RTLS Solutions in Tourism
The tourism industry is constantly trying to find new ways to attract and retain customers. The use of Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) offers the opportunity to stand out from the competition, promote additional sales and improve the travel experience for customers. Mobile apps connected with positioning technologies are particularly promising.
Features for Tourism Facilities
Indoor Navigation & Services
In the tourism sector, intermodal navigation is becoming increasingly important. Ideally, travelers can plan their entire journey with one app – from their own front door via a taxi to the right track/gate and to the hotel at their destination. Another trend is indoor navigation at large train stations, airports or on cruise ships. The concept of providing services is particularly important during the journey: Passengers can, for example, be notified if their flight is delayed, if the gate changes, if there are queues at check-in or when boarding begins.
LOCATION-BASED INFORMATION
Destinations face the challenge of distinguishing themselves from the masses by setting individual focuses. If, for example, a destination app can access a guest's preferences and current location, it is possible to submit relevant offers during the entire customer journey that will make his or her holiday unforgettable. Beacons deployed throughout the destination can locate the app user and trigger location-specific information on attractions and events. Similarly, museum or zoo apps can provide visitors with information and interactive content on nearby exhibits and animals. When entering a tourist facility, guests can receive a welcome message and individual offers.
Digital services for hotel guests
Hotels want to be prepared for travelers who expect personal service – preferably with digital support. If the reception desk already knows about the guest's preferences before arrival, it can score points with "surprise quality" – for example, if the guest's favorite drink is prepared at check-in. The guest data can also be transmitted digitally, eliminating the need to fill out forms. If the system works with beacon technology, the check-in process can be initiated automatically upon arrival and the guest can receive a welcome message and individual offers to book. Other possible features of a hotel app include mobile door opening or the ability to report problems or malfunctions.
Examples of Use:
Technical Implementation
The existing technical infrastructure can directly be used in many cases. Depending on the requirement, the operator choses a
client-based (app is necessary, positioning via
Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth beacons and sensor fusion, including a back channel) or a
server-based solution (no app required; positioning via
infsoft Locator Nodes; detection of Wi-Fi devices, Bluetooth beacons, Ultra-wideband or RFID modules; no back channel available). High-precision solutions with low latencies can be implemented on the basis of
Ultra-wideband (UWB). The use of
RFID is suitable for a point-specific object identification with high unit numbers.
Indoor navigation software by infsoft can be implemented in existing applications, websites and hospital information systems. The accuracy is – depending on the technical realization – up to ten centimeters or less.