The solution, called Alert Mobile Security, is designed to manage items with high security requirements. Users can use NFC mobile phones or high-frequency RFID readers to read the tag ID number built into the security anti-counterfeiting bag. Users can then view re levant content on the Ginstr app on their smartphones. In addition, users can also access the data on the server through the Ginstr management software on the computer side.

This design of Ginstr aims to eliminate the need for staff to work on paper. Users can use corporate applications to create GPS-based time stamps and electronic signatures, and improve productivity. Ginstr mobile program developer Markus Semm said that about two years ago, the company began to provide customers with NFC-based solutions, users can use NFC mobile phones or readers to read relevant data.

The Berlin-based company has rolled out some RFID solutions in the areas of hospital bed inventory tracking, library checkout, and chemical plant attendance tracking. It also has RFID applications for security personnel tracking, maintenance and inspection of fire extinguishers or smoke detectors, and home health nurse management. In these plans, customers purchase equipment for a flat fee and pay monthly for cloud-based software. These software can also be integrated with the user's existing management software.

"The NFC feature is proving to be quite popular. There's an easier way for customers to read or send data," Semm said.

As an example, Semm has developed a solution in the cleaning industry, Avantclean, which uses Ginstr smartphone software to read and manage NFC data. In this case, a cleaning company could distribute Android smartphones to housekeeping staff and attach NFC tags to the rooms to be cleaned. The unique ID number corresponding to each tag can query the cleaning actions that need to be done in the room on a specific day.

When the housekeeping staff uses the NFC mobile phone to read the tag, the application in the mobile phone will display the things that need to be done that day (such as cleaning the chairs in the conference room). In this way, the housekeeper does not need to remember what needs to be done every day, he only needs to simply swipe the label. After completing the work according to the prompts, the housekeeping staff need to swipe the tags in the room. This way, managers can confirm that a task was completed and how long it took.

Semm說，斯圖加特地區的一家建筑公司也采用了Ginstr NFC應用來確認并定位地鐵項目現場的員工。他解釋說，由于當地留存有二戰未引爆的炸彈，因此監控每名員工的位置相當重要。另外，一家風力渦輪機維修公司正使用Ginstr NFC應用創建工作人員執行工作的電子記錄。

The Alert Mobile Security solution is the latest offering from Ginstr. The company will sell the system in Europe, while Packaging Horizons will sell it in the United States. Packaging Horizons sells plastic security bags to protect cash, evidence, documents and other items. The sizes of these bags range from 6 inches by 9 inches to 15 inches by 20 inches. The bag is sealed with adhesive tape; if someone tries to open the bag, the tape changes color and displays the words "Alert Void". John Gregor, general manager of Packaging Horizons, said that although ordinary anti-counterfeit bags also provide tamper resistance, they cannot easily record the receipt of items at a specific time. Now, with NFC RFID tags and a mobile phone app, this functionality is also a reality. These tags have and are printed with a unique identifier so the user can verify that the tag has never been removed from the bag. These data are stored in the chip's memory, preventing them from being overwritten.

When a user deposits a DNA sample or other items into a secure anti-counterfeit bag, he needs to enter the data into the Alert Mobile Security app and use the NFC mobile phone to read the ID number of the tag. In this way, other personnel such as the investigation leader or laboratory personnel can read the data through the software. If desired by the user, this software can also be integrated with the user's own evidence management software.

Gregor said that with the cooperation of many potential customers, the usage scenarios have become more and more abundant. “Chain of custody is the most common use case. Ginstr and Packaging Horizons are being marketed in the law enforcement and forensics lab industries,” he said.

Users can access all of Ginstr's NFC applications through the Ginstr Launcher app and enjoy a free 30-day trial. Since Apple still doesn't use NFC technology, the apps are exclusive to Android, Semm said.

Ginstr can also create custom software according to customer requirements. The cost of custom software is $899. In addition, if customers want to use the custom software that has been developed, they only need to pay $55.

Reprinted from NFC Home