Free e-book: IEEE 802.15.4ab vs IEEE 802.15.4z
Free e-book: IEEE 802.15.4ab

Prove BLE power, ranging, and mesh - before the programme, not during it

needCode runs fixed-scope BLE proofs of concept - battery life measured in the BLE Power Optimization Lab, Channel Sounding ranging, and mesh scale - with results for your conditions, in 4–6 weeks. A de-risking step before a full SDK commitment, aimed at the parts teams discover too late: power that misses target, ranging that isn't accurate enough, mesh that wobbles at scale. From Bluetooth SIG contributors with a dedicated power lab.
needCode IoT

We work with Industry Leaders

Most BLE products miss on power - and find out too late

BLE connects easily, so the risk hides. The surprises come at the parts you can't eyeball: a battery life that misses target under real traffic, Channel Sounding ranging that isn't accurate enough for the digital key you promised, or a mesh that behaves on the bench and wobbles at the node count you actually need. Discover these inside the programme and they cost schedule and credibility. The cheap place to learn is before it.

A needCode BLE proof of concept measures them - for real. We benchmark battery life in a dedicated Power Optimization Lab, validate Channel Sounding ranging with our proprietary PBR solvers, and test mesh against your topology - then hand back numbers and a go/no-go, so the commitment rests on measurement, not hope.

Power, measured not estimated

Battery life benchmarked in the BLE Power Optimization Lab, in your duty cycle - not modelled in a spreadsheet.

The newest, riskiest parts

Channel Sounding ranging and mesh scale validated before they're load-bearing in your programme.

Fixed scope, 4‑6 weeks

A defined de-risking step with a clear deliverable and a path into the build.

What a needCode BLE proof of concept delivers

A PoC is a small, defined engagement with a concrete output - four parts that turn a BLE question into measured evidence

Use-Case Scoping

We pin the question that decides the product - a power target, Channel Sounding ranging accuracy, mesh scale, or multi-connection stability - and the pass/fail bar. Scope comes first so the PoC proves the right thing.

Power Benchmarking

Battery life measured in the BLE Power Optimization Lab across connection parameters, duty cycle, and sleep behaviour - the single most common BLE risk, quantified on instruments rather than estimated.

Capability Validation

Channel Sounding ranging - with the proprietary PBR solvers - or mesh scale, tested against your requirement on representative hardware. The newest BLE capabilities, proven before you build on them.

Results & Go/No-Go

A measured performance report and a clear recommendation, flowing into BLE SDK Development if it's go - with the findings and setup carried over. Tags: Measured report · Recommendation.

Evaluating BLE for a product?

Book a discovery call with our CEO

What we validate

A PoC is scoped to the one BLE question you're evaluating. These are the ones needCode proves.

Battery Life & Power Budget

Does the product hit its power target under real traffic, not just in a datasheet figure? Measured in the Power Lab, in your duty cycle.

Channel Sounding Ranging

Is BLE 6.0 Channel Sounding ranging accurate enough for your digital-key or proximity use case? Validated with the PBR solvers that make it viable.

BLE Mesh at Scale

Does mesh hold at your node count and topology, with acceptable latency and delivery? Tested by the team that shipped the world's first certified mesh stack.

Why teams run their BLE PoC with needCode

A dedicated Power Optimization Lab

We measure battery life on instruments, not in a spreadsheet - so the riskiest BLE number is real before you commit. A PoC that estimates power only moves the surprise into the programme.

Proprietary Channel Sounding solvers

We validate Channel Sounding ranging with the PBR solvers that make it accurate - a depth the major silicon vendors don't have internally. The ranging answer comes from the team that solves the hard part.

Standards-level mesh experience

The world's first certified BLE Mesh stack, mesh proven at 1,000 nodes and 99.9% delivery - so a mesh-feasibility answer comes from people who've shipped it at scale, not theorised it.

A PoC that goes somewhere

Findings flow straight into BLE SDK Development, so the de-risking step isn't a dead end — the team that measured it can build it.

How a needCode BLE PoC runs

A fixed-scope engagement in four stages, typically 4–6 weeks end to end.

01

Scope & Success Criteria

  • When:
    Week 1
  • Best for:
    Agreeing exactly what "proven" means - the power target, ranging accuracy, or mesh scale - before any work starts
  • Output: 
    Agreed scope, conditions, and pass/fail criteria

02

Build & Instrument

  • When: 
    Early
  • Best for:
    Standing up representative hardware and the measurement setup
  • Output: 
    A working test setup - Power Lab measurement, Channel Sounding, or mesh test bed

03

Measure & Document

  • When: 
    Mid
  • Best for:
    Producing the evidence the decision rests on
  • Output: 
    Measured power, ranging, or mesh results across the relevant conditions

04

Readout & Recommendation

  • When: 
    Close
  • Best for:
    Turning results into a decision
  • Output: 
    Measured performance report, go/no-go, and a defined path into BLE SDK Development

What we ship on

We build the PoC on the silicon and conditions that match the real product.

