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

RTLS that survives the floor, scales to the fleet, and pays for itself

needCode builds industrial IoT and real-time location systems for logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare - the kind that survive metal, machinery, and interference, scale from a pilot to a full site, and integrate with the systems you already run. Centimetre-level UWB tracking, BLE mesh proven at 1,000 nodes and 99.9% delivery, with deployments that have returned 13.8x and 1,230% on investment.
needCode IoT

We work with Industry Leaders

Most RTLS pilots die between the demo and the deployment

Indoor location demos beautifully on a clean test floor. Then it meets the real environment - racking, forklifts, metal, RF interference - and the accuracy that looked like centimetres becomes metres. Or it works, but can't scale past a few hundred tags, or it never integrates with the WMS and ERP that actually run the operation. The gap between a convincing pilot and a system that pays for itself is where most industrial RTLS projects quietly stall.

needCode builds the kind that crosses it. We've deployed UWB reliably amid metallic structures and heavy machinery, scaled BLE mesh to 1,000 nodes at 99.9% delivery, and integrated location data into the operational systems that turn it into action - with documented returns of 13.8x and 1,230%.

In the real environment

UWB accuracy that holds amid metal, machinery, and interference - not just on the test bench.

1,000 nodes, 99.9% delivery

BLE mesh proven at industrial scale, sub-100ms latency, with automated OTA across the fleet.

13.8x and 1,230% ROI

Documented returns from industrial IoT modernisation - systems that pay back, not pilots that stall.

Industrial location and IoT, end to end

From the tag on the asset to the data in your WMS. We build the full system - silicon, firmware, mesh, and integration - not a positioning demo that someone else has to productionise.

UWB Asset & Personnel Tracking (RTLS)

Real-time location for assets, inventory, and people: sub-20cm UWB, anchor infrastructure, TDOA/AoA/TWR, geofencing, and workflow analytics that surface bottlenecks. Reduce search times, enforce virtual zones, and see how work actually flows.

BLE Mesh at Industrial Scale

Large-scale mesh for backhaul and device connectivity. Proven at 1,000 nodes, 99.9% delivery, sub-100ms latency, with automated OTA - the difference between a network that holds a building and one that drops packets past the first few hundred devices.

Harsh-Environment Reliability

UWB and BLE proven where heavy machinery, metallic structures, extreme temperatures, and RF interference defeat other systems. The floor is where an accuracy figure is really tested, and it's where we've already delivered.

Integration with Your Operation

Location and IoT data integrated with ERP, WMS, indoor mapping, and third-party systems - turning raw position and sensor data into action inside the workflows you already run. Not a feed and a TODO list; a system that produces operational value.

Your pilot needs to become a deployment?

Book a discovery call with our CEO

Why industrial teams bring in needCode

Proven in the environments that break RTLS

Heavy machinery, metallic structures, RF interference, extreme temperatures — we've deployed reliably where other systems fail. The clean-floor demo is easy; surviving the actual operation is the part that decides whether a project ships.

Proven at scale

1,000-node BLE mesh at 99.9% delivery and sub-100ms latency. Pilots are easy and scale is the differentiator, because most systems that look fine at 100 devices fall apart at 1,000.

Documented ROI, not promised ROI

13.8x ROI in AgTech automation, 1,230% in marine IoT - real returns from real modernisation projects, with payback measured in months. We map engineering decisions to operational cost, not to feature lists.

End-to-end, into your systems

From silicon and firmware to ERP/WMS integration and the physical devices on the asset. We build the whole system that turns location into operational value, rather than handing over a positioning feed and a backlog.

Four ways to bring needCode in

From a site survey to a long-term partnership. We match the engagement to where the deployment is.

01

Feasibility & Site Survey

  • Duration:
    2–4 weeks
  • Best for:
    Validating achievable accuracy and an anchor/site plan in your actual facility before committing
  • Deliverable:
    Accuracy assessment, site/anchor plan, integration path, leadership readout

02

RTLS / IoT Design & Build

  • Duration:
    Phased
  • Best for:
    Taking location and IoT from concept to a working system on target hardware
  • Deliverable:
    Positioning, mesh, firmware, device design, and integration with your systems

03

Deployment & Scale-Up

  • Duration:
    Phased
  • Best for:
    Moving from a pilot zone to a full-site, multi-zone, fleet-wide deployment
  • Deliverable:
    Scaled rollout, reliability hardening, automated OTA, operational handover

04

Long-Term Partnership

  • Duration:
    Multi-year, retainer-based
  • Best for:
    Operations that want needCode for ongoing expansion and support as the deployment grows
  • Deliverable:
    An embedded engineering team for the full lifecycle - the model behind the 30-FTE Qorvo programme

What we ship on

We pick the silicon, devices, and stack that match your facility and your operation.

