Introduction: Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Real-Time Locating Systems
The RTLS market is experiencing unprecedented growth, fueled by rapid technology uptake, regulatory changes, and rising expectations for accuracy and speed. There are a growing number of major players in the market, including system builders, IT service companies, and a number of new entrants specializing in advanced machine learning and IoT. These technology-driven differentiators are not only enabling greater operational efficiencies, but are also changing the way companies engage with customers, which in turn is influencing market share. Moreover, as companies increasingly prioritise green IT and biometrics, the competition intensifies. In terms of geography, North America and Asia-Pacific will continue to be the key markets, while strategic deployments will begin to change the operational landscape by 2024-25. The C-suite must therefore stay ahead of these trends in order to capitalize on the evolving RTLS ecosystem.
Competitive Positioning
Full-Suite Integrators
These vendors offer comprehensive solutions that integrate various technologies for real-time locating systems.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Stanley Healthcare |
Strong healthcare focus and integration |
Healthcare RTLS solutions |
North America, Europe |
| CenTrak Inc. |
Robust asset tracking capabilities |
Healthcare and asset management |
North America, Europe |
| Versus Technology Inc. |
Innovative patient flow solutions |
Healthcare RTLS and analytics |
North America |
Specialized Technology Vendors
These vendors focus on niche technologies that enhance locating systems with advanced features.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Ubisense Group PLC. |
Precision location technology |
Industrial and manufacturing RTLS |
Global |
| Savi Technology |
Supply chain visibility expertise |
Logistics and supply chain RTLS |
North America, Europe |
| IMPINJ Inc. |
Leading RFID technology provider |
RFID-based locating systems |
Global |
| Decawave Ltd. |
Ultra-wideband technology leader |
Precision indoor positioning |
Global |
Infrastructure & Equipment Providers
These vendors supply the hardware and infrastructure necessary for implementing RTLS solutions.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| AIRISTA LLC |
Flexible deployment options |
RTLS infrastructure solutions |
North America |
| Identec Group AG |
Strong industrial applications |
Asset tracking and management |
Global |
| Redpine Signals Inc. |
Low-power wireless technology |
Wireless communication solutions |
Global |
| Awarepoint Corp. |
Real-time visibility platform |
Healthcare asset tracking |
North America |
Emerging Players & Regional Champions
- Zebra (US): specializes in RFID and RTLS for tracking and inventory management. It has just been awarded a contract by a major health care provider to implement its RTLS for patient tracking. It competes with the established players by offering more flexible and scalable solutions.
- EWIO NETWORKS, a Czech company, specializes in the use of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for precise indoor positioning. It has recently installed a system in a large manufacturing plant, where it is competing with the established vendors, offering a higher accuracy and lower latency in the tracking.
- Sonitor (Norway): Provides RTLS solutions based on ultrasound, primarily for use in the medical field, has recently expanded its presence in the European market with a new partnership, complements existing suppliers by addressing niche applications in patient safety and asset management.
- Acuity Brands (US): smart lighting systems with RTLS functionality, recently started a pilot project in a smart building, is challenging the RTLS market by combining lighting and location services into a single platform.
- Tracki (US): A provider of a consumer-oriented GPS-based tracking solution which has diversified into RTLS for logistics. Recently a partnership was concluded with a logistics company to enhance supply chain visibility. The solution is aimed at smaller companies with a lower budget.
Regional Trends: In 2023, a considerable increase in the use of RTLS in North America and Europe is anticipated, prompted by the need for increased efficiency and the visibility of assets. In the health sector, the need for patient safety and the management of assets is becoming more important. In addition, the integration of RTLS with IoT and smart building technology is a growing trend, which will lead to more specialized solutions for certain industries, such as manufacturing and logistics.
Collaborations & M&A Movements
- Zebra Technologies and Cisco Systems entered into a partnership to integrate IoT solutions for enhanced asset tracking in retail environments, aiming to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
- Siemens acquired the RTLS company, Ubisense, to strengthen its position in the smart manufacturing sector by leveraging real-time location data for improved production processes.
- Honeywell and Impinj announced a collaboration to develop advanced RFID solutions that enhance supply chain visibility and inventory management for logistics companies.
Competitive Summary Table
| Capability | Leading Players | Remarks |
|---|
| Biometric Self-Boarding |
Zebra Technologies, SITA |
Among other things, the Zebra solution has been successfully implemented in many major airports, thereby enhancing the flow of passengers and reducing waiting times. Smart Path has been adopted by several airlines and has proved to be very effective in streamlining the boarding process. |
| AI-Powered Ops Mgmt |
Honeywell, Siemens |
Artificial intelligence has been successfully applied to the management of logistics and airports, and has brought about considerable improvement in the efficiency of these operations. For example, the use of artificial intelligence in real-time localization systems has shown unique strengths in terms of operational reliability. |
| Border Control |
Gemalto, NEC Corporation |
Biometrics is a tool for border control that enhances security at entry points. NEC’s face recognition system has been adopted in many international airports and has proven its effectiveness in reducing waiting times at border crossings. |
| Sustainability |
Cisco, IBM |
Cisco's IoT solutions for RTLS focus on energy efficiency and resource management, contributing to sustainable airport operations. IBM's commitment to sustainability is evident in its smart building technologies that optimize energy use in real-time. |
| Passenger Experience |
Amadeus, Travelport |
Amadeus enhances passenger experience through its integrated RTLS solutions that provide real-time updates and personalized services. Travelport's focus on seamless travel experiences has led to innovative applications of RTLS in customer engagement. |
Conclusion: Navigating the Competitive RTLS Landscape
In 2023 the real-time locators market will be characterized by a high degree of competition and fragmentation. The technological development of artificial intelligence and automation will have a positive impact on the development of the market. Strategically, suppliers will be able to offer new services and products by relying on their flexibility and availability. In the meantime, the traditional suppliers are concentrating on the improvement of their existing solutions, while the new entrants are using the latest technology to disrupt the traditional business model. The integration of artificial intelligence and automation will be decisive for market leadership and a competitive advantage.
