What to Consider When Embarking on An Indoor Wayfinding Project

The indoor navigation industry boasts many benefits to companies looking to implement a software solution that enhances their workplace environments and productivity. Since this technology is relatively new, a lot of companies are unaware of everything that indoor navigation has to offer outside the obvious. To help out, we have compiled a list of things to consider before you start your indoor wayfinding project.

What is your use case?

It is important to have an understanding of what your goals are before initiating a wayfinding project. Knowing what you wish to accomplish is integral to finding the perfect solution. Partnering with a refutable wayfinding company that is scalable and flexible to fit your needs is important for you to reach your business goals. If the wayfinding company has experience with a similar use case they can help with calculating the Return on Investment (ROI) which can ultimately make your decision a lot clearer.

Do you have floorplan files on hand?

To create a strong foundation for an indoor mapping solution you need to upload a floorplan that contains as much detail about the property as possible. Rooms, hallways, furniture, and large structures should be included in the site details. Providing granular details of the building sets you up for a successful future with indoor navigation software. If you build a strong foundation it allows you to equip your facility with more advanced features down the road.

You will then need to upload the floorplans of your building to the Manage CMS software where they will be created into a digital format. Mapsted’s indoor mapping software can support a variety of file formats such as JPEG, PDF, SVG, PNG, IMDF, and DWG for upload. It is necessary for the floorplans to be geospatially accurate to equip the property with real-time indoor blue-dot navigation.

Planning for indoor navigation?

If you'd like to incorporate an indoor navigation solution there are a few things to consider. Most blue-dot navigation solutions require external hardware such as BLE beacons, RFID, or UWB to provide accurate navigation. Mapsted's blue-dot navigation solution does not require external hardware which makes it the most unique solution on the market today. Do your research before deciding which solution is best for your business needs.

What devices do you want to deploy on?

Consider the most commonly used devices by your visitors. Do you think your wayfinding solution would work best on a kiosk? Mobile phones? A web browser? It is common for most people to have a mobile device on them so it may be a good idea to deploy a solution that is available on mobile. Take into consideration that they either will need to download your app or scan a QR code or enter a link to use wayfinding capabilities. If you do not have an application this may be a good use case for a kiosk. Check with your wayfinding company and see what devices their platforms or SDKs support.

Do you plan to have location analytics?

If you want to obtain location data you will need to check with your partner if their solution can be integrated with existing applications. Consider the needs of your company and decide if you need to accommodate third-party APIs to reach your goals. If you're looking for a one-stop shop for location services, Mapsted has the capability to provide indoor navigation, location analytics, and location marketing all in one place with enterprise functionality.

Do you require manager permissions and restricted map views for certain users?

Enabling wayfinding on a property can hold different goals depending on the use case. If you are looking for a solution for staff that requires different map views for certain members or the option to request permissions, then you need to make sure your solution can allow for that. If you ever want to branch out and then have a map view that is for visitors, make sure that the solution is scalable and can be used seamlessly for both use cases.

Privacy concerns and data ownership

Does your company value privacy? For most organizations, the overwhelming answer is yes. Consider this when entering a partnership with a wayfinding company to ensure that they are not storing, leasing, or housing your data. If they do store your data find out where, why, and for how long as well as what they are doing to keep it safe.

Do you have an in-house development team?

Mapsted is a SaaS technology which means it is highly scalable and can be easily implemented in any company that has an in-house development team through the use of our SDK. You can integrate it with third-party applications and essentially create a product that fits all your company's needs. Mapsted offers a marketing and analytics platform that can also be easily integrated with your existing applications and software.

Mapsted is a location-based technology company that has clients across the globe. Our value extends beyond just offering indoor maps and navigation allowing for enterprise functionality in all location endeavors.

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