The Truth About Bluetooth® Sensor Beacon Technology

Bluetooth sensor beacon is a compact device that transmits signals, repeatedly, for other devices such as smartphones. This device transmits radio signals with the combination of numbers and letters nearly 1.10th of every second. Smartphones see those beacons while receiving signals. Beacons help deliver campaigns, collect customer data, and navigation. These devices are an ideal way for establishing a connection with customers in the physical world. Beacons deliver and trigger proximity campaigns to the smartphone of a person according to their location. A beacon device consists of components, such as batteries, radio, and a CPU.

These devices run via USB power or use lithium batteries. They are available in different colors and shapes. Some beacon devices include temperature sensors, accelerometers, or other add-ons. Today, we will discuss all you need to know about beacon technology.

The Cost and Use Cases of Bluetooth Sensor Beacon Technology

Different factors influence the cost of the Bluetooth sensor beacon. Those include beacon type and features, quantity, and the brand or manufacturer. On average, one beacon will cost you approximately US $25. However, this price will gradually go down when you increase the quantity. It is essential to know what features you need in the beacon device according to your use case when choosing the beacon. Moreover, you must also know how many devices you will need according to your application. You must make sure that the device you are about to order is from a credible Bluetooth beacon manufacturer.

The beacon technology has become a necessity for an array of applications. You can use these small devices for multiple purposes. Here are the most common uses of Bluetooth sensor beacon technology:

1. Location

Beacons help in identifying your current location with precision. They work perfectly and much accurately than other available technologies in the market.
2. Engagement

You can use beacons with your smartphone to trigger several events. For instance, lights will turn on when entering the room and the phone receives the coupon after entering the shop. The triggering of the event via beacon technology depends on the business case. Customer loyalty programs are another example of the beacon technology application. Beacons assist in rewarding a customer for the time spent or purchasing something.

3. Navigation

Bluetooth sensor beacon technology works perfectly when it comes to locating people in a building and assisting them in finding a specific direction. Google Maps service does exactly the same thing, but for outdoors. The only difference is that the beacon technology helps us find our way indoors. Beacons tell us where we are and where we are heading in a train station, festival, or museum.

4. Data Collection & Analysis

The accuracy of the beacon helps us collect more reliable data than WiFi or GPS signals. It will allow a business to learn where and how their customers are going throughout their shop. Beacons perform data collection with the help of proximity platforms, such as Bleesk. Therefore, you can gather several significant metrics about customers using an app. This data helps improve in-store layout and product listings that will refine the customer journey. Ultimately, it will help in boosting in-store conversions.

5. People & Asset Tracking

Another significant use case of Bluetooth sensor beacon is people and asset tracking. A manager who wants to know the location of goods in transport and manufacturing will benefit from the beacon. After attaching beacons, managers will be able to have this information anytime they need it.

6. Interaction

Beacons can send notifications automatically to achieve multiple objectives. For example, you can use beacon notifications to stop patients from entering the wrong wing. Or, you may also use these notifications to alter workers to hazardous changes. It is also possible to pair beacons with geofencing to add data security layer.

Difference between Beacons, WiFi, NFC, and Geofencing

There are certain differences between beacons, NFC, WiFi, and geofencing. Take a look at the following information about these technologies to see the difference between them.

1. Beacon and Geofencing

The key difference between the two technologies is that the Bluetooth sensor beacon uses Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy for communication with the phone, whereas geofencing depends on GPS signals. GPS requires cellphone towers and satellites so that it will drain the customer’s mobile battery quickly. Beacons are more precise than geofencing and they work well indoors. On the other hand, geofencing doesn’t work well indoors and performs better outdoors.

2. Beacons and WiFi

WiFi and beacons are very similar technologies. WiFi routers and beacons transmit radio signals and mobile devices detect them for delivering or locating proximity campaigns. However, there are some differences between the two technologies. Beacon technology is much cheaper than WiFi. Moreover, most venues (malls, offices, shops) already have WiFi router(s), so they do not require extra setup costs. Because beacon devices are cheaper, companies often use multiple beacons in their facilities to ensure the most accurate information. Unfortunately, WiFi doesn’t ensure this type of precision.

3. Beacons and NFC

The primary difference between NFC and beacons is that the Near Field Communication doesn’t need a battery. Interestingly, NFC (Near Field Communication) tags cost much less than beacons. However, NFC can help you with limited customer behavior information. And many beacon devices has already integrated with the NFC technology to leverage its advantages.

Beacons Types

Different beacons types are available according to different use cases. Therefore, you have the choice to choose a Bluetooth sensor beacon for a specific application. You must know the fact that beacons use a couple of Bluetooth protocols; such as Eddystone and iBeacon. It would help if you chose the beacon that supports both. Here are the different beacon types you need to know:

• Standard beacons
• Small beacons
• USB beacons
• Parent beacons
• Special beacons

Before choosing a specific beacon type, it is important to learn about these types for an informed decision.

Summary

Bluetooth sensor beacon technology is a low-cost alternative to technologies like WiFi. Beacons are small devices with a great value factor than other technologies. You can easily implement them in your indoor environment for multiple applications, including analysis, navigation, and engagement, etc. Beacons are suitable for multiple verticals, such as events, education, retail, hotels, airports, culture, and offices, etc.
For a variety of BLE beacons or information, please click here.