Are the devices and machines you produce ready for the future?
When manufacturers build machines, whether for use in the home or in industry, users today expect smart and user-friendly functions. With tap2.cloud, we offer just such a smart solution for OEMs. By integrating an NFC chip into the HMI of your machines and devices, you have the option of digital labeling and identification. In addition, many other functions and added values can be linked to the NFC chip. You decide which services you want to offer your customers. The result is a wealth of new functional options made accessible through your machines, for example:
- Instant access to product information and operating instructions in various languages
- Direct, smooth contact and appointment for a repair service
- Direct on-site ordering of suitable spare parts and consumables
- Service logins for authorized technicians to access advanced device information
- and many other services that you would like to offer and can offer
How does tap2.cloud work?
Near-field communication ( NFC) technology enables wireless connection over a short distance with any NFC-enabled smartphone. More modern generations of cell phones don’t even need an app to read an NFC tag. The user simply positions the smartphone within a few centimeters of the tag and the linked information is displayed in the browser.
The hardware
NFC technology uses extremely low-power radio transmission for communication. NFC technology is already used in many commercial applications, such as contactless payment.
The NFC chip is passive and does not require its own power source. Once activated, data can be retrieved at any time using the smartphone. Activation takes place via a special NFC feeder that registers each NFC tag in the cloud and makes it accessible.
We integrate NFC technology into your individual HMI. An NFC symbol on the user interface shows exactly where the tag is located and can be tapped with the smartphone (tapping = reading out the NFC tag). Illumination of the NFC symbol is also possible without any problems and makes the tag recognizable for the user even in difficult lighting conditions.
With this simple integration, you can make your application future-proof, easily and without the often large hurdle of complex digitization projects. The integration of the NFC tag is also worthwhile for durable HMIs. Because you can freely choose the contents and change and exchange them as you like via our software. And that from any location. This ensures that your machine remains up to date throughout its entire service life and continues to offer your customers new services.
The software
The hardware alone is only one part of our tap2.cloud solution. Paired with the right cloud platform, NFC can be a real game changer for OEMs and secure competitive advantage.
The software side of the solution has three basic elements:
- Onboarding: We register your transponders via an NFC feeder in the cloud. After that, the tags are online and can be linked to content.
- The content: You define yourself which functions you want to offer via the integrated FNC tag. We offer to create a custom web app with your logo in your brand colors. Here you can store a digital nameplate (also according to DIN SPEC 91406 if required), operating instructions and instruction videos, documentation, a web store, recall announcements and procedures, new product offers and more.
- Monitoring: Real-time statistics are made available to you via the dashboard. Here you can get to know your customers even better and derive new measures.
In short, the NFC tag opens the door to communication with your machine users via the cloud. The end user can access all the information that the manufacturer/operator wants to make available via the cloud. In return, the manufacturer can generate user data and better tailor customer services to its users.
Where can you use tap2.cloud?
The NFC tag can be easily integrated into new designs or retrofitted to existing control panels. tap2.cloud is perfect for:
- Get your first experience with IoT-light (instead of completely networking your machines and equipment with sensors, start with a simple tag).
- the upgrading of almost any device, machine or product that is manufactured.
More information about smart HMI with tap2.cloud.
You can find more areas of application for tap2.cloud at our HK.SYSTEMS – Your partner for digital business models and your fast, effective entry into digitization.
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