How can beacons help asset tracking and management?

You have probably noticed this before, but when you download most applications, they ask for permission to use your location. Depending on what the app is for, you may or may not allow it. It might be an app for fast food or it might be an app for grocery shopping coupons.

What is a beacon?

Just think of a lighthouse…

It sits high up on a hill and sends out a signal for all the boats at sea to see. It is repeatedly transmitting that single signal for everyone to see to advise of how far they are from land.

Well, a beacon is very similar to this…

A beacon is a small Bluetooth radio transmitter. They are very small and simple devices which house a CPU, radio, and a few small, lithium chip batteries. Or, sometimes, they run via connected power such as a USB plug.

This same idea is referenced in the example at the beginning of this article–it is commonly used to trigger a coupon or some sort of actionable message when the shopper is close to that specific store or mall.

Original Post : Asset Tracking and Management