In this article we will go over what an NFC Tag is, how to activate the NFC option on an Android device, some tips and best practices and where you can get NFC Tags.
What is NFC?
NFC stands for Near Field Communication. NFC-capable devices are able to communicate with each other if they are close to each other (i.e., “near” each other’s “fields”). The communication occurs via radio frequencies.
Activating the NFC / Android Beam on Your Android Device
If your device has NFC capabilities, the chip and Android Beam need to be activated so that you can use NFC Tags.
-
Go to Settings More.
-
Tap on the NFC switch to activate it. The Android Beam function should also automatically turn on.
-
If Android Beam does not automatically turn on, just tap it and select Yes to turn it on.
An Android device's NFC capabilities operate with Android Beam. If Android Beam is disabled, it may limit the devices NFC sharing capacity.
Setting up NFC Tags - Getting Started
To get started you'll need some NFC Tags. These can be obtained by a third party vendor such as BuyNFCtags.com and are available in a wide array of options that best fit your expected use.
Once the you have the NFC Tags in hand:
-
Login in to the Silvertrac App and log on to a Property.
-
Once you are in a Property hold the back of the phone up to your first NFC Tag and wait for the scan to take place. A message box will pop up saying NFC/QR Code Not Found, similar to the one shown below:
3. You'll need to collect the NFC Code number shown in the alert message.
NOTE: The letters are case sensitive so be sure to write down the code exactly as it's shown.
4. To use this NFC Tag with a Checkpoint in your account you'll then log into your .silvertracker.net portal and go to Properties Edit Property Select a Property Checkpoints
5. Either create a new checkpoint or edit an existing Checkpoint. Once you have the checkpoint screen open, enter the NFC Code into the QR/NFC Value field (shown below).
6. After you finishing making changes or adding the checkpoint click, Add New Checkpoint.
Tips for Organizing & Managing NFC Tags
Most companies will order large quantities of NFC Tags to receive bulk pricing. However, when you get a box or a bag full of NFC Tags it is hard to know what the code on each NFC Tag is. You can use these quick tips to easily manage your NFC Tags.
Collecting the Value for All Your Tags
When we received our NFC tags they looked like this:
None of the NFC Tags were labeled so we used this process identify the code for each NFC Tag. We recommend doing this all at once when you get the NFC Tags in the mail in order to speed up the setup process later on.
Here is what we did:
1. Label the back of the NFC Tags:
2. Create a spreadsheet and record the label and the NFC Code number for each tag. Here is what that spreadsheet might look like:
3. You can then store the NFC Tags and the spreadsheet for later user. The next time you want the deploy NFC Tags you can grab a few from your box, reference the spreadsheet and set then up on the Property.
If you have any set up questions you can contract your customer success manager or email support@silvertracsoftware.com.
Where Can I Buy NFC Tags?