands out for its good indoor accuracy. Using techniques like triangulation or trilateration, with multiple beacons, it can achieve precision of just a few centimeters in small spaces.
This makes it the technology of choice for applications where very precise object tracking is required, such as asset management within a warehouse. Thus, the choice between these two technologies will largely depend on the type of environment in which you want to perform the tracking.
Energy consumption and battery life are crucial factors to consider.
GPS devices, due to their power and the complexity of the supporting satellites, generally consume more energy. This can lead to additional costs related to maintenance and battery recharging.
Therefore, if you choose a GPS tracker that needs to operate continuously, it’s important to assess available recharging solutions.
On the other hand, BLE is designed to be energy-efficient, giving it significantly longer battery life.
Many BLE devices can operate for years on a simple battery. This is particularly advantageous for companies looking to maintain operations while minimizing maintenance costs.
A simple BLE beacon can continue transmitting signals for many months without needing a battery change, providing a major efficiency advantage.
Recently, a new generation of BLE tags has emerged—battery-free BLE tags that harness energy from the world around us!
These innovative tags tap into ambient light, heat, vibrations, and even electromagnetic waves, turning them into power sources for seamless operation.
GPS trackers can also use energy harvesting, but batteries are still needed.
Cost is often a decisive factor when choosing tracking technology.
GPS devices can represent a significant investment, not only for the initial purchase but also for subscription to data services and managing the tracking infrastructure. While this technology is highly effective, it may not be suitable for all businesses, especially those with limited budgets.
In contrast, BLE solutions are generally much more affordable. The equipment required for BLE tracking is often cheaper, and operating costs can be lower due to the absence of recurring data fees.
For companies looking to maximize their return on investment, BLE offers an attractive option. Depending on your financial situation and the needs of your business, the cost aspect should definitely be part of your decision-making process.
Finally, ease of integration and use is a key factor to consider.
GPS systems only require to physically attach a GPS tracker to your equipment.
Additionally, you need training to use the software platform for your assets’ visualisation.
The software platform is used to fine-tune tracking parameters: How frequently you want to get GPS positions, on which trigger (movement, zone exit, …) you want to aquire GPS positions.
On the other hand, BLE also stands out for its simplicity.
BLE beacons can be easily integrated into existing applications, and their management is generally done through intuitive user interfaces.
This allows companies to quickly start benefiting from effective tracking without overwhelming their staff.
Ultimately, assessing the integration effort required by each technology is essential for successful implementation.
Discover our exciting range of GPS trackers and BLE tracking devices, and feel free to contact us to explore how we can meet your unique needs!“
