Category: Beacons

Beacon Rollout: Best Practices for Minimising Erroneous Data Collection

Beacon rollout, especially on a large scale, offers both technical and logistical challenges that can be difficult to foresee. One of the primary obstacles lies in ensuring that the test data collected is accurate, reliable, and not impacted by the beacons in transit that haven’t yet been installed. Allied to this, security concerns with certain beacons arise due to the ease of manually switching some models on and off, which can lead to potential tampering after deployment.

When dealing with numerous beacons in a rollout, one of the foremost issues encountered is the collection of erroneous data from beacons that haven’t been installed yet. As these uninstalled beacons are often carried around during deployment, they can inadvertently be picked up by the network, which results in inaccurate data being associated with incorrect locations. This misleading data can create confusion and additional workload, as it requires careful analysis to separate genuine location data from the erroneous data generated by beacons that are simply in transit.

Some beacon models come with manual switches that are intended to make them easier to manage. While this can be convenient for setup, these accessible switches can also pose a security risk. If someone with malicious intent gains access to the beacons, they may tamper with them, switching them off to disrupt communication or even switching them on in the wrong location. This can undermine the reliability of the data collected and even create security vulnerabilities in the beacon network.

One effective solution we discovered through trial and error is the use beacons without manual switches and large Faraday bags to manage uninstalled beacons. Faraday bags block electromagnetic signals and prevent the beacons from inadvertently transmitting data before they’re installed. By placing beacons inside these bags, we avoid unnecessary data collection and maintain greater control over when and where each beacon starts transmitting.

Each Beacon Manufacturer Has its Own App

Each Bluetooth beacon manufacturer typically provides its own proprietary configuration app for several key reasons. Firstly, manufacturers use different internal components and designs, meaning a custom app is necessary to tailor configuration options specifically to the hardware. Many also implement proprietary Bluetooth communication protocols for setup, requiring a unique app to handle these configurations correctly.

Security is another factor, as manufacturers often include measures to prevent unauthorised reconfiguration, and custom apps allow for the necessary authentication and encryption. Customisation also allows manufacturers to highlight unique features that may not be available in generic tools, while a branded app ensures control over the look, feel and overall user experience during configuration.

Some beacons only permit configuration within a limited timeframe after being powered on or require a special mode to be enabled and custom apps are designed to accommodate these specific procedures. Firmware updates are also often delivered through these apps, while support and troubleshooting features, including diagnostic tools and links to support resources, are commonly integrated.

For beacons that store data locally, custom apps offer interfaces to manage that data according to manufacturer-specific formats. While universal configuration tools are theoretically possible, the wide variety of hardware, protocols and features in use makes them difficult to develop, and manufacturer-specific apps remain the most reliable way to fully manage proprietary beacon hardware.

New ATEX-Certified Beacon

There’s a new ATEX-certified beacon from Teltonika. ATEX means it’s suitable for use in hazardous environments such as the oil, gas and chemical industries.

There are two variants, one that just sends out its ID and another with temperature, humidity, movement and magnet detection.

These beacons aren’t yet on our web site but are available to special order for use in consulting projects.

Sensor Beacon List Updated

We offer a range of sensor beacons but what each beacon actually senses or detects is buried deep in the respective beacon descriptions.

As we have recently added new sensor beacons, we have updated our downloadable pdf showing what each beacon can detect.

If you want to know how you might use these beacons, take a look at our articles on Beacon Proximity and Sensing for the Internet of Things (IoT), Using Bluetooth LE and Using Bluetooth LE Sensors.

The Risk of SaaS-based Beacon Solutions

Beacons have emerged as a crucial tool for businesses, especially in retail, logistics and asset tracking. However, the issue regarding how beacons are managed is becoming increasingly pertinent. We advocate for the use of generic beacons over those tied to specific Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms for a multitude of reasons, primarily centred around risk mitigation.

Some platform vendors have a vested interest in locking you into their proprietary beacons and subscription platforms. This approach may seem convenient at first, but it comes with a host of limitations and risks. For instance, you’re tied to a particular platform, often with a paid subscription that is subject to price changes. Moreover, if the vendor is a venture capital-funded company there’s always the risk, as we have witnessed, that they might not be around next year, leaving you stranded with unsupported hardware.

Opting for generic OEM beacons liberates you from the constraints of a single platform. You’re not tied to a paid subscription for a specific service, giving you the flexibility to adapt as your business needs change. Generic beacons don’t limit you to the advertising types and sensors provided by a particular locked beacon. You can mix and match different beacon types and manufacturers to suit your physical environment. This flexibility also allows you to second or even third source beacons, thereby reducing longer-term risk.

When you’re not limited by the technical constraints of a proprietary platform, you have the freedom to innovate. You can host the platform yourself or choose a hosting provider that aligns with your business needs. This means you can keep your business data away from a shared server, enhancing security and compliance.

Using generic beacons means you’re not dependent on the service level of a shared platform. If a cloud-managed service experiences downtime or other issues, it can have a cascading effect on your operations. Self-managed beacons offer a level of reliability that cloud solutions may not be able to guarantee.

