Exploring the Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) Market in Healthcare: Opportunities and Implementation Challenges

Posted on August 10, 2024September 2, 2025 by Product Leadership

The landscape of healthcare technology is continuously evolving, with Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) positioned at the forefront of this digital healthcare transformation. Prominent consultants in the RTLS marketplace have long predicted substantial growth, envisioning these healthcare tracking systems as pivotal tools in enhancing operational efficiency, medical asset management, and patient care delivery in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Yet, despite these optimistic projections, the reality of RTLS deployments often tells a different story, marked by a trail of unsuccessful healthcare technology implementations.

The Promise of RTLS in Healthcare Innovation

RTLS technology promises to streamline hospital operations by providing real-time data on the whereabouts and status of medical equipment, healthcare staff, and patients. This location tracking capability can lead to improved asset utilization, decreased equipment losses, enhanced patient safety, and more efficient clinical workflows. For instance, knowing the exact location of a critical piece of medical equipment can drastically reduce the time spent searching for it, thereby speeding up the delivery of patient care and improving clinical efficiency.

Moreover, RTLS solutions can play a crucial role in infection control—a particularly salient feature in the post-pandemic era—by tracking interactions and ensuring that healthcare environments are properly sanitized. The healthcare data gathered can also be used to optimize the flow of patients and healthcare staff, reducing bottlenecks and improving the overall healthcare experience and patient outcomes.

The Reality of Failed RTLS Deployments

Despite the clear benefits, the RTLS market in healthcare has been fraught with challenges, primarily due to failed healthcare technology deployments. These implementation failures often stem from several key issues:

1. Complex Healthcare IT Integration

Integrating RTLS systems with existing hospital IT infrastructure can be complex and costly, with many healthcare facilities underestimating the scale and scope of the effort required for healthcare system integration.

2. Poor Healthcare Technology Scalability

RTLS solutions that work well in a controlled pilot setting may not scale effectively across a larger hospital system, leading to performance issues and unmet expectations in healthcare operations.

3. Healthcare Staff Resistance

Adoption of new healthcare technologies can meet resistance from hospital staff and healthcare workers, particularly if the benefits are not immediately apparent or if the new system disrupts established clinical workflows and healthcare processes.

4. Inadequate RTLS Vendor Support

Some RTLS vendors may not provide adequate support and maintenance post-deployment, leading to operational challenges that hospitals are ill-equipped to manage on their own, affecting healthcare service delivery.

Bridging the Gap: RTLS Implementation Best Practices

To reconcile the promise of RTLS technology with the reality of its implementation, several healthcare technology strategies can be employed:

Comprehensive Healthcare Needs Assessment: Healthcare organizations should conduct thorough needs assessments to ensure that the chosen RTLS solution aligns closely with their operational goals and healthcare IT infrastructure.
Strategic Pilot Testing: Implementing pilot programs in selected hospital departments can help identify potential issues before a full-scale healthcare technology rollout.
Healthcare Staff Training and Engagement: Engaging hospital staff early in the process and providing comprehensive healthcare technology training can facilitate smoother adoption and system integration.
Choosing the Right RTLS Partners: Partnering with reputable RTLS vendors that offer robust technical support and have a proven track record of successful healthcare implementations is crucial for project success.
Phased Implementation Approach: Adopting a phased approach to RTLS deployment allows for gradual system optimization and workflow integration across healthcare facilities.

Healthcare Technology ROI and Performance Metrics

Successful RTLS implementations require clear performance indicators and ROI measurement in healthcare settings. Key metrics include asset utilization rates, equipment search time reduction, staff productivity improvements, and patient care delivery enhancements. Healthcare analytics derived from RTLS data can provide valuable insights for operational optimization and cost reduction in hospital management.

Conclusion: Future of RTLS in Healthcare

The RTLS marketplace in healthcare continues to offer substantial opportunities for transforming hospital operations and healthcare delivery. However, realizing this potential requires a careful approach that addresses the technical, operational, and human factors involved in RTLS deployments. By learning from past implementation failures and planning meticulously for future healthcare technology implementations, healthcare facilities can harness the full power of RTLS solutions to create more efficient, safe, and patient-centric environments.

