3. Collect input from all departments to define specific use cases for your organization and identify RTLS technologies that can meet your collective requirements with the flexibility to solve additional problems. Bottom line: If a lesser degree of real-time accuracy works for your purposes, then a lower-cost option may suit your needs. If a higher degree of accuracy and flexibility is needed, a triple technology approach is recommended that decreases risk by eliminating gaps in coverage indoors and outdoors while providing maximum flexibility for additional use cases as needed. An in-person evaluation of a live system is encouraged before making a final decision.

4. Recognize that RTLS is a tool that can be effectively used as part of a comprehensive management plan but will not improve processes in the absence of effective leadership and organizational focus. For example, a good RTLS system can provide invaluable information on patient flow and staff efficiency. This information needs to be paired with an active and effective process improvement system to drive meaningful change.


In summary, RTLS can serve as an extremely valuable component of any smart hospital if care is taken to select the correct product, and it is incorporated effectively into organizational management systems.

About the author: Michael Maurer is CEO and president of MGM Solutions, the developer of SecurTRAK, a leader in patented triangulation and intelligent boundary recognition software. He served 6 years in the U.S. Navy as a computer systems engineer, which included support for naval tactical data systems, crypto communications, gun and missile fire control systems, and related radar systems. His post naval positions include field engineer at Intergraph Corporation, VP information systems at Medarc, and IT director at Triad Technologies (Biotechnology Corp).

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