Lastly, when you opt for generic beacons, you don’t have to lock your code to use a particular proprietary beacon app SDK. This gives you the freedom to develop your applications without worrying about compatibility issues down the line.

In conclusion, while cloud-managed solutions may offer a quick and easy entry point, the long-term risks and limitations can make them a less attractive option. Self-managed, generic beacons offer flexibility, security and independence.

New Human Presence Sensors

We have new, innovative, Minew human occupancy sensors in stock that use millimeter wave radar sensor to detect numbers of people as opposed to just human presence. They both look similar:

The MSR01-A tracks the location (x,y,z) of individual people with a limit of 15 people. The MSR01-B provides information on the number of people entering or leaving the area.

A self-learning function detects the environment state to identify and eliminate interference sources. Statistics are provided via Bluetooth advertising, with a range of up to 150m, for detection via a gateway or app.

Is Beacon Outdated?

When you do a Google search query “Is beacon outdated?” and similar queries, you might be directed to a warning about the Google beacon platform being deprecated as of December 7, 2020, with a complete shutdown on April 1, 2021. This information, while accurate, pertains specifically to the Eddystone-URL and Google Nearby, not to iBeacon technology. It’s crucial to understand the distinction to avoid misconceptions about the current state of beacon technology.

Eddystone-URL, a beacon format developed by Google, was indeed phased out. This format was designed for broadcasting URLs to nearby devices, a feature that found limited adoption and was eventually deemed no longer necessary. The discontinuation of Eddystone-URL and Google Nearby, a related service, led to a broader assumption that all forms of beacon technology were becoming obsolete. However, this isn’t true.

iBeacon, Apple’s beacon technology, is still very much in use. iBeacon operates differently from Eddystone-URL. It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) proximity sensing to transmit a universally unique identifier picked up by a compatible app or operating system. This technology has a wide range of applications, from retail to event management, and continues to be relevant in various sectors.

For instance, in retail, iBeacon technology is used to enhance the shopping experience. Retailers implement beacons in stores to send targeted offers and information to customers’ smartphones, based on their location within the store. This personalised approach not only improves customer engagement but also provides valuable data to retailers.

In the event management industry, iBeacon technology is used for attendee tracking, networking facilitation, and personalised notifications during events. For example, at a conference, attendees can receive information about sessions they are near, facilitating a more interactive and engaging experience.

Moreover, museums and galleries have adopted iBeacon to provide visitors with detailed information about exhibits as they move through the space, enhancing the educational aspect of their visits.

In conclusion, while the Google beacon platform, specifically the Eddystone-URL and Google Nearby, has been deprecated, it’s important not to generalise this as the end of all beacon technologies. iBeacon, among others, continues to thrive and evolve, finding new applications and integrations in various industries.

MG5 Outdoor Mobile LTE Gateway

We now stock the MG5 Outdoor Mobile LTE Gateway.

This is a waterproof (IP68) gateway that detects Bluetooth devices and sends this information via cellular LTE-M or NB-IoT. It also includes internal GPS, accelerometer and temperature sensors.

It’s now possible to have standalone sensing in remote places such as farms, production facilities or even war zones. All you need is a power supply in the range 8v-52v. The sensors can be any Bluetooth sensor beacons, not just Minew devices. Alternatively, the gateway can be installed on movable items such as a vehicle or trailer where the GPS can provide the latest location. This opens up a large number of usecases.

Is iBeacon Still Used?

You might have stumbled across comments on social media saying something like ‘Is iBeacon still used?’, ‘Remember iBeacon’ or ‘Is iBeacon still a thing?’. It’s a question that tends to crop up now and then. The truth is, iBeacon technology is not only still around, but it has flourished and evolved, becoming integral to various industries.

When Apple first introduced iBeacon technology back in 2013, it was mainly designed for retail notifications. At the time, it seemed like an interesting innovation, enabling stores to communicate with their customers via their smartphones. But, in reality, that was just the tip of the iceberg.

Over the last decade, beacons have evolved from a technology used exclusively in retail stores to one that’s employed across a multitude of industries. The technology has seen enhancements and adaptations, moving well beyond simple notifications and sales promotions.

One of the most significant adaptations of iBeacon technology has been in real-time locating systems (RTLS). Used to track objects and people within confined areas, this technology has made its mark in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. Hospitals, for instance, utilise RTLS to monitor equipment and patient movement, reducing waiting times and improving efficiency.

Sensors have become more sophisticated with the help of beacons. From monitoring environmental conditions to tracking health metrics, these smart Bluetooth beacons are integral in gathering vital information. Think of applications such as monitoring temperatures in office buildings or tracking the temperature and humidity in agricultural settings.

IoT represents a world where everyday objects are connected to the internet, sharing information and interacting with each other. Beacons play a pivotal role here, together with gateways. Whether it’s smart homes adapting to your preferences or industrial equipment notifying operators of required maintenance, the applications are boundless.

What began as a way for retailers to send notifications to shoppers in a store has become a technology with applications that stretch as far as the imagination. The beacons of today is more sophisticated, more versatile and more integral to modern life.

So the next time someone on social media questions the relevance of iBeacon, you’ll know the answer is not only a resounding ‘yes,’ but a testament to how far a single technology can evolve.

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