The future success of RTLS in healthcare depends on strategic planning, proper vendor selection, comprehensive staff training, and continuous system optimization. With the right approach, real-time location systems can deliver transformational benefits for healthcare organizations, improving both operational efficiency and patient care quality.

Airport Wayfinding: A Tool for Enhanced Airport Experience

Posted on July 12, 2024October 7, 2025 by Product Leadership

Transforming Passenger Experience with Indoor Airport Wayfinding

As an airport operator, ensuring passenger satisfaction, efficiency, and smooth workflows is critical. With advancements in indoor navigation systems, airports are leveraging indoor navigation solution to revolutionize passenger experiences while improving operational efficiency.

Key Questions for Airport Operators

Passenger Satisfaction

How satisfied are your passengers? How do travelers rate your services? What strategies do you use to improve their journey?

Passenger satisfaction is more than a KPI—it drives revenue. Studies show that 67% of travelers would fly more often if the airport and pre-flight experience improved (MTT, 2014). Extremely satisfied passengers spend nearly twice as much at airports (Michael Taylor, J.D. Power, 2016). A smarter indoor wayfinding solution can directly impact both satisfaction and revenue.

Smartphones for Better Experiences

Are you maximizing the power of mobile devices?

By integrating indoor navigation apps, airports can deliver real-time flight updates, personalized alerts, and turn-by-turn indoor wayfinding instructions. This reduces passenger stress and ensures smoother journeys.

Efficiency and Workflow

How do you ensure your staff is always in the right place at the right time?

Indoor navigation solutions can be paired with automated staff tracking, ensuring employees are at designated locations when needed. This improves response times and keeps operations running efficiently.

Advertising Strategies

Is your airport maximizing advertising revenue?

Traditional static ads are being replaced by digital signage integrated with indoor navigation systems. These allow targeted, data-driven promotions that influence passenger behavior, encourage retail spending, and provide measurable ROI.

Market Trends

The demand for enhanced airport experiences is growing:

67% of travelers want improved airport experiences (MTT, 2014).
Highly satisfied passengers spend 2x more (J.D. Power, 2016).
Delays from late passengers cost Heathrow millions annually (Telegraph, 2013).

Clearly, efficient indoor navigation technology and smarter wayfinding are no longer optional—they’re essential.

Solutions from Penguin Location Services

Penguin Location Services provides tailored indoor navigation solutions that elevate both passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Indoor Airport Wayfinding: Guide passengers through complex terminals with real-time navigation and modern wayfinding signage.
Queue Optimization: Direct travelers to the right counters to shorten check-in and security lines.
Parking Reminder: Help passengers find their vehicles easily after long journeys.
Automated Attendance & Staff Tracking: Monitor staff check-ins, track presence across facilities, and send alerts for late or missing personnel.

Conclusion

The future of air travel depends on smart indoor navigation systems. By implementing advanced indoor navigation technology, airports can streamline operations, boost passenger satisfaction, and increase non-aeronautical revenue.

👉 Ready to transform your airport operations with smarter indoor wayfinding solutions? Schedule a demo with Penguin Location Services today.

Penguin Location Services™ – RTLS Whitepaper

Posted on March 19, 2024October 20, 2025 by Adam Peck

The healthcare industry is undergoing a rapid transformation with the adoption of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, particularly in Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS). BLE has become pervasive in healthcare settings, seamlessly integrated into various devices such as Wi-Fi access points and mobile medical equipment. This shift from older, heavier infrastructure like infrared, ultrasound, and proprietary RFID technology to standard, off-the-shelf tags and sensors has significantly reduced costs while maintaining desired location accuracy. Penguin Location Services™ (PLS) is spearheading this simplification of BLE 5.1 applications in healthcare, aiming to make RTLS more cost-efficient and accessible.

