UnWired Episode 36: “Finding Nemo using RTLS with Ben Sperling”
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Link to Podcast: UnWired Episode 36: Finding Nemo via RTLS with Ben Sperling — WiresWorld
UnWired Episode 36: RTLS w/ Ben Sperling
Show Date: Tue. May 7, 2024
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UnWired Episode 36 Show Summary:
The team then introduced special guests Ben Sperling and Daniel Obodovski, emphasizing their extensive experience in digital health and technology strategy. The meeting then moved on to a lighthearted conversation about favorite quotes, before delving into the challenges and complexities of real-time location systems (RTLS), with a focus on the healthcare industry.
The speakers explored the underwhelming success of RTLS over the past decade, highlighting issues related to accuracy, cost, and the evolution of tracking technologies. They also discussed the potential of AI to provide solutions, the need for defining processes, and leveraging technology to support best practices in healthcare settings. The conversation extended to the integration of tagless solutions in medical devices and the benefits of using mobile phones for tracking patients in emergency departments.
The speakers also discussed the necessity of standardization in RTLS technology, with a focus on the healthcare industry. They delved into the challenges of interoperability and non-standard soft tokens, emphasizing the need for industry-wide standards for locating things. The conversation also touched on the diverse applications of RTLS technology, particularly in manufacturing and hospital settings, and the potential benefits of AI in improving location accuracy, standardization, and decision-making processes. The meeting concluded with shameless plugs for their podcast, social media platforms, and plans for future discussions.
Overall, the meeting highlighted the team's meticulous attention to technical details to ensure a smooth and productive meeting experience. The speakers provided valuable insights into the challenges and potential solutions related to RTLS technology, emphasizing the importance of standardization and the potential of AI to improve accuracy and decision-making processes. The meeting was a unique show where all participants played various roles as guests and moderators, and the speakers encouraged engagement with their audience.
Chapters & Topics:
Audio and Video Setup
James, Ben, and Daniel address audio and video setup concerns, focusing on eliminating background noise and ensuring the recording is functioning properly. They discuss microphone and headset settings, and Ben mentions a hard stop at 1 p.m. Pacific time. The team confirms that the audio and video quality is satisfactory before proceeding with the meeting.
Introduction of Special Guests
James Pyers kicks off the show by introducing Ben Sperling, who brings 25+ years of experience in digital health, and Daniel Obodovski, an author and technology strategy leader with significant industry experience. Both guests are highlighted for their contributions to the podcast and their expertise in the topics to be discussed.
Yogi Berra and Carlton Fisk Quotes
James Pyers initiates the meeting by sharing a Yogi Berra quote, followed by Daniel Obodovski and Ben Sperling sharing their favorite Berra and Fisk quotes. They discuss the significance of the quotes and their personal connections to them, with James inviting fans to vote for their favorite quote.
Discussion on Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) and its Challenges
The discussion revolves around the challenges and limitations of real-time location systems (RTLS), particularly in the healthcare industry. Ben Sperling provides insights into the evolution of RTLS technology, including the use of Wi-Fi, ultrawideband, and infrared, and the impact of these technologies on accuracy and consistency. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in addressing the challenges of RTLS and the need for defining processes and utilizing technology to support best practices.
* Real-time location systems (RTLS) and AI
* Challenges and developments in RTLS systems
AI and Mapping Solutions for Tracking and Locating Assets and Staff
Ben Sperling and Daniel Obodovski delve into the complexities of mapping and tracking assets within a building, highlighting the potential of AI to address these challenges. They also explore the idea of using technology to track staff, discussing the potential benefits and ethical considerations associated with it.
Exploring Tagless Solutions for Location Tracking
James Pyers and Ben Sperling delve into the challenges of physical tags for location tracking and propose the use of tagless solutions leveraging mobile phones and communication technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AI. They emphasize the potential benefits of tagless solutions in medical device integration and improving tracking in emergency departments, particularly in addressing the issue of patients leaving without being seen.
Standardization and Innovation in RTLS Technology
James, Ben, and Daniel discussed the need for standardization in RTLS technology, particularly in the context of healthcare and other industries. They highlighted the challenges of interoperability and the importance of industry-wide standards for locating things, emphasizing the potential benefits of standardized tracking technology and operating systems.
* Standardization and interoperability of RTLS technology
Discussion on Location Systems and Tracking Devices
Daniel Obodovski and James Pyers engage in a lighthearted conversation about the evolution of location systems and tracking devices, recounting a real-life incident involving a lost bag and the successful use of tracking devices to locate it. The discussion also touches on the proliferation of location services in the current market.
RTLS Applications in Manufacturing and Hospitals
Ben Sperling and Daniel Obodovski delve into the specific use cases of RTLS technology in manufacturing, emphasizing its role in tracking inventory and monitoring the progress of items on the assembly line. They also compare the application of RTLS in hospitals, focusing on the tracking of specialty medical devices and medications using passive RFID. The conversation touches on the potential labor savings and cost justifications for implementing RTLS technology.
* Use cases of RTLS in hospitals and healthcare settings
AI and RTLS Applications in Manufacturing and Healthcare
Daniel, Ben, and James delve into the practical applications of AI and RTLS in manufacturing and healthcare, highlighting the significance of real-time location systems for inventory management and asset tracking. They also examine the potential of AI in enhancing location accuracy, standardization, and decision support, while acknowledging the need to address AI bias and ensure data accuracy.
* Bias and accuracy in AI and RTLS
Concluding Remarks and Shameless Plugs
Ben Sperling, James Pyers, and Daniel Obodovski conclude the meeting with insights on RTLS advancements and the need to seek guidance from industry-specific experts. They also promote their podcast and social media presence for further engagement with their audience.
Action Items:
* Hospital Administrator will implement a programmatic approach to RTLS to improve operational efficiency and patient care outcomes.
* Retail Store Manager will explore the potential of leveraging RTLS technology for tracking inventory and improving operational efficiency in retail settings.
* Technology Solution Provider will work on developing soft tags and standardizing RTLS technology for locating people and assets across different verticals.
* Manufacturing Plant Manager will utilize RTLS technology to track inventory, parts, and unique pieces in the assembly line to improve efficiency and inventory management.
* Ben Sperling will implement a system for tracking inventory of parts in a manufacturing setting using a bucket with all the parts and a reader to track inventory, and deliver one or multiple pieces to the line while tracking their progress.
* Ben Sperling will reach out to an expert from the legal side of autonomous vehicles for a future episode.
* Ben Sperling will share experience of having one month free with Elon Musk's Tesla for self-driving in a future episode.
* Ben Sperling will encourage people in the healthcare space to reach out to Seams Healthineers for more information about applying RTLS.
* Daniel Obodovski will call James Pyers in about 30 minutes.
Key Questions:
* How has RTLS been underwhelming in its success over the past decade?
* Can AI help in standardization and optimization of soft tags in RTLS?
* What is the current state of standardization and interoperability in RTLS technology across different verticals?
* How do we ensure that AI isn't biased in a way that is detrimental to a use case or society as a whole?
* What are the challenges and developments we're seeing with AI in RTLS?