Immediate visibility
Current location of patients, staff and tracked equipment within the hospital building.
Healthcare communication systems
Real-time location of patients, staff and medical equipment
RTLS provides an immediate overview of the location of people and equipment within a hospital. It helps protect patients, improve staff safety, reduce time spent searching for equipment and manage healthcare operations more efficiently.
Why RTLS
Greater visibility, improved safety and more efficient processes
The location system connects positioning data with everyday hospital processes. Staff can respond more quickly, find the required equipment more easily and better protect both patients and employees.
Improved safety
Geofencing, duress alarms and rapid display of the location of a person who needs assistance.
Faster workflows
Find a bed, infusion pump, trolley or other device without spending time searching across wards.
Jedna platforma
Integration with Nurse Call, HIS, mobile applications and other hospital technologies.
Operational data
Movement history and equipment-utilisation data support the optimisation of logistics and workflows.
Phased expansion
The solution can begin on one ward and expand to additional workplaces or the entire campus as required.
Hospital operational challenges
Without location information, time and visibility are lost
Equipment moves between wards, patients leave their rooms and staff work throughout large, complex buildings. Without location data, responses can be unnecessarily slow.
Time-consuming equipment searches
An infusion pump, wheelchair or available bed may be nearby, but staff do not know where it is.
Unauthorised zone exit
A patient at risk of disorientation may leave a safe area without staff noticing immediately.
Unknown location during an emergency
An alarm alone may not be enough. When a staff member is at risk, knowing where the event is taking place is critical.
Limited asset visibility
Without data on equipment movement and utilisation, purchasing, maintenance and optimal placement are more difficult to plan.
Slow team coordination
During an urgent event, staff may lose time determining who is closest and able to respond.
Missing operational data
Without objective data, processes are harder to optimise and decisions often rely only on estimates.
What is RTLS?
Digital visibility of people and equipment locations within a building
RTLS, or Real-Time Location System, is a technology for real-time positioning. Electronic tags, location infrastructure and central software determine the location of tagged people or objects.
Hospital staff can use a map or application to identify the ward, room or location zone in which the required person or object is located.
RTLS is more than a map with moving points. Location data can support automatic alarms, geofencing, equipment searches, duress calls, equipment-utilisation analysis and integration with other systems.
How RTLS works
From a location tag to useful information for the user
The technical solution is tailored to the building, required accuracy and type of people or equipment being tracked. The basic principle, however, remains similar.
Location tag
A patient, staff member or device is fitted with an electronic identifier.
Location infrastructure
Receivers, beacons or readers detect communication from the tag within the covered area.
Position calculation
The RTLS platform evaluates the received data and assigns the object to its current room or location zone.
Event processing
The system evaluates rules, safety zones, duress calls and other configured scenarios.
Display and integration
Information is displayed to the user or sent to Nurse Call, a mobile application or another system.
Location technologies
Technology selected according to required accuracy and use case
There is no single universal technology for every project. The appropriate solution depends on the building, operational scenarios, required accuracy, infrastructure and tag-maintenance strategy.
Bluetooth Low Energy
An energy-efficient wireless technology suitable for locating people, mobile aids and medical equipment.
RFID
A technology suitable for asset identification, movement records and detecting passage through a defined checkpoint.
Ultra-Wideband
A solution for applications requiring highly accurate positioning within a room or defined area.
Wi-Fi positioning
Depending on the infrastructure used, an existing wireless network can support approximate location determination.
Tracked objects
One platform for people, aids and medical equipment
Each object type can have its own rules, permissions, alarms and display method. The hospital therefore receives a solution tailored to specific workflows.
Patients
Protection of at-risk patients, monitoring of safety zones and rapid location within the workplace.
Healthcare staff
Location during a duress call, team coordination and identification of available staff.
Hospital beds
Visibility of mobile-bed locations during transfers between rooms, wards and service areas.
Wheelchairs
Easier location of mobility aids and a clearer overview of availability across the hospital campus.
Infusion pumps
Rapid location of the required pump and data supporting more efficient use of medical equipment.
Medical devices
Location of monitors, defibrillators and other mobile devices according to workplace needs.
Areas of use
RTLS delivers value throughout the healthcare facility
The system can be tailored to different departments. Each workplace uses location data differently—from patient protection to efficient medical-equipment management.
