Top 10 Hospital Asset Tracking Tools: Features, Pros, Cons & Comparison

Introduction

Hospital asset tracking tools are specialized Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) and inventory management platforms designed to monitor the location, status, and health of medical equipment in real time. By utilizing technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Ultrasound, and Wi-Fi, these tools provide a live map of every critical item within a facility. Beyond just “finding things,” these platforms integrate with clinical workflows to automate maintenance schedules, ensure sterilization compliance, and optimize equipment utilization rates.

The importance of these tools extends beyond simple convenience. In an emergency, knowing exactly which room contains a functioning defibrillator can be life-saving. Real-world use cases include preventing the loss of expensive surgical kits, monitoring the temperature of pharmaceutical fridges, and tracking patient flow to reduce wait times in the ER. When evaluating these tools, users should look for “clinical-grade” accuracy (room-level or sub-room level), battery life of the tracking tags, ease of integration with existing Electronic Health Records (EHR) or Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), and the scalability of the infrastructure.

Best for: Large health systems, surgical centers, and busy acute care hospitals that need to reduce equipment search times, automate compliance reporting, and prevent capital overspending. It is also ideal for biomedical engineering departments and clinical staff who are overwhelmed by manual inventory audits.

Not ideal for: Very small, single-doctor private practices with limited mobile equipment or facilities where assets never leave a single, locked room. In these cases, a simple spreadsheet or a basic barcode scanner may be more cost-effective than a full-scale RTLS deployment.

Top 10 Hospital Asset Tracking Tools

1 — CenTrak

CenTrak is widely considered the industry leader in clinical-grade visibility. Its Multi-Mode technology platform provides the precision required for high-stakes environments like operating rooms and sterile processing departments.

• Key features:
  • Multi-mode tracking using Gen2IR, Wi-Fi, BLE, and Low Frequency.
  • Clinical-grade room-level and bed-level accuracy.
  • Automated PAR-level management to ensure departments are always stocked.
  • Specialty tags for medical scopes and temperature-sensitive assets.
  • Advanced workflow automation for equipment distribution.
  • Real-time environmental monitoring (temperature and humidity).
• Pros:
  • Unmatched accuracy in complex hospital layouts where signals often bounce.
  • Highly durable tags that withstand high-pressure washing and chemicals.
• Cons:
  • Higher initial infrastructure cost due to the need for dedicated sensors.
  • Implementation can be complex and requires professional site surveys.
• Security & compliance: HIPAA compliant, FIPS 140-2, and supports SSO for secure administrative access.
• Support & community: Extensive managed services and consulting; 24/7 technical support and a deep library of healthcare-specific whitepapers.

2 — Securitas Healthcare (MobileView)

Formerly known as Stanley Healthcare, Securitas Healthcare offers the MobileView platform, which is a robust, enterprise-scale RTLS solution focused on improving operational efficiency and patient safety.

• Key features:
  • Visual, map-based interface for locating assets instantly.
  • Integration with nurse call systems and infant protection (Hugs).
  • Automated alerts for unauthorized equipment movement (Geofencing).
  • Predictive analytics for equipment utilization and maintenance.
  • Support for Wi-Fi and BLE-based tracking architectures.
  • Enterprise-level reporting for regulatory compliance audits.
• Pros:
  • Exceptional integration with other hospital safety systems (like infant security).
  • User interface is highly intuitive for clinical staff (nurses and techs).
• Cons:
  • Significant reliance on existing Wi-Fi density for optimal accuracy.
  • Proprietary hardware components can be expensive to replace.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and fully HIPAA compliant.
• Support & community: Global presence with a large network of certified installers and 24/7 enterprise support.

3 — Midmark RTLS

Midmark specializes in “sensory-rich” environments. Their solution is famous for its “certainty-based” tracking, which uses infrared technology to ensure that the system never mistakenly identifies an asset as being in the wrong room.

