If you’re responsible for operations, facilities, or security, you know the pain: chasing paper logs, deciphering illegible entries, and always wondering whether patrols really happened. In large sites, the old toolkit no longer cuts it. Valuable time is lost, equipment goes unchecked, and unverified tours undermine safety and efficiency.
Imagine a system where proof of presence is recorded automatically, accurately, and in real time—without your team ever scanning a card or pulling out a phone.
That’s modern facility management powered by Bluetooth beacon technology. This guide walks you step by step—from the core tech to practical deployment—so you get actionable data to run your operations with confidence.
For decades, patrol proof relied on a physical action: signing a logbook, using a clock key, or tapping a wall-mounted wand at a checkpoint. Once sufficient, these methods now carry heavy hidden costs.
All these challenges point to the same conclusion: you need a smarter, automated approach that delivers airtight documentation without slowing your team.
A Bluetooth beacon is a small, low-energy radio—think of it as a digital lighthouse that continuously broadcasts a unique signal via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). It doesn’t collect data itself; it simply announces its presence.
A smartphone running the COREDINATE® app constantly listens for these signals. When an employee enters a beacon’s range, the device automatically recognizes the ID.
This is the key to automation: The scan is 100% hands-free and automatic, with no app interaction. The capture is instantly time-stamped and sent to the dashboard—a complete digital proof trail with no workflow interruption.
Many organizations rely on Near Field Communication (NFC) tags. NFC is passive and shares many weaknesses with manual systems. Bluetooth beacons, by contrast, automate the entire process.
| Attribute | Passive NFC tags | Active Bluetooth beacons | Why this matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Passive (no power source) | Active (battery-powered, constantly broadcasting) | Active beacons are always “on”—no user action required. |
| Range | 1–4 cm | Up to 100 m | Captures hard-to-reach points. |
| User action | Required | Not required | Hands-free equals faster and fewer errors. |
| Workflow | Interruptive | Seamless | More focus, higher productivity. |
| Use case | Single interactions | Automated proof of presence | Ideal for security and facility patrols. |
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Only with COREDINATE® does a beacon become a true automation tool. The app runs in the background, detects signals, and the dashboard provides real-time proof, reports, and alerts. The result is a hands-free control system that delivers data while your team stays focused on safety.
Several years. With standard transmission intervals, compact indoor beacons reach about 5 years, while robust outdoor models average around 4. Replaceable batteries extend service life almost indefinitely.
Are Bluetooth beacons secure?Yes. Beacons broadcast only a unique ID. Authentication, encryption, and user data live in the app and backend. When implemented correctly, patrol data is not exposed.
How complex is the installation?Indoors it’s usually a seconds-long adhesive mount. Outdoor models offer screw brackets for permanent installs. After mounting, register each beacon ID in the web portal.
Do beacons track employees everywhere?No. They only confirm presence at defined locations. What’s captured are timestamps at checkpoints, not continuous movement.
Do beacons interfere with Wi-Fi?Generally no. BLE operates in the 2.4 GHz band at very low power and coexists with Wi-Fi. Interference is rare.
The era of unreliable paper logs is over. Bluetooth beacons in COREDINATE® provide precise, automated proof of presence in real time.