Emergency department
Rapid equipment location and better staff coordination during time-critical events.
JIS a OAIM
Visibility of devices, beds and equipment movement in an environment with high availability requirements.
Operating departments
Location of specialised equipment and support for organising equipment movement between workplaces.
Inpatient wards
Patient protection, location of aids and more efficient management of everyday operational tasks.
Psychiatria a geriatria
Geofencing and alerts when a patient at risk of disorientation leaves a safe zone.
Social care facilities
Client supervision, support for rapid staff response and protection of people with impaired orientation.
Core functions
Location data as the basis for automatic rules and alarms
The real value of RTLS comes from combining location, time, object identity and the operational scenario.
Real-time location
Display of the current location of a person or device within a supported building, room or zone.
Geofencing
Automatic notification when entering a protected area or leaving a defined safety zone.
Duress button
When activated, a personal tag can send an alarm together with the user’s current location.
Detekcia nehybnosti
With a suitable device, unusual immobility or a staff member’s fall can be detected.
Movement history
An authorised user can analyse recorded events and the movement of selected objects.
Asset tracking
Search for mobile assets and view their location, availability or movement between wards.
RTLS integration
Location data as part of hospital communication
RTLS can operate as a standalone solution, but its greatest potential is achieved through integration with other hospital technologies.
Location information can supplement a Nurse Call alarm, a staff duress call, a mobile notification or a workflow connected to the Hospital Information System.
The connection method depends on the technical capabilities of the systems involved. Available APIs, standardised interfaces or an integration platform can be used.
Nurse Call
Add the current location of a patient or staff member to an alarm or duress call.
NIS a HIS
Connect location data with authorised hospital processes and identification data.
Mobile applications
Display a notification, alarm or location directly to a staff member on a supported mobile device.
BMS and safety systems
Use RTLS events within broader supervision of the building, operations and safety processes.
Patient protection
Geofencing alerts staff when a patient leaves a safe zone
Permitted areas can be defined for a selected patient, such as a room, ward or designated part of the facility.
When the patient crosses the boundary of the safety zone, RTLS evaluates the event automatically and sends an alert to the designated staff.
The information can include event identification, time, last known location and other data needed for a rapid and appropriate response.
Patient leaves the room
The location system records the movement of the tagged patient.
Zone boundary crossed
The patient leaves the area defined as safe.
Alarm activation
RTLS automatically creates a geofencing event.
Staff notification
An authorised staff member receives information about the event and the last known location.
Patient located
Staff can respond directly without unnecessarily searching the entire workplace.
Asset tracking
Find medical equipment without wasting time
Mobile medical devices move during the day between rooms, wards, stores, service areas and spaces designated for cleaning or disinfection.
RTLS allows an authorised user to find a specific infusion pump, monitor, trolley or bed and display its last known location.
Movement history and utilisation data can also support decisions about equipment placement, service intervals and future investment.
Rapid search
The user searches for a device by name, type, identifier or another permitted data field.
Last known location
The system displays the ward, room or zone in which the device was last detected.
Movement history
Event records help analyse equipment movement and resolve operational discrepancies.
Utilisation analysis
Data can reveal equipment that is overused, underused or poorly located.
RTLS v praxi
One working day, several useful scenarios
Location services support daily processes, whether locating equipment, protecting a patient or helping a staff member in distress.
Start of shift
A staff member begins the shift and the personal tag is ready to issue a duress call with location information.
Searching for an infusion pump
Staff search for an available pump and identify the ward or room in which it is located.
Patient geofencing
A patient crosses a safety-zone boundary and the system sends an automatic alert.
Duress call
A healthcare worker activates the button and colleagues receive an alarm together with location information.
Operational evaluation
An authorised user analyses the movement and utilisation of tracked equipment.
RTLS implementation
From needs analysis to support and further development
A high-quality RTLS solution begins with an understanding of workflows. The technology itself must suit the building, required accuracy and intended use.
Needs analysis
We define the objects to be tracked, safety scenarios, required accuracy and expected integrations.
Obhliadka objektu
We assess the layout, construction conditions, existing infrastructure and operational constraints.
Solution design
We select the technology and design the coverage, functions, devices and integration method.
Project planning
We prepare technical documentation and coordinate with other disciplines and hospital systems.
Installation and integration
We install the infrastructure, configure the platform and implement the agreed system connections.
