Frequently asked questions
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions. We are also happy to be there for you in person.
General questions
Would you like to know how digital device management works with zamics?
Here you will find answers to general questions about our system.
What is zamics?
zamics is the simplest system for efficient organizing all the equipment on your job sites.
– More information in the FAQ video (YouTube)
How does zamics work?
The zamics system is composed of a hardware and a software component.
Hardware
Robust transponders (alternatively a QR code/BLE) are attached to your devices for digital identification.
Software
Your devices are scanned using the easy-to-use app. You can also call up all the information about the device. Our desktop-view gives you a full overview of all your machines at all locations.
– More information in the FAQ video (YouTube)
Can I try zamics?
Of course you can test zamics. This works best with our starter box. We will provide you with these free of charge with a selection of our transponders and QR codes to identify your equipment. In addition, the starter box contains simple instructions and your personal access code to the zamics system.
With the starter box you have unlimited access to the zamics software from now on. This way you can try out without obligation how our system fits to the organization of your equipment and your workflows.
The trial period is 30 days from activation. This gives you enough time to try everything out at your leisure. All data you create in the system can be easily transferred to the Pro version after an upgrade. So they are not lost.
What does zamics cost?
test zamics
You receive the starter box from us free of charge – including a selection of our transponders and QR codes to identify your devices as well as 30 days access to the software with an unlimited number of users.
Software
If you are convinced by our solution, you can switch to our paid model. The price of the software is always based on the number of working equipment you manage. An unlimited number of users can access the web interface and the zamics app for iOS and Android.
Our starter package starts at 95€/month net and offers the possibility to manage up to 100 work tools. Larger packages include a volume scale. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in any of our packages.
Hardware
You can easily obtain the transponders via our website. Depending on the sales volume, the costs average €2.99 net per NFC transponder.
However, you can also use your own transponders.
For more information, please see our price overview.
– More information in the FAQ video (YouTube)
How can I acquire zamics?
You can call us or fill in the inquiry form on our website.
What requirements must my cell phone fulfill?
zamics can be used on all devices running iOS or Android operating systems. The smartphones must also be NFC-enabled or equipped with an NFC chip. For example, all smartphones with Android from version 4.0 and all Apple smartphones from iPhone 6 have this as standard. Just look in the settings of your phone for the NFC function and activate it.
– More information in the FAQ video (YouTube)
Does zamics work without internet access?
zamics relies on all data in the system always being up-to-date. Therefore, an active Internet connection is required for use. This can be established via WLAN as well as via the smartphone’s mobile data.
What can I do if I have a problem with zamics?
You can contact us at any time by phone as well as by e-mail. As a rule, you will receive the personal support you need on the same day or the following day at the latest.
Get in touch:
Phone: 0800 / 554 257 322
E-mail: info@zamics.de
Questions about the identification of work equipment via transponders or QR codes
You can find out everything you need to know about the identification of work equipment, transponders/trackers or QR codes here.
How is the work equipment digitally recorded and mapped in the zamics system?
The identification of the working equipment works via Bluetooth or NFC transponders and as a further option via QR codes.
– More information in the FAQ video (YouTube)
How do the NFC transponders work?
Each work equipment is provided with a robust NFC transponder, which is glued, tethered or e.g. screwed to the device. The transponder can be read out with the zamics app. In this way, the user can see all the stored information about the linked equipment at a glance at any time and can manage it up to date. For example, you can change the location, assign it to people, put the equipment in repair and much more.
How do Bluetooth (BLE) transponders work?
The Bluetooth transponders are attached to the machines and read via antennas. An ‘antenna’ is versatile, meaning that, for example, the employee’s smartphone, mobile antennas in vehicles or stationary antennas at the socket can act as antennas. Depending on the BLE transponder, the range is up to 200 metres under real construction conditions.
A major advantage of using BLE is that the machines do not have to be recorded manually. The location of a machine is updated automatically. Bluetooth trackers have a long battery life of at least two years. Compared to GPS trackers, they are significantly cheaper, but do not transmit autonomously like GPS trackers and therefore cannot be located precisely.
How do GPS transponders work?
Active GPS tracking (Global Positioning Service) enables the precise determination of the location where a tool is being used. This localisation is carried out via trackers that send signals to satellites when they move. The current location of the machine is always displayed in the zamics system with an accuracy of up to one metre. There is no need to check in the devices manually. zamics customers can track the current location of their devices in real time. In addition, GPS offers an effective solution for protecting equipment against theft.
Do I have to choose between NFC or Bluetooth transponders?
