What’s Beacon Technology and Why Do You Need It?

In the digital age, the Internet of Things (IoT) is present in everyday life, often in ways we barely notice. From smart homes to invaluable AI companions such as Siri and Alexa, the IoT utilises a wealth of inter-connected technology to improve lives. But beyond the household, IoT solutions pave way for more innovative and dynamic business models in Singapore . From vehicles and machinery, to goods and people, IoT provides a wide range of telematics and GPS assets tracking solutions. At its core is Beacon technology – increasingly becoming a mainstay of most businesses.

What is Beacon Technology?

Beacon technology comprises of small, wireless transmitters embedded in a device. It is powered by Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), a variant of Bluetooth technology that is much more power-efficient while maintaining a similar communication range as traditional Bluetooth. BLE allows a device to continually send low-powered signals to other smart devices in a radius. Through these signals, these devices connect and transmit information to one another, greatly facilitating location-based searching and information transfer. For example, the applications on your smartphone respond to signals transmitted by beacons from other devices, and can respond accordingly in the form of pop-up messages that provide relevant information to the location and context.

Beacons mesh well with mobile apps and in indoor spaces, ideal for Singapore’s urban and interconnected society.  They have a wide range of applications; from retail, F&B and accommodation, to schools, transportation and offices.

How do Beacons benefit my business?

As an initiative to build a smart nation, businesses are continuously upgrading their IoT solutions in Singapore in order to be ahead on the global trends and technological advancements. A 2018 study by Gartner has predicted that by 2020, more than 50% of brands will be focusing on improving customer experience using the Internet of Things (IoT), with Beacons leading the way. Here are some examples of the diverse ways Beacons can help your Singapore business thrive.

1. Superior Data Collection

For marketers, Beacons provide a similar role to website tracking and analytics tools for monitoring consumers on eCommerce sites. Beacons facilitate the collection of important data on customer behaviour; ranging from tracking customer movement within a retail outlet, to the periods of highest traffic and the most frequently browsed items. In addition, Beacons also trigger and deliver proximity campaigns to a person’s phone based on his/her location – facilitating additional customer engagement, allowing for more informed marketing decisions and improving customers’ experiences.

2. Safeguarding Your Employees

Beacons can play an understated and yet essential role in ensuring workplace safety, especially for construction or transport industries. With Beacons’ small size and power-efficiency, they’re perfect for real-time tracking of employees, tagging various company assets and monitoring the environment through sensor data. This gives employees peace-of-mind as they work, helps gather data to avoid future work accidents, and allows bosses to stay abreast of their employees’ actions – all with the help of Beacons via IoT solutions.

3. Smoother Tracking Of Fleet Inventory

Beacons also play a key role in telematics for Singapore businesses, especially when maintaining a large delivery service.  For example, an efficient fleet management software combines Beacon technology with GPS asset tracking to track device logs, collect vehicle diagnostic information, and transmit that data right into the palm of your hand. Besides easier managing and controlling of your vehicle fleet, Beacons improve efficiency, help track delivery and fuel performance, as well as safeguard against accidents and errant employees.

Final thoughts on Beacons

Beacons are a revolutionary technology that changes the way we communicate with customers and consumers, and new ways of using them are constantly being innovated. Take advantage of the chance to enjoy improved customer experience, heightened efficiency and increase your profitability. Visit Overdrive IoT to discover more on how to apply tailor-made IoT solutions to your Singapore business.