RFID-enabled Real-Time Location System (RTLS) to improve hospital's operations management: An up-to-date typology

Recent deployments of Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) around the world illustrate a key trend in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies supporting innovative applications within numerous industrial sectors. Managers in charge of implementing RTLS face several challenges when (a) selecting the right active/passive RFID system for their needs; (b) implementing and integrating the system; and (c) leveraging on it, to move from automated object identification to information management and decision-making. Although some information is available to support researchers and practitioners, the existing documentation often focuses on specific aspects of the technology, and much of the information found in the professional literature is not vendor-neutral, resulting in some confusion for decision-makers. This paper clarifies the different technological options presently available on the market and proposes up- to-date typologies for RTLS hardware and software solutions used in hospitals. Findings can help potential adopters select an RTLS that meets their specific needs while highlighting the critical steps and pitfalls at the front end phases of a RTLS implementation project.