• Key features:
  • Wired and wireless infrared (IR) sensors for 100% room-level certainty.
  • Patient flow and staff workflow optimization modules.
  • Cloud-based and on-premise deployment options.
  • Integrated “Nurse Call” functionality through staff badges.
  • Data-driven insights to reduce patient “rooming” time.
  • Small, lightweight tags designed for high-density equipment.
• Pros:
  • IR technology eliminates “signal bleed” through walls, which is common with Wi-Fi.
  • Excellent for improving the actual “throughput” of patients in a clinic.
• Cons:
  • Requires “line-of-sight” between tags and sensors to function at peak accuracy.
  • Not as effective for tracking assets in vast, open warehouse areas.
• Security & compliance: HIPAA compliant with end-to-end data encryption and robust audit logs.
• Support & community: Strong focus on clinical training and onboarding; dedicated project managers for every installation.

4 — Zebra Technologies

Zebra is a titan in the world of asset identification. While known for barcodes, their MotionWorks Healthcare solution integrates RFID and BLE to provide a holistic view of hospital inventory and asset movement.

• Key features:
  • Hybrid tracking using passive RFID, active RFID, and BLE.
  • Powerful data analytics engine to identify bottlenecks in asset flow.
  • Mobile-first approach using Zebra’s clinical-grade handheld devices.
  • “Search and Find” functionality using Geiger-counter style proximity alerts.
  • Automated inventory replenishment triggers.
  • Enterprise-wide visibility across multiple hospital campuses.
• Pros:
  • Great for facilities already using Zebra mobile computers and printers.
  • Passive RFID options allow for the cost-effective tracking of low-value items.
• Cons:
  • BLE accuracy can vary based on the physical environment of the building.
  • The software suite can feel fragmented if you use multiple Zebra modules.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2 compliant, ISO 9001, and enterprise-grade data security.
• Support & community: One of the largest support networks in the world; extensive online documentation and developer portals.

5 — GE Healthcare (Encompass)

GE Healthcare’s Encompass is a cloud-native RTLS solution that focuses on “zero construction.” It leverages a facility’s existing Wi-Fi infrastructure to provide asset visibility without a massive hardware overhaul.

• Key features:
  • Cloud-based architecture (SaaS) for rapid deployment.
  • No-construction installation using BLE-to-Wi-Fi bridges.
  • Integrated with GE’s broad medical equipment maintenance ecosystem.
  • Utilization dashboards to help hospitals “right-size” their fleets.
  • Mobile app for staff to find equipment on the go.
  • Capital planning tools based on actual equipment usage data.
• Pros:
  • Lower upfront capital expenditure compared to wired IR or RFID systems.
  • Deeply understands hospital workflows because it is built by a medical device giant.
• Cons:
  • Accuracy is generally “zone-level” rather than pinpoint “bed-level.”
  • Requires a very stable and high-performing enterprise Wi-Fi network.
• Security & compliance: HIPAA compliant, GDPR compliant, and built on secure AWS infrastructure.
• Support & community: Backed by GE’s massive healthcare service team; 24/7 technical assistance.

6 — Kontakt.io

Kontakt.io has disrupted the market with its “BLE-first” approach. They focus on making RTLS affordable, sleek, and incredibly easy to manage using modern IoT standards.

• Key features:
  • AI-powered BLE indoor navigation and asset tracking.
  • Low-cost, long-life battery tags (up to 8 years).
  • Integration with Cisco Spaces and other major network providers.
  • Open API for easy integration with custom hospital apps.
  • Occupancy and environmental sensors for smart building management.
  • Rapid, “plug-and-play” gateway installation.
• Pros:
  • Most modern and sleek hardware in the industry.
  • Significantly lower price point for high-density asset tracking.
• Cons:
  • BLE accuracy can be affected by interference in older, “shielded” hospital wings.
  • Newer to the enterprise healthcare space compared to legacy vendors like CenTrak.
• Security & compliance: ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR compliant; uses encrypted communication protocols.
• Support & community: Strong documentation and a very responsive, tech-forward support team.

7 — AiRISTA Flow

AiRISTA Flow provides a versatile RTLS platform that excels in complex, multi-building environments. Their “unified” approach allows hospitals to use multiple technologies on a single software platform.

