why we choose Bluetooth module instead of RFID for asset location management？

In asset management plans, it is difficult to choose between RFID and Bluetooth for many solution integrators. There are many same points, such as: 2.4G frequency band, low power consumption, can be located through base stations, can assisted positioning by a third party etc. So they feel hesitant when choosing Bluetooth or RFID, of course, from user's application scenarios, Bluetooth is the best choice for asset location management. The perspective of technology development and reliability, Bluetooth positioning is the development direction of RFID.

What is the differences between Bluetooth and RFID in asset location?

1. IoT application versatility

The choice of any technical solution requires consideration of the versatility of the equipment, especially the subsequent expansion or addition of new equipment. If a technical solution is selected early, there will be no alternatives in the future, and users will face huge risks, including the sustainability of the company's development, whether there is a single source cost in the future, etc.

Currently, active RFID on the market is a private protocol that varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Neither device can directly connect to data. If it is on, it must be developed and connected. To put up barriers, some manufacturers manually increase the difficulty of connecting devices, making data connections more difficult.

Bluetooth has a standard Profile, which is understood as a data specification. As long as the specification is complied with, any Bluetooth device from any manufacturer can connect and communicate with each other, such as wireless Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, whether it is Android, iOS or Windows, it is plug and play, this is the power of the "standard".

2. Equipment adaptability

In addition to connecting to its own device, device adaptability is the connection of a positioning device to other devices on the market. Only by interacting with more devices, there will be more and more application scenarios, and the integration of positioning services will be more and more deeply, so as to avoid the formation of information islands.

Most active RFID applications on the market are their own applications, which are difficult to integrate with other devices, resulting in fixed application scenarios and inability to implement more scenario applications. Bluetooth is not difficult. At present, electronic devices basically support the Bluetooth function, and the standard Bluetooth protocol supports the connection of devices to realize applications in more scenarios.

3. Diversity of IoT Applications

Take smart hospitals as an example. Hospital scenarios not only have asset management functions, but also need to upload data to the cloud (such as blood pressure monitors, oximeters, smart infusion sets, etc.). At the same time, the background needs to send data to the corresponding terminal, and install a Bluetooth gateway device indoors, which can not only manage hospital equipment, but also realize more IoT applications.

4. Future Development of IoT Wireless Communication Applications

The development of any technology requires a large number of players. The more participants there are, the better the generality of technological development and the more applications of the technology, thereby better promoting the development of technology. There is a huge alliance in the development of Bluetooth, from 2.0, 4.0, 5.0, 5.1 communication protocols, each time it is a technological advancement and integration, and each time it is compatible with the previous protocol. The private attributes of active RFID make it difficult to form alliances to promote technological development, resulting in slow technological development and even inability to continuously update.

5.      The accuracy of wireless communication positioning module

At present, the positioning accuracy of active RFID is within the range of 5-10 meters, and the positioning accuracy of ordinary Bluetooth can reach 1-3 meters. If you consider using Bluetooth AOA positioning technology, the positioning accuracy can reach about 30cm.

In indoor asset management applications, Bluetooth is more suitable than active RFID.