BLE silicon

Nordic nRF52 / nRF54
NXP
Texas Instruments
Silicon Labs
Espressif (ESP32)

Validation

BLE Power Optimization Lab
Channel Sounding test setup
mesh test bed
automated qualification (PTS)

Capabilities

BLE 5.4 / 6.0
Channel Sounding (PBR solvers)
BLE Mesh
PAwR
multi-connection

Standards & output

Bluetooth SIG
BLE 6.0
measured performance report
go/no-go recommendation

Case studies

A PoC is only worth the honesty of its measurement, and that rests on a real lab and real practice.

Qorvo: RF Leadership

Context: Rapid scaling for new chipset bring-up.
  • Scale: Grew from <10 to 30 FTEs.
  • Output: Supported bring-up of 9 new hardware platforms (SDKs, Drivers, Stacks).
  • Retention: Zero-churn core team retained for 5+ years.
Dedicated Development Center for RF Solutions
Bluetooth Mesh Smart Lighting Control System

Smart Lighting: Core R&D Extension

Context: Client needed deep, specialized expertise to pivot from proprietary tech to a new global standard.
  • Service: Deployed a dedicated squad of embedded engineers to function as the client's core R&D team.
  • Output: Co-authored official Bluetooth SIG protocols and delivered the world’s first certified BLE Mesh stack.
  • Value: Enabled the client to secure Series A funding and defined the industry standard for smart buildings.

Creative Werks: Innovation rescue

Context: Hardware obsolescence threatened production shutdown.
  • Action: Full-stack takeover (PCB redesign + Firmware + Mobile App).
  • ROI: 1230% ($1.6M value generated).
  • Speed: Payback period of 2–3 months.
NeedCode-case study - IoT Solution for Boat Lift Modernization - cover2s
needcode-powerpolen-case-study-cover2s

PowerPollen: AgTech automation

Context: Lack of internal expertise stalled a critical automation project.
  • Action: Re-architected system using unified MCU and ISOBUS standards.
  • ROI: 13.8x ($2.9M value generated).
  • Impact: Enabled $1.9M increase in harvester value.

Strategic Partnership

needCode is an official business partner of Qorvo, bringing over 8 years of proven expertise and trusted service to the technology sector.
qorvo-logo-banner
UWB-Alliance-logo-banner

Members of the UWB Alliance

In 2025 we became a member of the UWB Alliance. This strategic step reinforces our commitment to pioneering Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology.

Proudly Certified for Excellence and Security

needCode is officially certified for:
ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 – Information Security
ISO certifications reflect our focus on delivering reliable IoT solutions, smart product development, and secure technology services.
ISO 9001_2015ISO - IEC 27001_2022

Testimonials

“I think the key takeaway from needCode is their ability to adapt and understand the customer's requirements. That took away probably a large portion of what could have been a lot of development time and expense for both companies.”
Bob Folkestad
Bob Folkestad
President at Creative Werks
“One aspect that truly sets needCode apart is its profound expertise in firmware development. Their proficiency in various programming languages, embedded systems and hardware architecture is truly impressive. When faced with difficult problems, their strong problem-solving skills and analytical mindset shine through, allowing them to overcome obstacles with remarkable ease.”
avatar Semeh Sarhan
Semeh Sarhan
CEO at Xtrava
“I worked with needCode while leading the NWTN-Berlin team in 2018. A big chunk for our FW development has been outsourced to them and they had proven to iterate very quickly, following specs and deliver on time. It was great working with them. I recommend working with needCode’s team on any Embedded SW development.”
avatar Marco Salvioli Mariani
Marco Salvioli Mariani
CTO at NWTN Berlin GmbH
“needCode Team proved to be one of the best engineers I have ever met. The part I like the most about the team is the more difficult an obstacle seems to be, the more motivated they were to find a solution and a way forward.”
A Testimonial picture
Szymon Słupik
CTO at Silvair
“needCode is an outstanding partner. Their quick follow-up, scalability, and extensive professional network set them apart. Their expertise in wireless technologies has been valuable, supporting us from low-level drivers to architecture discussions.”
avatar Tim Allemeersch
Tim Allemeersch
Director at Qorvo, Inc.
“needCode did a great job improving the firmware of the Vai Kai connected toys and developing new features, surpassing our expectations multiple times. I would definitely recommend hiring Bartek and needCode for the embedded software projects!”
avatar Matas Petrikas
Matas Petrikas
CEO & Co-founder
at Vai Kai UG

Insights

FAQ

A needCode BLE proof of concept runs on a fixed scope and a 4–6 week timeline, sized to give a clear answer before a programme commitment. The scope is agreed up front, so it is a de-risking step rather than open-ended research. It ends with a measured performance report and a go/no-go recommendation.