• Key features:
  • Support for Wi-Fi, BLE, IR, and GPS for outdoor tracking.
  • Hand hygiene compliance monitoring module.
  • Staff safety features (panic buttons) integrated into tracking tags.
  • Advanced rules engine for complex workflow alerts.
  • Utilization reporting for capital equipment justification.
  • High-availability architecture for mission-critical reliability.
• Pros:
  • The best choice for tracking assets that move between indoor and outdoor areas.
  • Extremely customizable rules engine for automated alerts.
• Cons:
  • The software interface has a steeper learning curve for new admins.
  • Can be overly complex for facilities that only need basic location services.
• Security & compliance: FIPS 140-2, HIPAA, and supports complex SSO configurations.
• Support & community: Global support with professional services for custom enterprise integrations.

8 — HID Global

HID Global is a name synonymous with security and identity. Their asset tracking solution leverages their expertise in BLE and NFC to provide a secure and stable tracking ecosystem.

• Key features:
  • High-security BLE beacons with encrypted broadcast signals.
  • Integration with HID’s industry-leading access control systems.
  • Cloud-native “HID Bluzone” management platform.
  • Condition monitoring (vibration and temperature) for critical machines.
  • Scalable from a single room to a global network of hospitals.
  • Low-profile tags for small items like portable tablets or infusion pumps.
• Pros:
  • Seamlessly links asset tracking with staff security and door access.
  • Extremely reliable and stable hardware performance.
• Cons:
  • Analytics capabilities are slightly less “clinical-focused” than specialized healthcare vendors.
  • Requires HID-specific gateways for the best performance.
• Security & compliance: ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, and industry-leading encryption.
• Support & community: Massive global network of partners and a highly structured support system.

9 — Sonitor Technologies

Sonitor is the king of ultrasound-based tracking. Their “Sonitor Sense” platform uses sound waves to achieve a level of precision that radio-based systems (like Wi-Fi) simply cannot match.

• Key features:
  • Ultrasound (High Definition Precision Positioning) technology.
  • 100% certainty that an asset is in a specific room or behind a specific curtain.
  • No interference with sensitive medical radio equipment.
  • Dual-mode tags that include BLE for wider-area visibility.
  • Rapid update rates for fast-moving assets.
  • Integrated temperature and environmental monitoring.
• Pros:
  • The gold standard for precision; sound doesn’t travel through walls, so “wrong room” errors are zero.
  • Immune to the RF interference issues that plague Wi-Fi/BLE in dense hospitals.
• Cons:
  • Sensors must be installed in every room where precision is needed.
  • Ultrasound can be blocked by certain physical obstructions (like thick curtains if sensors are misplaced).
• Security & compliance: HIPAA compliant, ISO 13485 (Medical Devices), and robust data privacy controls.
• Support & community: Specialist healthcare installers; deep technical support for clinical environment design.

10 — Asset Panda

Asset Panda offers a different approach, focusing on flexibility and ease of use through a mobile-first, cloud-based platform. While not a traditional “live RTLS” hardware company, their software is a favorite for hospitals managing inventories across many distributed clinics.

• Key features:
  • Fully customizable mobile app for barcode and QR code scanning.
  • Asset lifecycle and depreciation tracking.
  • Maintenance history and automated service reminders.
  • Role-based access for different clinical and admin departments.
  • Integration with popular help-desk and finance software.
  • Unlimited user seats on most plans.
• Pros:
  • By far the most affordable and easiest to set up on this list.
  • Perfect for tracking non-critical assets (laptops, furniture, basic tools).
• Cons:
  • Does not provide “live” real-time location (requires manual scanning/check-in).
  • Not suitable for “finding an item in an emergency” if it hasn’t been scanned.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II and HIPAA compliant data storage.
• Support & community: Excellent online training, customer success managers, and a massive library of “how-to” videos.

Comparison Table

Evaluation & Scoring of Hospital Asset Tracking Tools

When we evaluate these tools, we use a weighted scoring rubric that prioritizes the unique stresses of a healthcare environment. Accuracy is the most important factor, followed closely by the ease with which a busy nurse can actually use the system.