> In this whitepaper, we delve into the emerging Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technologies within healthcare organizations, aiming to unlock their full potential. We explore how BLE can drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver patient-centered care in today’s interconnected healthcare landscape.

7 Ways RTLS Software Improves Healthcare with Application Interoperability

Posted on December 12, 2023September 27, 2025 by Waed Os

Benefits of RTLS in Healthcare: 7 Key Advantages for Interoperability

As the healthcare sector continuously adopts new technologies to improve care, a careful examination of the effectiveness of digital advancements becomes imperative. Amid this review, the convergence of Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) healthcare benefits, automation, and application interoperability emerges as a transformative influence, redefining the operational landscape of healthcare facilities.

What is Interoperability in Healthcare RTLS Benefits?

In healthcare, interoperability denotes the capacity of diverse information technology systems and software applications to communicate, exchange data, and utilize the shared information efficiently, maximizing the benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

This involves some choke points like the seamless sharing of health information among various healthcare systems, encompassing electronic health record (EHR) systems, medical devices, and other health information technologies that enhance RTLS healthcare benefits.

The Integration of Location Services

The incorporation of location technologies, real time tracking, status, and sensory data into existing technological frameworks is key for achieving improved location accuracy and realizing the full benefits of RTLS in healthcare. This integration serves as a central requirement, facilitating the efficient coordination of diverse components within the system. By strategically merging location data with pre-existing technological investments, healthcare facilities can optimize operational processes and enhance the experience of caregivers and improve patient care through comprehensive RTLS healthcare benefits.

With this foundational understanding, let’s delve into the pivotal role that healthcare RTLS systems play within this framework. We will highlight the top 7 benefits of RTLS in healthcare that affirm its significance within the broader context of interoperability and its transformative impact in the respective industry.

1. Unified Integration Standards

A healthcare RTLS system should smoothly sync with and enhance the current technologies and IT infrastructure in healthcare settings. It ought to seamlessly meld into the existing IT framework, creating a fluid and engaging partnership with other technological components used in the healthcare facility. This ensures a seamless exchange of information among diverse healthcare systems, streamlining the often-tricky process of integrating data in healthcare environments and maximizing RTLS healthcare benefits.

2. User-Friendly Adoption

Streamlining workflows becomes more than a convenience when healthcare RTLS applications can prioritize user-friendly features to accelerate adoption. By minimizing training periods and creating an environment favorable to technology acceptance, healthcare staff can efficiently incorporate healthcare RTLS solutions and RTLS technology into their routines, leading to increased productivity and satisfaction through the benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

3. Resource Optimization

Beyond its real-time tracking capabilities, effective healthcare real time location services address the challenge of resource optimization. By providing insights into asset utilization, staff allocation, and equipment availability, healthcare facilities can minimize unnecessary expenses, ensuring a more efficient allocation of resources and demonstrating clear benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

4. Real-Time Patient Data Access

The automatic integration of location data with Electronic Health Records (EHR) is likely the most critical of all RTLS healthcare benefits. This integration empowers healthcare providers with timely and accurate information, enabling them to make informed decisions promptly. Through received signals in real-time, they bridge the gap between RTLS healthcare systems and EHR, further enhancing patient care and contributing to more efficient and effective healthcare delivery. This advanced integration can also automatically populate billing and coding needs natively, saving administrative time and ensuring invoicing is accurate, showcasing significant benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

5. Facilitated Communication

Integrating functionalities such as nurse call systems and staff duress alerts with the RTLS network adds an additional layer of communication efficiency. Through the use of active RFID tags and RTLS for urgent care, this ensures that healthcare staff can promptly respond to patient needs or emergencies. RFID tags communicated via infrared IR to further enhance the overall responsiveness and effectiveness of healthcare delivery, highlighting key benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

One study showed that the majority of a nurse’s time, specifically 38.6% (equivalent to 214.2 minutes), was observed to be spent at the nurse station, with less than one-third (171 minutes) allocated in the patient room. This highlights an opportunity for healthcare RTLS software to play a crucial role in optimizing a nurse’s time, redirecting their efforts towards more valuable actions and demonstrating the practical benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

6. Proactive Security Measures

In healthcare settings, health and safety RTLS systems should make security a top priority. They safeguard both staff and patient information, keep tabs on activities, and offer administrators improved visibility. This enhanced visibility empowers administrators to take proactive measures, ensuring comprehensive safety and adherence to data protection standards, representing critical RTLS healthcare benefits.