Testing and training
We verify coverage, alarm scenarios and user roles, and train staff to use the system.
Support and expansion
We provide support, maintenance and further development as workplace needs evolve.
Benefits of RTLS
Technology that supports both safety and efficiency
Improved patient safety
Automatic alerts when a safe zone is left support a faster staff response.
Staff protection
A duress call with location information helps direct assistance more precisely.
Less time spent searching
Staff can focus on care instead of spending time searching for medical equipment.
Better equipment utilisation
Location and usage visibility support more efficient placement and purchasing decisions.
Faster decision-making
Current location data provides staff with the specific information needed to respond.
Scalable architecture
The solution can expand with additional wards, tags, alarm scenarios or integration functions.
Why SYMATEC
RTLS as part of a comprehensive hospital solution
We do not treat the location system as an isolated technology. We design it with communication, safety, information systems and real healthcare workflows in mind.
Analysis of real requirements
The design is based on specific operational scenarios, not only the floor plan or number of rooms.
Systems integration
We assess options for connecting Nurse Call, hospital and safety systems.
Design and implementation
We provide design, technical planning, installation, configuration and functional verification.
Service support
We assist with system management, equipment maintenance and solution expansion throughout its lifecycle.
Related solutions
Connected technologies for the modern hospital
RTLS can form part of a broader hospital communication platform connecting patients, staff, technologies and information systems.
Privolanie sestry
Reliable communication between patients and healthcare staff with options for further integration.
View solution →Hospital systems integration
Connection of Nurse Call, HIS, mobile communication, RTLS and other hospital technologies.
View integrations →Visocall IP
An IP platform for hospital communication, signalling, workflows and integrated functions.
Discover Visocall IP →
Related terms
Technologies and functions associated with RTLS
Indoor positioning
Determining the location of people and objects indoors where GPS cannot be used reliably.
Geofencing
Virtual boundaries that trigger an event when entering or leaving a defined area.
Asset tracking
Location and movement records for mobile equipment, aids and other assets.
BLE, RFID a UWB
Wireless technologies used for identification, communication and calculation of location-tag positions.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about RTLS
Essential information about accuracy, technologies, integration and practical RTLS deployment in healthcare.
RTLS stands for Real-Time Location System. It is a system that determines and displays the current location of tagged people, medical aids or technical equipment within a building or hospital campus.
RTLS can locate patients, healthcare staff, beds, wheelchairs, infusion pumps, monitors, defibrillators and other medical or operational equipment. The scope of the solution is configured according to the needs of each workplace.
Accuracy depends on the technology used, the infrastructure design and the building environment. The system can determine location at building, floor, ward, room or precise-zone level. Technologies such as UWB can also provide very high positioning accuracy.
Geofencing creates virtual safety zones. If a tagged patient or device enters or leaves a defined area, the system can automatically trigger a notification, alarm or predefined operational scenario.
Yes. RTLS can alert staff when a patient leaves a room, ward or another defined safety zone. The solution can support the protection of patients with orientation disorders, dementia or an increased risk of wandering.
Yes. A personal location tag can include a duress button. When activated, the system sends an alarm together with the staff member’s location, enabling colleagues or security personnel to respond more quickly.
Yes. RTLS can be integrated with Nurse Call, the Hospital Information System, mobile applications, communication platforms and other technologies. The specific integration method depends on the systems used and the available interfaces.
Common technologies include Bluetooth Low Energy, RFID, UWB and location services using Wi-Fi infrastructure. A project can combine several technologies according to the required accuracy, functions and cost efficiency.
Yes. With correctly designed infrastructure, the system can distinguish between buildings, floors, wards, rooms and smaller location zones. The design is preceded by a site survey and an analysis of the required coverage.
Yes. RTLS can be deployed gradually. A project can begin, for example, with locating infusion pumps, trolleys or beds and later expand to patient protection, staff location, geofencing or analytical functions.
Battery life depends on the tag type, technology, communication interval and enabled functions. The solution design considers the required operating life, maintenance method and battery-status monitoring.
A project typically includes needs analysis, a site survey, technology and coverage design, project planning, installation, integration, testing, user training and ongoing support.
RTLS consultation
Are you looking for the right location solution for a healthcare facility?
We will help you analyse operational scenarios, select the appropriate location technology and design a solution ready for integration with hospital systems.
Contact SYMATEC