In this article we will go over how to Activate, Initialize or Approve, a new device that has the Silvertrac App installed, Approve a device that had been previously activated under another device ID# and re-approve an Inactive Device.
To learn how to Install the Silvertrac App on an Android device please see the article:
How to Download the Silvertrac App on an Android Device
NOTE: Approving, Initializing or activating a device can be done by a System Administrator ONLY.
This is because the number of active licences determines the monthly billing rate.
How to Approve a New Device
Click the System tab >> Device Maintenance >> Click on the specific Device Waiting -Approval >> Approve Device
Step 1: A device awaiting approval will display with a yellow Waiting-Approval box at the top of the devices in the system of the left side of the screen with the device info. (See Screen Shot above)
Click on Waiting-Approval to open the device details on the right side of the screen.
Step 2: Review. This allows the System Administrator to see who is requesting device activation and review device details.
Step 3: Select options for the device's use within the Silvertrac App.
Friendly Name: This field allows an Admin to create a "Nickname" that quickly identifies the device. i.e. XYZ Test Phone, 123 Main St Phone, Patrol Route North, etc.
Use Zebra Printer: Advanced Parking Feature Only.
Require GPS: Default setting: Checked. This allows the Admin to require that the user must have GPS enabled on the device in order to log onto the app. If the Require GPS is selected and the user has turned off the GPS location feature on the device they will not be able to log onto the Silvertrac App.
NOTE: Devices that have multiple GPS Location options (such as Battery Save Mode) should make sure they select High Accuracy.
Use Autofocus: Default setting: Checked. However, this option is typically used on older devices. Most Newer devices with advanced cameras typically will not need to utilize this function.
NOTE: The Autofocus option comes with a WARNING: Some device cameras may not work with this turned on! If the device camera does not work with this feature the user will experience a "hold still while the cameras focuses" error.
Use Integrated Barcode Scanner: Default setting: Checked. Most newer devices have built in QR/Bar Code readers and will utilize this function.
Older devices that do not have built in QR/Bar Code readers may need to download a third party QR/Bar Code reader app. We recommend ZXing.
Step 4: Choose from Deny Approval , Approve Device, Delete Device.
Deny Approval: Clicking this option will automatically make the device inactive. The User will not be able to use the App.
Approve Device: Once clicked by a System Administrator (provided there are enough active licenses to approve a device) the device will be added to the total activated device counter at the top right side of the screen. The device user will now be able to log onto the App and begin reporting from an assigned route/property.
Delete Device: Clicking this option will remove the device from the system completely as if had never accessed the portal for approval.
How to Approve a Device Previously Approved With a Different Device ID#
If a device had previously been activated with: (1) a SIM card that has been transferred into another device (Increasingly rare), or (2) a different device ID #, it may NOT show up with the yellow Awaiting-Approval box.
If the user gets an ALERT! message please read the alert in its entirety as it will include the previous phone or device ID#. You will need to enter the phone number or device ID# from the alert message in the Search For a Device and select the box Include Inactive Devices.
Approving that phone or device ID# will automatically update the Device Maintenance system and it will then recognize the new phone or device ID#.
How to Re-Approve an Inactive Device
Enter the phone number or device ID#in the Search For a Device and select the box Include Inactive Devices.
Click on the Inactive device to open the device details on the right side of the screen.
Click on Active Device.
Once clicked by a System Administrator (provided there are enough active licenses to approve a device) the device will be added to the total activated device counter at the top right side of the screen. The device user will now be able to log onto the App and begin reporting from an assigned route/property.