Every product we build at Extronics starts with a challenge worth solving. For the iTAG X40, that obstacle was clear from the outset: How do you design for long-range connectivity and accurate worker tracking in hazardous areas, and make it work reliably? The Philosophy Behind the iTAG X40 The iTAG X40 was developed to give connected workers freedom to move across large, hazardous sites while staying visible and safe. We recognized the need to expand our range of connectivity options to support a wider range of infrastructure demands and match the expectations of the market. As part of our Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) offering, the iTAG X40 supplies real-time insights on personnel movements; improving site awareness, safety, and efficiency. LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) was the natural choice for our iTAG X40, its […]

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons have become a valuable technology for adding location tracking capabilities to your hazardous areas. With the right planning and configuration, BLE beacons can provide accurate indoor and outdoor location. This allows organisations to cost-effectively add location tracking of personnel and assets whilst reducing the total cost of ownership.  This article provides practical guidance on deploying BLE beacons to achieve optimal tracking performance. It covers indoor and outdoor setup considerations, best practices for beacon placement, and configuration tips for maximizing location accuracy.  What is the difference between a beacon and anchor?  For trilateration purposes it is recommended to use beacons. A beacon is simply a term used to describe a fixed beacon that is contributing to a tag’s position. An anchor is typically the term used when discussing Wirepas Mesh networks.   […]

Background  GPS is often used in place of the more technically correct term GNSS. GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System, but unless you are involved in the satellite industry you probably never heard of that term. GPS is in fact the US satellite system and does not represent the rest of the global satellites in operation for global positioning. Europe, China, and Russia all have their own satellite systems for global positioning, and they are known collectively as Global Navigation Satellite System or GNSS.  Introduction   Location tracking of industrial workers is vital for safety and efficiency. GNSS technologies like GPS are a popular choice, providing outdoor location data. However, accuracy can vary based on factors like satellite connectivity. Choosing the right GNSS solution and being aware of techniques to improve precision are important for […]

Man down technology, also known as fall detection, is designed to automatically detect when a person falls and send an alert for help. This technology is integrated into devices like the iTAG X-Range to protect lone workers and workers in hazardous environments. When a fall or sudden change in orientation is detected, the device will initiate an alarm sequence, vibrating, flashing and beeping to alert the user. If the alarm is not cancelled by the user within 30 seconds, the device transmits an emergency alert to monitoring software or personnel. How Man Down Detection Works Man down detection relies on accelerometers to monitor acceleration on three axes and detect the forces involved in a fall. When a fall occurs, the accelerometer detects a sudden downward acceleration followed by an abrupt stop when the person hits […]

A worker location tracking system is an integrated solution for monitoring the location and safety of employees while at work. The use case can vary from location to location, but often the business goal is to achieve continuous improvement as part of a wider digitalisation strategy. There are many worker tracking products on the market, most of which can be configured to address multiple use cases. Selecting the right system depends on the needs of your application and will influence the extent of the infrastructure required. This article aims to address the basic working principles of worker tracking systems and to explore typical use cases in the process industry. Components of Worker Tracking Systems Worker tracking systems are composed of three core components: location tags, or badges; a tag reader (a device or infrastructure to […]

COVID-19 has affected all walks of life, causing business closures and global economic uncertainty. Industries that are unable to adapt to the so-called new normal cannot maintain pre-coronavirus work patterns which impacts throughput with often severe ramifications to the bottom line. Few market segments have been more affected than the process industries, where strict social distancing requirements are hard to sustain. Real-time location systems (RTLS) for personnel and asset monitoring have emerged as a potential solution to the challenges of COVID-19 compliance. Many RTLS companies quickly recognised the potential of existing personnel tracking platforms for contact tracing and social distancing. These unique technologies offer a data-driven solution for those industries hardest hit by the pandemic to make safe inroads towards returning profitability. Learn more about Extronics RTLS RTLS Technologies for Social Distancing There are various […]