The JHL Finland project experiments with using Bluetooth beacons as local data banks of buildings.

What kind of problem is the project trying to solve?

Bluetooth beacons are small digital devices that send information to mobile devices by using radio signals. The beacons can be used for sending essential information on local services to users, for example. The beacons are used in marketing, for instance. The aim of this experiment is to find out if the Bluetooth beacon technology could be used for providing services to consumers that are interested in receiving information on buildings.

A Bluetooth beacon is similar to a QR code that can be scanned by using a mobile device to receive further information on the object it is attached to. However, a QR code can only be scanned on-site, and it often requires a dedicated software application. The benefit of a beacon is the signal that reaches the user and, if necessary, guides them to the destination by using the map application in the mobile device. The concept developed by JHL Finland and the beacon mobile app built by Superapp Oy offers a comprehensive solution for city marketing.

Objective: Discovering the possibilities of Bluetooth beacons

The results will be used in finding out the benefits that the beacon technology really involves, whether it can be commissioned and administered easily and whether consumers will find the information transmitted by the beacons. Another objective is to analyse the types of objects that the technology would best apply to. 

What is done in this project?

In the first phase, we built a mobile application in collaboration with a software company. In the second phase of the project, beacons are tested and distributed to several locations in collaboration with our partners. Pilot objects include real estate agency business: the information of apartments and properties for sale have been uploaded to offline beacons that have been used as marketing aids. 

What are the expected results of the experiment?

Clear guidelines for the development of future operations and reform of city marketing.

Who benefits?

The results of the project benefit the whole real estate and construction sector, because the results of the experiment are public. We hope that services based on Bluetooth beacons will be developed and that they become the new norm instead of being limited to our own operations.