Yes - needCode benchmarks BLE battery life in a dedicated Power Optimization Lab, measured on instruments across connection parameters, duty cycle, and sleep behaviour rather than estimated. Power is the most common reason BLE products miss target, so measuring it early is the single highest-value thing a BLE PoC does. The result is a real number for your duty cycle.

Yes - needCode validates Channel Sounding ranging using its proprietary PBR (phase-based ranging) solvers, which resolve the integer-ambiguity problem that determines accuracy. The PoC measures whether CS ranging meets your digital-key or proximity requirement before you build on it. This is ranging depth the major silicon vendors don't have internally.

Yes - needCode tests mesh against your node count and topology on a mesh test bed, run by the team that delivered the world's first certified BLE Mesh stack and proved mesh at 1,000 nodes. The PoC answers whether mesh holds with acceptable latency and delivery at your scale. A bench demo and a real topology are very different questions.

It proves whether BLE can meet your product's hardest requirements in your conditions - battery life, Channel Sounding ranging accuracy, mesh scale, or multi-connection stability. needCode measures these on representative hardware and a real lab, not a clean bench. The result is documented evidence to support a go/no-go decision.

Datasheet power figures describe ideal conditions, while a product's real battery life depends on its traffic, duty cycle, and connection parameters - which often differ materially. A PoC measures power in your conditions, so the programme commitment rests on your number rather than a best case. It is the cheapest place to discover a power problem.

You get measured results - power, ranging, or mesh - on representative hardware, a performance report, and a go/no-go recommendation. If the answer is go, you also get a defined path into BLE SDK Development with the findings carried over. The output is built to support a confident decision either way.

A needCode BLE PoC is fixed-scope and fixed-timeline, scoped to the single question you are validating, with the cost quoted after that scoping. Pinning the scope first is what keeps it a defined de-risking step rather than open-ended research. The scoping conversation is part of the initial discovery call.

A successful PoC leads into BLE SDK Development, with the measured results, test setup, and a phased recommendation carried forward, and the team that validated the concept building it. The PoC is designed to flow directly into delivery.

Let's work on your next project together

Book a demo and discovery call with our CEO
to get a look at:
Strategic Expertise
End-to-End Solutions
Advanced Technology
Custom Hardware Devices
Bartek Kling
Bartek Kling / CEO
© 2026 needCode. All rights reserved.

Manufacturing

Modern manufacturing machines are typically equipped with IoT sensors that capture performance data. AIoT technology analyzes this sensor data, and based on vibration patterns, the AI predicts the machine's behavior and recommends actions to maintain optimal performance. This approach is highly effective for predictive maintenance, promoting safer working environments, continuous operation, longer equipment lifespan, and less downtime. Additionally, AIoT enhances quality control on production lines.

For example, Sentinel, a monitoring system used in pharmaceutical production by IMA Pharma, employs AI to evaluate sensor data along the production line. The AI detects and improves underperforming components, ensuring efficient machine operation and maintaining high standards in drug manufacturing.

Logistics & supply chain

IoT devices - from fleet vehicles and autonomous warehouse robots to scanners and beacons - generate large amounts of data in this industry. When combined with AI, this data can be leveraged for tracking, analytics, predictive maintenance, autonomous driving, and more, offering greater visibility into logistics operations and enhancing vendor partnerships.

Example: Amazon employs over 750,000 autonomous mobile robots to assist warehouse staff with heavy lifting, delivery, and package handling tasks. Other examples include AI-powered IoT devices such as cameras, RFID sensors, and beacons that help monitor goods' movement and track products within warehouses and during transportation. AI algorithms can also estimate arrival times and forecast delays by analyzing traffic conditions.

Retail

IoT sensors monitor movement and customer flow within a building, while AI algorithms analyze this data to offer insights into traffic patterns and product preferences. This information enhances understanding of customer behavior, helps prevent stockouts, and improves customer analytics to drive sales. Furthermore, AIoT enables retailers to deliver personalized shopping experiences by leveraging geographical data and individual shopping preferences.

For instance, IoT sensors track movement and customer flow, and AI algorithms process this information to reveal insights into traffic patterns and product preferences. This ultimately leads to better customer understanding, stockout prevention, and enhanced sales analytics.

Agriculture

Recent research by Continental reveals that over 27% of surveyed farmers utilize drones for aerial land analysis. These devices capture images of crops as they are and transmit them to a dashboard for further assessment. However, AI can enhance this process even further.

