As Bluetooth beacon technology becomes an increasingly valuable engagement platform for businesses, proper deployment strategy and planning are key to maximizing benefits. This article outlines best practices for rolling out beacons across large organizations and facilities. Following these guidelines will help create a scalable, efficient and insightful beacon network.
Carefully Evaluate Use Cases
Brainstorm innovative ways beacons can add value for customers and operations based on your specific business. Focus on the highest potential applications and prioritize those for initial deployment. Some common use cases are location-based messaging, wayfinding, proximity marketing, workflow automation and asset tracking. Build a roadmap for adding beacons incrementally to deliver ROI.
Choose the Right Beacon Hardware
With many beacon models now available, it’s important to select hardware fitting your use cases and environment. Key factors include battery life, durability, size, attachment mechanisms and proximity detection ranges. Consider zone-based architectures using varied signal strengths for far, near and immediate vicinity use. For large rollouts, interoperability across hardware brands enables flexibility.
Develop the Mobile App and Integrations
The mobile app is core to unlocking the possibilities of beacons by detecting signals and triggering actions. Prioritize app development in parallel, integrating beacon functionality to enable key experiences. Develop needed backend integrations with CMS, analytics platforms, APIs and business systems to make interactions impactful.
Design the Beacon Network Topology
Carefully mapping beacon locations in advance allows for ideal positioning to cover key zones and entry points. Overlap signal areas for consistent coverage but minimize redundancy. Mount beacons strategically for line of sight to mobile devices. Plan and diagram coverage zones, deploying beacons in phases if needed based on experience and iteration.
Leverage Management Software
Management software centralizes administration, configuration, monitoring and analytics across a beacon network. It enables remote maintenance capabilities like battery status alerts, firmware updates and location mapping. Prioritize a solution that integrates with developer tools and provides APIs for customization.
Conduct Thorough On-site Testing
Test extensively on location prior to full rollout. Walk through all use case scenarios to confirm needed proximity detection ranges are achieved. Be prepared to tweak placements and power levels to ensure a seamless and ideal user experience. Testing helps workers gain familiarity with beacon interactions.
Train Staff on Beacon Capabilities
Educate team members on beacon applications within the business so they can competently assist customers. Showcase how beacons improve their individual workflows. Thorough training will drive engagement, optimize use of the network and provide better support.
With careful planning guided by best practices, businesses can roll out beacon networks for impactful experiences. Follow these tips to maximize value now and into the future as beacon technology evolves.
