Choosing the Right RTLS Vendor for Your Healthcare Facility: Technologies, ROI, and Best Practices

Following the completion of large‑scale records digitization, most hospitals are turning their attention to real‑time location services (RTLS). RTLS solutions enable rapid asset tracking, temperature monitoring, staff positioning, hygiene compliance, patient flow analytics, and bed‑capacity management. Yet, with dozens of vendors vying for market share, selecting the right partner can be daunting.

To date, fewer than 50 % of health systems have deployed a full‑scale RTLS. Vendors compete on both the hardware that determines tag location—infrared, radio‑frequency, or ultra‑wideband (UWB)—and on the software that translates those signals into actionable workflows and reports.

One of the most tangible return‑on‑investment (ROI) benefits for hospitals is the reduction of capital spend through higher equipment utilization. When devices can be located instantly, a facility can operate with fewer units. A portable X‑ray machine, for instance, can cost upwards of $100,000 and is often idle for hours between uses. The ability to locate such assets quickly means that additional units are rarely required, saving significant capital.

Below are some of the market‑leading RTLS products:

• Centrak – The industry leader in comprehensive hospital RTLS, Centrak employs a sophisticated blend of infrared and RF readers to track assets and personnel. Deployments are typically large‑scale and can reach the multi‑million‑dollar range.
• Sanitag – Sanitag’s UWB‑based sensors deliver pinpoint accuracy, ideal for high‑stakes scenarios such as infant safety. The extensive infrastructure required can make UWB solutions pricier than alternatives.
• Zebra – A veteran in asset management, Zebra has entered the healthcare RTLS space with UWB technology. Its software suite is evolving and gaining traction among hospitals.
• AirFinder – AirFinder offers a newer RTLS approach that balances deployment cost and complexity against the most critical ROI drivers for health systems.

Related content: Download our whitepaper on selecting healthcare RTLS solutions for an in‑depth review of technology and other considerations.

When evaluating RTLS providers, keep these key factors in mind:

• Training – Adoption often requires staff to alter established workflows. A comprehensive training program ensures that maintenance, biomedical engineering, and clinical teams understand the system’s value and use it effectively.
• Infrastructure – Some systems piggyback on existing Wi‑Fi access points, while others need dedicated infrared or UWB sensors. Retrofitting can be costly and may disrupt daily operations, so assess the required investment and impact on workflow.
• Battery Life – Most RTLS tags run on batteries that eventually need replacement. Clarify the tag lifecycle, replacement schedule, and responsibilities before committing.

Interested in learning more about what an RTLS system can do for your facility? Get in touch with one of our solution specialists.