7. Strategic Investment

Viewing RTLS for healthcare solutions as strategic investments involves aligning them with the long-term vision and goals of healthcare facilities. Beyond immediate gains, this approach considers the scalability, adaptability, and future-proofing of the technology, ensuring that the investment continues to add value as the healthcare landscape evolves and maximizes the benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

Technology Talks: BLE 5.1 in RTLS for Hospitals for Simplicity and Affordability

At the core of the user-friendly and cost-effective nature of RTLS healthcare applications lies Bluetooth Low Energy 5.1 (BLE). This technology not only guarantees technical robustness but also ensures compatibility with ease. BLE 5.1, with its array of versatile RTLS tags, minimal power consumption, and extensive compatibility, serves as the foundational element enabling healthcare RTLS applications to seamlessly integrate into healthcare settings. This harmonious integration is a testament to the interoperability facilitated by BLE 5.1, providing both technical excellence and adaptability within the healthcare environment while delivering comprehensive benefits of RTLS in healthcare.

Penguin Location Service ™

In the realm of healthcare, the thoughtful application of real-time tracking can make a significant impact on staff and patient safety, as well as operational efficiency. This is where Penguin steps into space, offering a thoughtful approach to healthcare. PenTrack, a family of products and mobile devices, is caringly designed to provide not just prompt but also cost-effective results. We offer the necessary hardware and software along with our advanced AI-powered location engine, ensuring efficiency and precision. Our solutions seamlessly integrate into physical and software environments with minimal disruption, aligning perfectly with diverse settings.

Discover the thoughtful future of healthcare with Penguin. Book your free consultation today: [email protected]

References

1. Hendrick A, Chow M, Skierczynski B, and Lu Z. A 36-Hospital Time and Motion Study: How Do Medical-Surgical Nurses Spend Their Time? The Permanente Journal. 2008;12(3):25–34.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408320/#B1

RTLS – Minimize the Risk of Healthcare-associated Infections (HAI)

Posted on November 14, 2023July 5, 2024 by Waed Os

Healthcare facilities constantly strive to enhance patient safety and minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) have emerged as a valuable technology in this quest, offering innovative solutions to monitor and manage various aspects of hospital operations.

The Burden of Healthcare-Associated Infections

HAIs pose a serious threat to patient well-being, adding to the complexity and cost of healthcare delivery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in 31 hospitalized patients in the United States acquires at least one HAI [1]. These infections not only compromise patient recovery but also strain healthcare resources.

How do RTLS Solutions Operate? And which technology is the most suitable?

Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) employ various technologies to implement location-based solutions. Each technology has its merits and drawbacks primarily based on the accuracy at cost tradeoff (initial investment and operational). Example RTLS technologies include Ultra-wideband (UWB), Ultra-sonic, Infra-Red and RFID.

In our pursuit of an optimal solution, PenguinIN has developed its own RTLS solution using Bluetooth Low Energy 5.1 (BLE 5.1) with healthcare in mind. Today, PenguinIN’s sub-meter positioning accuracy is the underlying enabler for HAI prevention solution offered by PenguinIN.

Learn more: BLE 5.1 vs UWB

RTLS applications for minimizing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)

Asset Tracking:

RTLS systems assist in monitoring the movement and usage of medical equipment, ensuring that devices are properly cleaned and disinfected between uses. By maintaining a digital record of equipment locations and usage, healthcare facilities can implement stringent protocols for equipment hygiene, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

People Tracking

Real-time location tracking of patients allows healthcare providers to monitor their movements throughout the facility. This is particularly crucial in quarantine scenarios where isolating patients with contagious diseases is necessary. RTLS systems enhance the ability to implement effective isolation measures, limiting the spread of infections within the hospital environment.