Positioning

UWB (IEEE 802.15.4z / 4ab)
TDOA
AoA
TWR
sub-20cm
geofencing

Connectivity

BLE 5.4 / 6.0
BLE Mesh (1,000-node)
WiFi
multi-protocol coexistence

Silicon

Qorvo QM33 / QM35
Nordic
NXP
STMicroelectronics
Silicon Labs
Espressif
legacy DW1000 / DW3000

Devices

Asset tags
smart trackers
IoT gateways
sensor devices
industrial IoT devices
environmental sensors
wearable bands

Integration

ERP
WMS
indoor mapping
cloud platforms
REST APIs
edge gateways

Case studies

Industrial IoT that paid for itself.

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

Yes - needCode has deployed UWB real-time location reliably in environments with heavy machinery, metallic structures, extreme temperatures, and RF interference, the conditions where most positioning systems fail. UWB's time-of-flight ranging and needCode's NLOS handling are designed for exactly these spaces, and achievable accuracy is validated on-site before any numbers are committed. This is the gap between a clean-floor demo and a system that survives the operation.

UWB asset tracking from needCode delivers sub-20cm accuracy in real industrial environments, with the precise figure depending on anchor density, the facility, and the update rate. needCode runs a site survey to give a realistic accuracy figure for your floor rather than a best-case lab number. Sensor fusion and tuned anchor placement maintain accuracy where metal and interference would otherwise degrade it.

Yes - needCode builds for scale from the start and has proven BLE mesh at 1,000 nodes with 99.9% delivery and sub-100ms latency, with automated OTA across the fleet. Most systems look fine at 100 devices and fall apart at 1,000, so scale is the real differentiator. The engagement is structured to move from a pilot zone to a full-site, multi-zone deployment.

Yes - needCode integrates location and IoT data with ERP, WMS, indoor mapping platforms, and third-party systems, turning raw position and sensor data into action inside the workflows you already run. The goal is operational value, not a standalone positioning feed that someone else has to connect. Integration is part of the build, not a later phase.

needCode has delivered documented returns including 13.8x ROI in AgTech automation and 1,230% ROI in marine IoT modernisation, with payback measured in months. These are specific project outcomes rather than guarantees, and actual returns depend on the operation and the problem being solved. needCode maps engineering decisions to operational cost, such as reduced search times, fewer truck rolls, and avoided downtime.

Yes - needCode designs the physical devices as well as the firmware and system, including asset tags, smart trackers, IoT gateways, sensor devices, and wearable bands. This means a single partner from silicon and PCB through firmware to integration, rather than stitching together separate vendors. The Creative Werks project, for example, was a full-stack takeover spanning PCB redesign, firmware, and a mobile app.

UWB suits applications that need centimetre-grade precision, such as tool tracking, workflow analytics, or safety zones, while BLE suits lower-cost, longer-battery-life tracking at room or zone resolution. In practice many industrial deployments combine them - UWB where precision matters and BLE for broad, economical coverage with mesh backhaul. needCode designs the mix per use case rather than forcing a single technology.

Yes - needCode builds UWB and BLE systems for employee safety monitoring, including location for lone-worker safety, fall or posture detection, geofenced hazardous zones, and mustering during evacuations. The same RTLS infrastructure that tracks assets supports personnel safety functions. Wearable form factors are part of the device portfolio.

needCode's BLE mesh is proven at 1,000 nodes with 99.9% delivery and sub-100ms latency, achieved through firmware tuning, mesh design, and automated OTA at scale. Reliability at this scale comes from network architecture and message-handling discipline, not just more hardware. needCode's team co-authored Bluetooth SIG mesh specifications and delivered the world's first certified BLE Mesh stack

Yes - needCode builds industrial IoT and RTLS across logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare, from warehouse and inventory tracking to production-floor workflow analytics and clinical asset and personnel location. The underlying UWB and BLE capability is shared, while anchor design, accuracy targets, and integration are tailored to each environment. needCode validates the approach on-site for the specific facility.

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.