Which Hospital Asset Tracking Tool Is Right for You?

Selecting the right tool depends on the specific “pain point” your hospital is trying to solve.

• Small Clinics & Distributed Offices: If your primary goal is just to keep an accurate list of equipment across multiple small locations, Asset Panda is the clear winner. Its barcode-based system is affordable and requires no hardware installation.
• Budget-Conscious Mid-Sized Facilities: If you need real-time tracking but have a tight budget, Kontakt.io or Zebra Technologies offer the best price-to-performance ratio using BLE and RFID.
• High-Acuity Acute Care Hospitals: For large hospitals where searching for equipment is a daily struggle, CenTrak or Sonitor are the gold standards. Their room-level accuracy ensures that a nurse is never sent to a room that “might” have a pump, only to find it’s actually in the hallway next door.
• Integrated Safety Needs: If you also need to manage infant protection, staff duress (panic buttons), and wander management for dementia patients, Securitas Healthcare or Midmark RTLS offer the most comprehensive “safety-first” suites.
• IT Infrastructure Strategy: If your hospital is under strict “no construction” rules, look at GE Healthcare Encompass. It uses your existing Wi-Fi to create a tracking network without drilling holes in the ceiling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between RFID and RTLS? RFID is a technology (Radio Frequency Identification). RTLS is a system (Real-Time Location System). An RTLS often uses RFID tags to show where assets are on a live map, rather than just recording when they pass a scanner.+1

2. How accurate are these systems? It varies. Wi-Fi systems are accurate within 5–10 meters. BLE is accurate to within 1–3 meters. Ultrasound and Infrared (IR) systems provide 100% room-level certainty, knowing exactly which side of a wall an item is on.

3. Do the tags interfere with medical equipment? No. High-quality systems like CenTrak and Sonitor are specifically engineered to operate on frequencies that do not interfere with sensitive hospital monitors, Wi-Fi, or life-support machines.

4. How long do the batteries last in the tracking tags? Modern BLE tags can last between 5 to 8 years. Older Wi-Fi tags usually require battery changes every 1 to 2 years. Ultrasound and IR tags fall somewhere in the middle, typically lasting 3 to 5 years.

5. Can these tools help during a regulatory audit (like Joint Commission)? Yes. These tools maintain an automated “paper trail” of every time a piece of equipment was cleaned, serviced, or moved, making it incredibly easy to prove compliance with maintenance standards.

6. What is “PAR-level” management? It’s a system where you set a minimum number of assets (like IV pumps) for a specific floor. If the number drops below that level, the tool automatically alerts the transport team to bring more.

7. Is implementation a construction nightmare? Not necessarily. Cloud-native BLE and Wi-Fi systems (like GE Encompass) require almost zero construction. Only “Clinical-Grade” IR or wired systems require significant sensor installation.

8. Can patients be tracked with these tools? Yes. Many of these systems offer “Patient Tracking” wristbands to help manage flow through surgery or to ensure that at-risk patients (like those with Alzheimer’s) don’t wander into unsafe areas.

9. Do these tools prevent theft? They act as a major deterrent. Most systems can trigger a “Gate Alert” if a high-value asset approaches an exit door, and some can even lock the door or alert security automatically.

10. How fast is the ROI (Return on Investment)? Most hospitals see a full ROI within 12 to 18 months, primarily through reduced capital spending (not having to buy “extra” equipment to account for lost items) and reduced rental costs.

Conclusion

Hospital asset tracking is no longer a luxury; it is a fundamental operational necessity for the 2026 healthcare landscape. The “best” tool isn’t the one with the most features, but the one that your staff will actually use. Whether you prioritize the absolute precision of ultrasound with Sonitor, the seamless Wi-Fi integration of GE Healthcare, or the cost-effective simplicity of Kontakt.io, the goal remains the same: putting the right equipment in the right hands at the right time. By eliminating the “equipment hunt,” you empower your clinical teams to do what they do best—save lives.