How much does an RTLS system cost?
There is no single price — RTLS cost is driven by accuracy, area and asset count. But the structure is predictable, and most overspend comes from buying more precision than the use case needs.
What drives the cost
- Infrastructure: anchors/locators/readers and their density (the biggest swing — driven by accuracy)
- Tags: from cents (passive RFID) to tens of euros (UWB/active), times your asset count
- Software & licences: platform, analytics and per-tag or per-site fees
- Integration: connecting to WMS, ERP, EMR or MES — often underestimated
- Install & survey: cabling, PoE, mounting, RF site survey
- Run cost: support, maintenance, battery replacement
Typical ranges
A focused pilot is usually tens of thousands of euros. A single-site production deployment commonly runs from the low six figures, depending on area, accuracy and asset count. Passive RFID at choke-points is far cheaper than sub-metre UWB across a whole plant. We publish indicative advisory fees separately on our How we work & fees page — hardware and licences are extra and we never mark them up.
How to avoid overspending
Define the minimum accuracy a real workflow needs, choose the lightest technology that meets it, and pilot before you scale. The model on our ROI calculator turns these inputs into payback and three-year NPV.
Frequently asked questions
How much does RTLS cost per square metre?
It varies hugely with accuracy: sparse BLE/zone coverage is a fraction of dense UWB. We size it from your area, accuracy target and asset count.
Are tags expensive?
Passive RFID tags are cents; UWB/active tags are tens of euros. Multiply by asset count — and factor battery life and replacement.
What's the biggest hidden cost?
Integration and install (cabling, survey), and ongoing battery/maintenance. We include these in any honest model.
Can you give a fixed price?
After a short scoping call, yes — a fixed-fee discovery and an indicative system budget you can take to your board.