For example, AIoT-powered drones can photograph crops at various growth stages, assess plant health, detect diseases, and recommend optimal harvesting strategies to maximize yield. Additionally, these drones can be employed for targeted crop treatments, irrigation monitoring and management, soil health analysis, and more.

Smart Cities

Smart cities represent another domain where AIoT applications can enhance citizens' well-being, facilitate urban infrastructure planning, and guide future city development. In addition to traffic management, IoT devices equipped with AI can monitor energy consumption patterns, forecast demand fluctuations, and dynamically optimize energy distribution. AI-powered surveillance cameras and sensors can identify suspicious activities, monitor crowd density, and alert authorities to potential security threats in real-time, improving public safety and security.

For example, an AIoT solution has been implemented in Barcelona to manage water and energy sustainably. The city has installed IoT sensors across its water supply system to gather water pressure, flow rate, and quality data. AI algorithms analyze this information to identify leaks and optimize water usage. Similarly, smart grids have been introduced to leverage AI to predict demand and distribute energy efficiently, minimizing waste and emissions. As a result, these initiatives have enabled the city to reduce water waste by 25%, increase renewable energy usage by 17%, and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 19%.

Healthcare

Integrating AI and IoT in healthcare enables hospitals to deliver remote patient care more efficiently while reducing the burden on facilities. Additionally, AI can be used in clinical trials to preprocess data collected from sensors across extensive target and control groups.

For example, intelligent wearable technologies enable doctors to monitor patients remotely. In real-time, sensors collect vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. AI algorithms then analyze this data, assisting doctors in detecting issues early, developing personalized treatment plans, and enhancing patient outcomes.

Smart Homes

The smart home ecosystem encompasses smart thermostats, locks, security cameras, energy management systems, heating, lighting, and entertainment systems. AI algorithms analyze data from these devices to deliver context-specific recommendations tailored to each user. This enables homeowners to use utilities more efficiently, create a personalized living space, and achieve sustainability goals.

For example, LifeSmart offers a comprehensive suite of AI-powered IoT tools for smart homes, connecting new and existing intelligent appliances and allowing customers to manage them via their smartphones. Additionally, they provide an AI builder framework for deploying AI on smart devices, edge gateways, and the cloud, enabling AI algorithms to process data and user behavior autonomously.

Maintenance (Post-Release Support)

When your product is successfully launched and available on the market we provide ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure your product remains competitive and reliable. This includes prompt resolution of any reported issues through bug fixes and updates.

We continuously enhance product features based on user feedback and market insights, optimizing performance and user experience.

Our team monitors product performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and proactively addresses potential issues. This phase aims to sustain product competitiveness, ensure customer satisfaction, and support long-term success in the market.

Commercialization (From MVP to Product

Our software team focuses on completing the full product feature range, enhancing the user interface and experience, and handling all corner cases. We prepare product software across the whole lifecycle by providing all necessary procedures, such as manufacturing support and firmware upgrade.

We also finalize the product's hardware design to ensure robustness, scalability and cost-effectiveness.

This includes rigorous testing procedures to validate product performance, reliability, and security. We manage all necessary certifications and regulatory compliance requirements to ensure the product meets industry standards and legal obligations.

By the end of this phase, your product is fully prepared for mass production and commercial deployment, with all documentation and certifications in place.

Prototyping (From POC to MVP)

Our development team focuses on implementing core product features and use cases to create a functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP). We advance to refining the hardware design, moving from initial concepts to detailed PCB design allowing us to assemble first prototypes. Updated documentation from the Design phase ensures alignment with current project status. A basic test framework is established to conduct preliminary validation tests.

This prepares the product for real-world demonstrations to stakeholders, customers, and potential investors.

This phase is critical for validating market readiness and functionality before proceeding to full-scale production.

Design (From Idea to POC)

We meticulously select the optimal technology stack and hardware components based on your smart product idea with detailed use cases and feature requirements (Market Requirements Document / Business Requirements Document). Our team conducts thorough assessments of costs, performance metrics, power consumption, and resource requirements.

Deliverables include a comprehensive Product Requirements Document (PRD), detailed Software Architecture plans, an Initial Test Plan outlining validation strategies, Regulatory Compliance Analysis to ensure adherence to relevant standards, and a Proof of Concept (POC) prototype implemented on breakout boards.

This phase aims to validate the technical feasibility of your concept and establish a solid foundation for further development.

If you lack a validated idea and MRD/BRD, consider utilizing our IoT Strategic Roadmap service to gain insights into target markets, user needs, and desired functionality. Having a structured plan in the form of an IoT Strategic Roadmap before development begins is crucial to mitigate complications in subsequent product development phases.