No. You can operate both NFC and Bluetooth transponders and GPS trackers and manage them in the zamics APP. Or even work with QR codes to capture your equipment. We can discuss which standard suits you personally in your individual application. We will be happy to help you with the selection.
How does the identification of my devices via QR codes work?
QR codes work in the same way as NFC transponders, except that they are printed on an adhesive film. While QR codes have the advantage that they are inexpensive and can be easily replaced when they wear out. However, unlike NFC transponders, they are much less resilient.
What is active tracking?
Compared to passive tracking, with active tracking the hardware installed on the device is able to send information about the location or status of the device. The information is processed automatically. Nobody has to be on site. The term active or passive always refers to the hardware installed on the device. Regardless of the hardware, the information is fed into the zamics software. We offer GPS and BLE trackers as active technologies.
What is passive tracking?
We offer various versions of QR codes and NFC transponders as passive options. In general, passive tracking involves the user. They scan the device using the QR code or the NFC transponder using their smartphone. The assignment to a construction site is therefore not automatic, but is based on the information from the user’s mobile phone. Passive technologies are suitable for recording a large number of items as they are very inexpensive and easy to use.
Which solution offers theft protection?
By tagging all machines with QR codes, NFC, or BLE, they can be assigned to specific users or locations, enabling quicker detection of any loss.
How do I find the right technology for each machine?
We assume that most fleets consist of a mix of work equipment. That’s why we have also adapted our hardware portfolio accordingly. Depending on the application, you can equip your work equipment with the right technology.
Three criteria are relevant in the selection process: price, mobility and the likelihood of a work tool being stolen.
- Inexpensive or stationary equipment, such as fire extinguishers or shelves that are not used very often, can be easily recorded using a QR code.
- Stationary equipment exposed to heavy use—such as chain slings—can be reliably labeled with durable NFC tags.
- Mobile equipment such as rammers, drying units, or trailers can be equipped with BLE, allowing their location to be recorded automatically.
- Particularly valuable mobile equipment—such as surveying lasers or attachments—should be secured with GPS tracking. The same applies to items that are frequently stolen, like air conditioning units or high-end tools.
Questions about zamics & its functions
We answer the most frequently asked questions about the solutions and functions for the digital management of your work equipment with zamics.
How many implements can you create?
here’s no limit to the number of devices you can track.
In the free trial version you can create up to 25 work tools. After that, there are scales ranging from the entry-level package through, XS, S, M, L and XL to an Enterprise package. Feel free to contact us, we will find the right solution together.
For more information, please see our price overview.
Can operating hours also be recorded?
You can enter operating hours manually in the work equipment details. We also offer the option of tracking the use of work equipment with status changes. The overview of the history in zamics can then be exported in Excel format.
This is currently only possible on a daily basis. The operating hours can then be calculated based on the days on which the work equipment had a certain status.
Can I see the exact location of my machine?
You can see at which location your equipment was checked in. With NFC, the data is based on the manual process of recording your employees. With Bluetooth, this process is automatic. The position of manually checked-in work equipment therefore refers to the location created in zamics; with Bluetooth, the position can be restricted to the device that found the asset (and the BLE transmitter).
However, we know that this is very relevant for many companies, for example due to theft protection. For this purpose, we offer a GPS tracker that enables you to locate your work equipment to the nearest metre. This transponder technology is more expensive than the others and should be specifically tailored to your application.
– More information in the FAQ video (YouTube)
Can consumer goods (C goods) be recorded in the zamics system?
Currently, all equipment can be recorded with its own serial number. In addition, we are working on a solution that will also allow small devices without their own serial number and without their own transponder to be recorded. In the future, you can then create 20 screwdrivers, for example, in a separate pool and manage it.
Can machines be grouped together?
Work equipment can be grouped by creating a quantity article (multi-asset) for the group.
Quantity articles can be created for a quantity of 2 – 100 items. The advantage is that only one digital asset needs to be maintained for this group instead of each item individually. If an asset is removed from the group, the number of available assets in the system is reduced.
These functions are most effective when combined with an NFC transponder or QR code. This enables employees to check out tools directly, with each removal automatically documented. Ask us about our self-service station concept.
How does zamics help me keep track of testing dates?
In the zamics overview, all test dates are prominently and clearly displayed. In addition, the status is marked in color – missed appointments, for example, are clearly highlighted in red. In addition, you will receive monthly reminders of all upcoming appointments by mail.
Can I export data from zamics?
Yes. We offer import and export of data as CSV file. This is possible for both employees and equipment.