2024 was a year full of challenges, but it also brought plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. Businesses had to navigate economic shifts, skills shortages, and the ever-present push for digital transformation. And 2025 promises to be just as dynamic: innovations like interoperable data standards, artificial intelligence, and the rapid expansion of 5G promise new use cases and greater efficiency. We’ve rounded up the five most important RTLS trends you should keep on your radar for the year ahead. 

 

1. INTEROPERABILITY – Standardized data formats will let your RTLS “speak”

Tailor-made RTLS solutions are perfect for complex, specialized applications or environments with strict security and regulatory requirements. However, as IT ecosystems become more interconnected across sites and supply chains, standardized data formats have emerged as a game-changer in recent years. A universal data standard like Omlox, for instance, enables seamless use of location data from BLE, GPS, and UWB. This ensures maximum scalability, interoperability, and investment security. A hybrid approach—where core functions are based on standards and critical components are customized—often proves to be the sweet spot for many companies. At Favendo, standard-based protocols like MQTT and open formats like JSON are already part of the toolkit. Omlox integration is expected to follow this year. For 2025, businesses should definitely evaluate whether adopting data standards makes sense for their IT landscape.

 

2. AI – Analyzing location data with AI will make your facility smarter

Artificial Intelligence (AI) unlocks new potential for analyzing location data. By identifying patterns and making automated, real-time decisions, businesses can use their resources more effectively: 

• Streamlined Material Flows: Shorter transport routes improve logistics efficiency. 

• Predictive Maintenance: Reducing downtime by detecting issues early. 

• Smart Storage Solutions: Data-driven capacity planning optimizes storage. 

Favendo ensures location data is prepared in a way that seamlessly integrates with AI tools. The result? Clear, actionable insights that drive process optimization. 

 

3. 5G – will give your RTLS the ultimate efficency boost

With the expansion of 5G, the foundation is set for running BLE-based RTLS with real-time efficiency on a large scale. Ultra-low latency (<1 ms) opens the door to advanced applications such as: 

• Autonomous Driving: Accurate navigation and rapid responsiveness. 

• Logistics Tracking: Real-time monitoring of moving assets. 

5G’s high data transfer rates allow simultaneous processing of large volumes of BLE devices—be it hundreds, thousands, or even millions of assets or people—without delays. Supporting massive machine-type communication (mMTC), 5G ensures seamless device connectivity, even in expansive environments like factories or hospitals. Additionally, 5G ensures smooth indoor-outdoor tracking and GPS synchronization. 

 

4. SKILLS SHORTAGES – RTLS will release your employees from repetitive tasks

The ongoing labor shortage remains a critical challenge and is expected to intensify further, according to mid-term projections from World Economic Forum. Automated processes, including those supported by RTLS, offer practical solutions to counteract workforce challenges: 

• Asset Tracking: Real-time tracking of tools and equipment saves time and cuts costs associated with manual checks. 

• Indoor Navigation: Helps visitors and new employees navigate through large facilities like hospitals, cruise ships, or hotels more efficiently. 

RTLS streamlines workflows and makes onboarding and training processes more efficient. New employees are productive faster, while existing staff benefit from reduced workloads. 

 

5. AUTONOMOUS DRIVING – RTLS will enhance the safety and precision of autonomous driving

Autonomous vehicles are becoming increasingly important in production and logistics settings. Integrated RTLS solutions enhance the visibility and safety of these vehicles: 

• Precise Location Tracking: Coordinates driverless transport vehicles (AGVs) in warehouses with centimeter-level accuracy. 

• Real-Time Collision Avoidance: Leveraging BLE sensors to improve safety. 

Autonomous vehicles have already started making their mark on the roads like you can see in San Francisco. And they also can benefit greatly from RTLS. GPS integration and BLE-powered tracking systems make it easier to incorporate autonomous vehicles into traffic, optimize routes in real time, and streamline shuttle operations at airports, for example. RTLS makes autonomous mobility safer, more precise, and more efficient—both indoors and outdoors. 

RTLS as a Strategic Success Factor in 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, the RTLS sector is poised to become smarter, more scalable, and seamlessly integratable. With standardization, artificial intelligence, and 5G at its core, RTLS is set to help businesses boost performance and unlock greater versatility. Whether it’s improving logistics, enhancing safety, or overcoming workforce challenges, RTLS is positioned as a key enabler for success in the years to come.