Staff Monitoring:

Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in preventing the transmission of infections. RTLS systems enable the tracking of staff movements, ensuring that hygiene protocols are adhered to consistently. This includes monitoring hand hygiene compliance and optimizing workflows to minimize unnecessary exposure to infectious agents.

Workflow Optimization:

RTLS technology helps streamline hospital workflows by providing real-time insights into the movement of patients, staff, and equipment. By optimizing the flow of people and resources, healthcare facilities can reduce congestion, improve response times, and ultimately enhance infection control measures.

PenguinIN

By leveraging the capabilities of real-time location tracking, hospitals can implement proactive measures to reduce the risk of infections, improve patient safety, and enhance overall operational efficiency. This is where PenguinIN comes in. Our adopted technology (PenTrack) is mastered to ensure swift and affordable solutions. We provide the hardware, and grant accesses to our state-of-the-art algorithms that insure efficient and accurate results. Integrating seamlessly into physical and software environments to accommodate our solutions with near zero-overhead.

Get a free consultation today: [email protected]

Indoor Navigation Solutions for Patient-Centric Healthcare Experience

Posted on October 2, 2023September 2, 2025 by Waed Os

Indoor Navigation & Indoor Wayfinding in Healthcare: Transforming Patient & Staff Experiences

In the pursuit of putting patients at the center of the healthcare experience, hospitals face the challenge of guiding individuals through large, complex facilities with multiple floors and sections. Even experienced healthcare workers sometimes encounter difficulties navigating hospital campuses. But patients, especially first-time visitors, often struggle the most.

Historically, hospitals relied on signage and front-desk guidance. While useful, these approaches had limitations and didn’t consistently provide reliable indoor navigation solutions.

Today, healthcare facilities are shifting toward smarter indoor navigation systems that leverage location data, Bluetooth-enabled applications, and intuitive indoor wayfinding technology to support patients, visitors, and staff alike.

Use Cases for Indoor wayfinding in Healthcare

Modern indoor navigation technology in hospitals offers a variety of benefits:

Seamless Patient Wayfinding: Real-time, step-by-step directions reduce stress and ensure timely arrivals.
Accessibility: Indoor navigation provides mobility-friendly routes and live updates.
Location-Based Messaging: Hospitals can deliver context-driven alerts and reminders.
EHR Integration: Linking navigation solutions with patient records enhances the digital healthcare experience.
Emergency Response: In Code Blue scenarios, navigation technology integrated with RTLS helps staff respond faster.

Benefits and Outcomes

Short-Term

Quicker patient flow, reduced wait times.
Lower stress for patients unfamiliar with the facility.
More efficient staff operations.

Long-Term

Improved patient loyalty.
Stronger hospital reputation with modern wayfinding solutions.
Streamlined operations, improved HCAHPS scores, and compliance.

Impact on Patients & Staff

Indoor navigation systems do more than guide— they reduce anxiety and improve transparency for patients. For staff, these solutions ease the onboarding process, improve satisfaction, and allow more focus on direct care rather than giving directions.

ROI of Indoor Navigation Systems

Hospitals adopting indoor navigation solutions see clear returns:

Cost Savings: Lower reliance on physical signage and maps.
Staff Efficiency: Automation reduces time spent guiding patients.
Revenue Growth: A better patient experience leads to loyalty and referrals.

Why BLE-Based Indoor Navigation Systems ?

Penguin Location Services delivers advanced indoor navigation technology powered by BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). Key advantages include:

Accuracy: Sub-room precision.
Efficiency: Low maintenance, long-lasting beacons.
Scalability: Expandable networks for growing facilities.
Mobile Integration: Seamless use with hospital apps.

Get in Touch

Penguin Location Services specializes in indoor wayfinding systems and hospital wayfinding solutions. Our PenNav Indoor Wayfinding Solution integrates smoothly with hospital applications and IT infrastructure.

📩 Contact us at [email protected] to schedule a demo