What is iBeacon Technology?
The technology utilizes Beacons, which are the tiny devices, capable of transmitting low-energy Bluetooth signals. Content related to geo-locations or some personalized data can be sent over Beacons.
Though one Beacon can cover a small range, i.e. 12 inches to 50-55 yards, when installed in series, these little battery-powered devices can cover a much larger area. These transmitters need a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and an app in this phone, in order to send notifications to users or trigger any action.
Deployment of iBeacons
1. In Retail Industry
Beacons have dozens of applications in retail or in-store marketing only.
Reminding a passerby about your store, telling store visitors about latest offers as per their previous purchases, providing assistance in parking, welcoming buyers as they enter the store, in-store navigation, making people aware of discount offers, running promotional campaigns and giving product highlights to the person interested in a particular product are a few things you can do using iBeacon technology.
Nowadays, Beacons are enabling customers for booking purchasable products, automatic checkout, getting feedback, directing the people towards salesperson, etc. Also, Beacons can be used for cross-selling too. For instance, if a person picks an umbrella to buy, you may promote raincoat too. Chances are that it’ll sell.
2. In HR Operations
Companies are now enabling beacons in their premises to track their employees. Beacons are being deployed for locating employees, conference hall booking, cab booking when an employee leaves the building, and theft prevention too.
Example: DB CORP launched an app named DB MY APP which is efficient at marking attendance automatically using iBeacons and GPS, developed by iTechNotion. The app includes:
- Office I Card display and auto-attendance
- Eliminates need to carry ID card
- Helps HR in tracking and leave management
3. In the Education Industry
Beacons are used to track students’ attendance and notify them if they are skipping any class even when present on campus. This helps improve academic performance and discipline.
4. In the Hospitality Industry
Hotels and restaurants are using Beacons for personalized services such as:
- Greeting guests automatically
- Guiding them to rooms via digital maps
- Collecting preferences and feedback
5. In Cleaning and Laundry Industry
Example: Majestic Cleaning Excellence uses beacons for:
- Indoor navigation
- Auto-detection of rooms
- Live tracking of cleaning staff
These features increase productivity and team organization.
6. In Academic and Corporate Events
Beacons enhance event experience through:
- Tracking visitor movement and stall popularity
- Improving event layout and navigation
- Offering reward points and lead exchange
7. In Libraries
Large libraries use Beacons to assist visitors with:
- Digital catalog access
- Library card in-app
- Meeting room booking
8. In AR/VR Gaming or Entertainment Sector
Use cases include:
- Streaming interactive content based on location
- Placing virtual game objects like treasures
9. In the Travel and Transportation Sector
Beacons are used in railways, airports, and bus stations to:
- Guide travelers
- Enable automated check-in
- Provide Wi-Fi or tourist info
Other Applications of Beacons
Beacons are being adopted in many sectors like:
- Real estate: Beacons at properties for real-time info
- Government: Helping visually-impaired on roads
- Automotive: Notify about new cars or offers in showrooms
Are you already utilizing it for your business or have found an innovative way to deploy it at your store, outlet, office, or business area?
Drop a comment here, telling the purpose of usage and what’s your experience with it. If not, ask us how it can be used for increasing your revenue.
