Frequently Asked Questions

General

How does it work?

We implement Bluetooth® Beacons APs at the least visible locations around the venue. Pointr SDK equips devices with Deep Location® algorithm and processes the received signals to calculate the most accurate "blue-dot" position & direction (no internet connection required). 

When combined with venue layouts or product catalogues, Pointr Deep Location® algorithm can give directions to the precise locations or products, empowering accurate indoor positioning system through ML technology. 

Pointr Cloud collects location data for real-time location-based analytics, enabling contextual notification, proximity marketing and smarter insight management via heatmaps, zonal footfall, path analytics, real-time location tracking, new vs repeat visitors and search analytics

Please view our solution & technology pages for further details.

Which devices support Pointr?

Any device equipped with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) supports indoor positioning with Pointr. Pointr SDK supports operating systems: including iOS v8 and above, Android v5 and above. Bluetooth Low Energy can be found in most devices, device specification can be checked here.

How accurate is Pointr?

Pointr Deep Location® has been tested to deliver an accuracy of <3 meters.
A few meters accuracy is good enough outdoors, but indoors every meter is significant. Our algorithms have been tested to deliver an accuracy within <3 meters. without expensive camera based visual communication technology. Allowing immediate assistance in case of emergency and seamless wayfinding experiences.

Where can I use Pointr?

Pointr Deep Location® can be deployed in any desired venue. Pointr works with major international customers in aviation, retail, hospitality and workplace.

Our current customers include London Gatwick Airport, Washington Airports, Airports of Thailand, US Department of Homeland Security, Harrods, a major U.S. department store across 1,000 locations and one of the largest retail chains in the US.

How much does it cost?

At Pointr, we know that every business is unique so we provide tailored solutions for each and every our client. We offer a range of pricing options to best match your business, please get in touch with our team to find out more.

Contact us

How private and secure is my data?

Pointr Deep Location® collects all personal information anonymously and the data will be stored securely in the private cloud. Pointr's SDK doesn't collect any data through Apps without users' permission. Pointr’s information security is ISO 27001 and ISO 27017 certified and used by Cisco, Microsoft, Siemens, Extreme Networks, CBRE, ISS, DHS, and many others.

What is Deep Location as a Service®(DLaaS®)?

Pointr DLaaS® is an end-to-end location service we provide for our customers and partners, digitizing venues with interactive digital maps, blue dots for accurate indoor positioning and navigation, and coordinating hardware implementation if needed.

On top of that, our team will support you to set up the SDK and ensure smooth integration and deployment throughout the process.

DLaaS Logo Horizontal - Color@3x 1

Download Factsheet to learn more about Pointr DLaaS® or

Contact us to start your journey with our 45-day pilot program.

Hardware

What is the installation process?

Pointr offers quick and easy installation process. We carry out the beacon deployment with our team or partner (3rd party applicable) depending on your requirements.

Different buildings have different installation time frames, depending on their ages, sizes and complexities. The estimated hardware installation timescale for 100,000 sqm is 4-8 weeks. A train station with 18 platforms can be done within a single night working after hours. 

The new beacon configuration process is generally done with the Pointr Guru App, Pointr team configures beacons for specific placement prior to installation to ensure error-free deployment. For existing beacons, beacon configuration can be done directly in Pointr Cloud. Pointr conducts complete on-site tests to ensure all beacons operate normally and blue-dot performs within specification. Which means any BLE blindspots can be identified and rectified by adding beacons as necessary.

Is it expensive to deploy Beacons?

Not at all! Beacons are low-cost devicesThe batteries in the beacons will last approx. 5 years with very few maintenance required.

Our highly-trained professional team can install beacons efficiently to help you cut down operation cost.

What maintenance do the Beacons need?

The batteries in the beacons will last approx. 5 years with very few maintenance required. Our support agreement includes checking the beacon performance at least every 6 months to ensure nothing goes wrong.

Our management tools allow you to check the performance via a web dashboard to help optimize operations efficiently.

How big is one Beacon?

One beacon is normally around 5cm x 3cm x 2cm. The compact size allows you to deploy the beacons in the least visible locations or lighting systems, blending functionality with your interior design.

Where to source the Beacons?

Pointr is hardware agnostic and we source our beacons from 3rd party providers. You can either source them directly or through us, we offer flexible solutions to help you finish your project without a hassle. Two of our highly-recommended providers are Kontakt and GCell.

What is the range of each Beacon?

The maximum range of Beacons is around 70 meters (230 ft). However, Pointr Deep Location™ recommends 20 meters (66 ft) apart per Beacon placement to ensure the accuracy and stability of the system.

For Beacon Installation, a good beacon positioning is the key to high accuracy deployments. It is recommended that every 30-40m beacon is installed in a corridor. In a large open space, we arrange beacons in 5-beacon constellations and every 180 - 200 sqm for one beacon. 

What is the preferred protocol for Beacons?

Pointr SDK only needs to receive BLE signals. Thus, Pointr can work with both iBeacon and Eddystone with the same accuracy and performance.

The only main difference is that: Eddystone doesn't support apps working in the background on iOS. However, if a client wants higher security and doesn't need background capabilities on iOS, we recommend using Eddystone.

 

 

Software

Do I need an App?

At Pointr, our location platform comes in two solutions: App-Based and App-Free.

Our SDK can be easily integrated into the existing Apps with tapped-in Pointr location-based features. We also provide white label App that is open for integration and can be tailored to each project's needs. 

Our App-Free analytics platform, Pointr POP, picks up Bluetooth/ Wi-Fi signals from either smartphones or smart-tags and provides insightful location-based analytics report, allowing capacity for App-free anonymous analytics via any smartphones or smart-tags.

Please view our Location-Based Analytics page for further details.

Which platform is compatible with Pointr SDK?

Pointr provides Mobile SDK iOS & Android and Web & Kiosk SDK.

Pointr Mobile SDK (iOS & Android)

Pointr Mobile SDK is a native library available on both iOS and Android, designed to be integrated seamlessly into mobile apps to enable Interactive Maps, Wayfinding, Search and additional engaging functionalities such as Augmenting Reality.

Pointr Web & Kiosk SDK 

Interactive Maps, Venues or Products Search and Wayfinding can also be experienced on desktop and mobile browsers or on kiosk hardware, including tailored functionality such as: Animated screensaver, Reset screen after timeout, Multi-language ,Automatic online software updates.

What are the options for customization?

Our SDK is highly-flexible, different features can be easily integrated into your own implementation. However, we do recommend getting in touch with our professional team to discuss any specific customization where they are required.

Contact us

Explore Deep Location™

 

Pointr’s Deep Location platform powers all your location requirements,
from mapping and navigation to
location-based analytics and marketing.

 

Find out more

Got more questions?

 

Contact us