Indoor asset tracking technology transforms industries

Among the current wave of new technologies, indoor asset tracking technology is a standout. During the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games, the ubiquitous positioning technology, "5G+Beidou" of Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, achieved centimeter-level precision in indoor and outdoor positioning, despite weak indoor satellite signals and loss of positioning signals during indoor-outdoor switching. Thanks to its precise navigation capability, it is able to provide security patrol guidance for drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and precise indoor navigation for spectators. This not only optimizes the operational processes of sports events, but also offers valuable insights into precise tracking and efficient warehouse management for the logistics industry.

The emerging market for indoor asset tracking technology is projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 14% by 2033. This growth forecast reflects the research and development of promising new multi-scenario applications.
 

Technical Challenges: Multi-Mode Interconnection Versus Low Power Consumption

At the forefront of this new technology is Apple's second-generation AirTag, scheduled to be launched in September 2025. Enhanced with the ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, it improves indoor positioning accuracy to centimeter level and supports longer-range Precision Finding. Today, various technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, and UWB are flourishing.

A low-cost, energy-efficient, and high-precision technology, BLE can operate independently of a network, and has low interference. Furthermore, it is easy to install, and can be readily integrated into almost any environment. A Bluetooth beacon periodically emits a signal containing a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) and a small amount of data packets, while receiving devices (such as smartphones, tablets, receiver adapters) estimate the distance to the beacon by measuring the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).

Wi-Fi technology is also stepping up to the game. In indoor environments and areas with high-density Wi-Fi access points, it can accurately provide location information in order to complement Global Positioning System (GPS) or cellular wireless positioning. For example, equipped with integrated circuits (ICs), the combination of Wi-Fi 6 and cellular IoT system-in-package (SiP) is able to achieve seamless connectivity and positioning, and also support multiple operating systems, aiding in the upgrade of asset tracking systems.

UWB technology is even more powerful. In smart parks or factories, it can achieve millisecond-level positioning accuracy, providing precise and error-free equipment location information. Furthermore, it also possesses strong concurrent processing capabilities, thus enabling it to support simultaneous monitoring of large-scale equipment. Be it smart robots or load-bearing production equipment in a factory, it can easily "control" them.

In addition to accurate positioning, low power consumption is key. Based on low-power LTE (Long-Term Evolution) technology, SiP offers strong processing capabilities and guaranteed security. Furthermore, its small package makes it an ideal choice for developing compact and low-power cellular IoT asset tracking applications. Paired with power management ICs, the endurance of the battery-powered system is impressive.
 

Scenario Implementation: Upgrading Intelligent Applications

Imagine shopping at a mall and using a mobile app for real-time guidance to instantly find your car, thus avoiding the "maze" of underground parking lots. This is just one ingenious application of indoor asset tracking technology in smart shopping malls. It can also precisely locate, navigate and guide shoppers, providing malls with business intelligence (BI) data such as foot traffic. Based on this data, merchants can simulate operational models, and optimize layouts and promotions to enhance customer experience and promote sales conversion. Hence indoor tracking technology offers multiple benefits in retail environments.

In office buildings, indoor asset tracking technology is an invaluable management tool. It can meticulously register office furniture, equipment, and building facilities, as well as employ positioning technology to accurately track asset locations. When major equipment is transferred, the system instantly updates its location information to prevent asset loss. Real-time monitoring of operating status provides early warning of malfunctions, thereby reducing downtime and ensuring normal use while avoiding unnecessary maintenance and saving on replacement procurement costs.

In medical facilities, indoor asset tracking technology is able to achieve real-time positioning, status monitoring, and full lifecycle management of assets, such as medical equipment, medications, and consumables. After attaching radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags to equipment, indoor positioning technology can even achieve meter-level precision for location tracking. Additionally, it can monitor temperature and humidity in pharmaceutical cold chains, providing automatic alerts to prevent drug expiration. Hospitals can use it to optimize procurement and allocation strategies, improve resource utilization, reduce operating costs, and enhance service quality.
 

Indoor Asset Tracking: Diverse Applications Render Unlimited Prospects

The potential applications of indoor asset tracking technology are incredibly diverse and are making a significant impact across various fields. Avnet is a global leader in technology distribution and solutions provision, offering various indoor asset tracking applications to help users achieve rapid deployment.

Multiple Application Scenarios of Indoor Tracking

Avnet and IOSEA jointly develop proprietary hardware and software that utilize BLE to enhance accuracy of indoor location tracking to within 10 cm. Their SEAgnal technology can run on numerous BLE-enabled wireless microcontroller units (MCUs), accommodating scalability, efficiency, and accuracy.

IOSEA also assists Avnet in developing IoTConnect Solution Accelerator Software powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), providing customers with optimized asset tracking and positioning solutions. Meanwhile, the IoTConnect dynamic interactive dashboard displays environmental data, travel direction, and transit time, among other information. Accelerator software developed by Avnet is useful in facilitating rapid implementation of smart warehouse management, employee network, industrial automation, and smart facility monitoring.
 

Technological Breakthroughs Empower Various Industries

Indoor asset tracking technology has largely overcome the challenges of multi-mode interconnection and low power consumption. Its deployment in multiple scenarios is driving the upgrade of smart management, and there are many exciting possibilities ahead. Meanwhile, it is reshaping scenarios in factories, warehouses, retail, and healthcare, where any item can be turned into a tracked asset, including work-in-progress. Apart from saving costs, it can also add value to manufacturing and services, and redefine business models.

In short, the transformative power of indoor asset tracking technology is vast and virtually all-encompassing. Keep tabs on it.