How does the AI nameplate scanner in Equipment Tracker Pro work?
The AI nameplate scanner uses Google Gemini multimodal vision models to analyze photographs of unit data plates. It automatically extracts over 40 technical parameters, including the brand, model number, serial number, electrical specifications (voltage, phase, FLA), refrigerant type, charge weight, and date of manufacture. It even handles faded, rusted, or dirty labels with high accuracy.
Does the offline barcode and QR code scanner require a subscription?
No. The built-in barcode and QR code scanner is 100% free and works fully offline. Technicians can scan any barcode or QR code on-site to instantly look up equipment records, locations, and parts in their local offline database without needing cellular service or any paid account.
What reports can be generated for EPA and NFPA compliance?
Equipment Tracker Pro supports 13 professional report types. For EPA compliance, it tracks refrigerant additions and recovery weights to automatically calculate annual leak rates and flag Section 608 violations. For NFPA compliance, it includes dedicated Fire Damper inspection reports (NFPA 80/105). Other reports include Filter schedules, Belt replacement logs, and Equipment Age/Replacement forecasts—all exportable as branded PDFs or Excel-compatible CSVs.
Can I import existing data from Centriq or Excel?
Yes. We offer a free, client-side CSV import wizard. Centriq shut down its service, so we built a dedicated Centriq migration path — upload your Centriq export CSV and our importer maps it automatically. You can also import any custom spreadsheet by mapping your columns to our database fields, validate for duplicates, and batch-import all equipment and appliances directly into your dashboard.
Is there a web dashboard available for desktop use?
Yes. In addition to our iOS and Android mobile apps, you can log into our fully featured Web Dashboard at equipment-tracker.com/login. The web version is perfect for office dispatchers, property managers, and administrators who need to manage portfolios, track tools, schedule preventative maintenance, and generate PDF report packets on a larger screen. The web dashboard requires an active Pro subscription.
How do the QR asset tags work once they are printed on a label?
Once you print a QR label from the app or web dashboard and stick it to a unit, anyone can scan it with a standard phone camera — no app download required. In Link Mode, scanning opens a public read-only web page with that unit's full specs, service history, and refrigerant data. In Text Mode, scanning copies the unit's model, serial, and key specs as plain text for quick reference. In JSON Mode, scanning allows another Equipment Tracker Pro user to import the full record directly into their own database.
Do you need a Pro subscription to scan someone else's QR tag?
No. Anyone can scan a Link Mode QR tag using just a standard phone camera — no app, no account, and no subscription needed. The tag opens a public web page. A Pro subscription is required to generate and publish the QR tags in the first place, but viewing them is always free for the person scanning.
How do building transfers and teammate sharing work?
Our 'Push to User' and building transfer system makes hand-offs seamless. You can package all data, photos, specs, and logs for a building and generate a secure 6-character transfer code. Teammates, property managers, or new owners can enter this code in their app to import the complete history log instantly. Office managers can also receive guest submissions from outside contractors who scan a unit's QR tag on-site.
What is the pricing model for Equipment Tracker Pro?
Core features (barcode scanning, basic parts inventory, building profiles, and local logs) are completely free with no ads or popups. The Pro subscription unlocks advanced features like unlimited AI scanning, real-time Firebase cloud backup, custom branding, refrigerant/EPA tracking, and 13 professional compliance reports. Pro is available for $9.99/month or $79.99/year (saving over 33%) per user.
Does the app work without an internet connection (offline-first)?
Yes. Equipment Tracker Pro is built with an offline-first architecture. All equipment records, parts catalogs, maintenance logs, and photos are stored locally on your mobile device. Technicians can scan QR codes, search databases, log maintenance, and modify records in basements, mechanical rooms, or remote facilities without cellular service. Once an internet connection is re-established, the app's Smart Sync protocol automatically synchronizes changes with the secure Firebase cloud database and handles conflict resolution.
How does Equipment Tracker Pro calculate EPA Section 608 leak rates?
When a technician logs a refrigerant addition in the maintenance log for any equipment with a system charge capacity of 15 lbs or more, the app automatically calculates the annualized leak rate using the EPA Section 608 formulas (standard or method 2). If the calculated leak rate exceeds the EPA thresholds—20% for comfort cooling or 30% for commercial refrigeration/IPR—the app flags the record with an EPA warning banner, highlights the required 30-day repair window, and adds a permanent 'EPA Flag' to the service record.
What specs can the AI nameplate OCR scanner extract?
The Gemini-powered AI nameplate scanner is trained on thousands of HVAC and appliance data plates. It extracts over 40 technical parameters including manufacturer, model, serial, manufacturing date, BTUs, tonnage, electrical specs (voltage, phase, FLA, LRA, MCA, MOP), compressor specifications, refrigerant type (R-22, R-410A, R-134a, etc.), factory charge weight, and default filter or belt dimensions.
How does the AI Condition Assessment and Visual Inspection work?
The AI Condition Assessment lets technicians photograph the physical state of a unit (coils, compressor compartment, cabinet) and receive an instant structural health report. Powered by Gemini, it evaluates the photos for visual defects like coil fouling, cabinet corrosion, fin damage, or oil staining. It returns a severity rating (Good, Fair, Poor) and generates prioritized maintenance recommendations that can be attached directly to the unit's permanent service log.
What is the Vendor Check-In Door Sign system?
The Vendor Check-In system is a Pro feature designed to track external contractors and onsite visitors. You can print a branded QR-coded door poster for any building. When a contractor arrives, they scan the QR code with their phone (no app installation required) to check in. They enter their name, company, and phone number, which triggers real-time email notifications to property managers. When leaving, they scan the QR code to check out. The system logs their duration and logs the visit on a calendar in the web dashboard.
Can I customize reports with my own company logo and details?
Yes. Under settings, Pro users can upload their company logo and input their business name, email, phone, and address. Once configured, all 13 professional compliance and inventory reports—including Filter schedules, Belt logs, and EPA refrigerant summaries—are generated as beautifully formatted PDFs with your company's custom branding at the top of every page.
Can I track service tools like multimeters or vacuum pumps?
Yes. The Service Tool Tracking section lets you log any tool — multimeters, vacuum pumps, manifold gauges, ladders, or anything else — separately from your fixed equipment. You can assign tools to specific job site buildings, check them out by technician name, and check them back into the pool when returned. QR tags can also be printed for tools, making it fast to look up who has what in the field.
How do photos and documentation work in the app?
Every building, equipment unit, and part record supports unlimited photo attachments. You can photograph nameplates, equipment cabinets, wiring diagrams, invoices, and damage. Photos are stored locally on-device on the free tier and automatically backed up to Firebase cloud storage on the Pro tier. All photos appear inline in PDF reports and on the public QR scan page, giving anyone on site instant visual context.
