RTLS on the Construction Worksite

The emergence of Real Time Location Sensing (RTLS) technology has created an intriguing construction data acquisition tool for the construction industry. This construction technology can allow project leaders to monitor worksite productivity, manage materials/assets, supervise labor, and construction worker safety through the accurate construction data collection and analysis of location based construction data.

What is RTLS (Real Time Location Sensing)?

RTLS is a finely tuned and intricate combination of hardware (Location sensors/readers, ID nodes/tags/badges) and software (location engine, middleware, business/data interpretation application). The sensors use a radio frequency (usually) to send location data to a centralized hub. The hub is able to determine the precise location of the person or equipment that wore the sensor, what time it was when the sensor arrived, and how long the sensor remained on site before it left. 

RTLS in Construction

On a construction worksite, RTLS technology can provide location construction data for each worker within a 5 meter (16 ft) radius. To provide this level of locational accuracy, the worksite will need to have location sensors/readers at frequent intervals throughout each floor and as your worksite evolves towards completion the location sensors will need to be constantly monitored and shifted by your team to ensure that accurate construction data continues to be collected.

If you require even finer locational construction data (i.e. closing the 5 meter range down to 1.5m) the hardware requirements will increase drastically, as will the frequency of location sensor ‘shifting’ to accommodate a site’s expanding progress.  The increased hardware needs add to the project costs and can impede the productivity of your worksite.

RTLS has become an excellent tool for productivity on construction worksites. Rather than requiring supervisors to physically observe how productive workers are being, RTLS allows you to record the work being done and the workers that were on site.  This technology can also use location construction data to document worksite conditions, which can be helpful for planning and scheduling.

Before committing to the use of RTLS and specifically, the level of locational detail needed, on your construction worksite we recommended that you research and understand the benefits and costs. Investigate further here and here.

If you determine that your construction worksite needs to integrate RTLS tracking into your workflow – Eyrus can make it work for you.  Read more about the Eyrus platform and contact us to Book a Demo.