Introduction
The healthcare industry is under constant pressure to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes. With rising operational demands, healthcare providers are turning to Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) and IoT to streamline processes and gain actionable insights.
RTLS technologies, powered by RFID, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), NFC, Wi-Fi, and even QR codes, provide real-time visibility into assets, staff, and patient flow. As these technologies become more affordable and standardized, the return on investment (ROI) is becoming clearer, driving renewed interest in RTLS adoption across hospitals and clinics.
Key RTLS Technologies in Healthcare
RTLS is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different technologies serve different use cases, and choosing the right one is essential for maximizing impact. Here’s a look at the most prominent RTLS options in healthcare today:
- Passive RFID – Ideal for tracking assets, patients, and even linens at specific checkpoints or during inventory audits. Offers cost-effective batch scanning but lacks real-time tracking.
- BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) – Available in multiple versions (4.0, 5.0, and 5.1), BLE provides real-time tracking with varying accuracy. The latest BLE 5.1 standard enables sub-meter precision, making it suitable for indoor navigation, staff tracking, and high-value asset monitoring. However, performance depends on the implementation.
- QR Codes – A simple and cost-effective solution for equipment maintenance, patient engagement, and workflow automation. The location is determined by the scanning device, limiting its tracking capabilities.
- Wi-Fi RTLS – Leverages existing hospital networks for facility-wide tracking with zonal-level accuracy. In many cases, activating RTLS capabilities requires additional software licenses from Wi-Fi vendors.
- NFC (Near Field Communication) – Provides secure access control and allows for instant retrieval of patient data with a simple tap, ensuring efficiency in critical healthcare scenarios.
The Shift Toward Hybrid RTLS Solutions
Today’s leading RTLS providers are moving towards hybrid solutions, combining multiple technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) to offer a unified system that benefits various hospital departments. With the rise of AI, healthcare organizations can now integrate RTLS data with predictive analytics, unlocking new levels of efficiency and optimization.
The Impact of RTLS on Healthcare in 2025
Unlike traditional healthcare technologies, RTLS delivers value through both direct and indirect improvements. Whether it’s enhancing workflow efficiency, improving patient safety, or reducing operational costs, the ultimate goal remains the same—better healthcare outcomes.
Key RTLS adoption drivers gaining momentum in 2025 include:
- Enhanced Safety – Real-time monitoring ensures staff safety by enabling rapid emergency response and tracking movements in high-risk environments.
- Increased Efficiency – RTLS enables improved patient flow with smart rooming, reduces time spent searching for critical assets, and streamlines hospital workflows.
- Cost Savings – Hospitals can minimize inventory loss, reduce equipment redundancy, and optimize resource utilization, leading to significant return on investment over time.
Embracing the Future: AI-Driven, Standards-Based RTLS
In the past, highly proprietary RTLS solutions created vendor lock-in, limiting flexibility and driving up costs. However, the landscape is rapidly changing. Today, standards-based RTLS systems offer cost-effective, scalable solutions that can be gradually deployed across healthcare facilities.
Moreover, the integration of AI-powered analytics is redefining how hospitals interact with RTLS data. With platforms like ChatGPT and DeepSeek, users now expect chat-like interactivity with RTLS systems, moving beyond simple room-level tracking to intelligent, predictive location insights.
At Penguin, we advocate for AI-driven RTLS solutions that combine standardized hardware with intelligent algorithms—ensuring healthcare providers receive future-proof, affordable solutions that solve real operational challenges.
As RTLS continues to evolve, its potential to transform healthcare operations is only just beginning. Organizations that embrace scalable, data-driven location intelligence today will be well-positioned to drive better patient outcomes, optimize resources, and improve overall efficiency in the years to come.
By: Mohammed Smadi, PhD
