Checklist
RTLS vendor selection checklist
Most RTLS short-lists are decided on a polished demo. Here are the questions that actually separate vendors — the ones we ask on every selection, with no reseller margin riding on the answer.
Accuracy & performance
- Quote accuracy as a distribution (e.g. 90th percentile), not a single best-case figure
- Show a reference doing your exact use case in a similar RF environment
- Commit to a paid pilot in your space — metal, racking and forklifts wreck lab numbers
Integration & data
- How does it integrate with our WMS/ERP/EMR/MES — with a named reference?
- Can we export all our data, and who owns it if we leave?
- What is the API, update rate and event model?
Commercials & lock-in
- Total cost over 3 years: hardware, tags, licences, install, support, batteries
- What is per-tag/per-site licensing, and how does it scale?
- What is the exit path — proprietary tags/anchors or open ecosystem?
Delivery & support
- Who does the site survey, and is it included?
- What are SLAs, firmware support lifecycles and spares availability?
- What does a realistic rollout timeline and resourcing look like?
Frequently asked questions
What's the most common selection mistake?
Choosing on demo polish and a single accuracy number, with no pilot in the real environment and no look at 3-year TCO or lock-in.
Should we run an RFP?
Often yes — but only after requirements are written well enough to get comparable bids. We help write those.
Do you sit on the vendor side?
Never for a client selection. We represent you, with no reseller margin and no platform to push.
Can you shortlist vendors for us?
Yes — see our independent vendor comparisons and book a selection workshop.