PRODUCT CATEGORY
VTAP Cloud
IP-connected VTAP NFC readers can be monitored and managed using VTAP Cloud, which also enables real time ‘taps to apps’ integration with other cloud platforms.
VTAP Cloud is an IoT-style platform that enables VTAP readers to be integrated into many different network and server architectures.
Any IP-connected VTAP NFC Wallet reader can be linked directly to VTAP Cloud via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. USB-connected readers can also be added to VTAP Cloud using the VTAP Agent utility for Windows.
With VTAP Cloud, fleets of NFC Wallet readers can be remotely monitored, managed and updated from anywhere, using a simple and secure web interface and/or API calls. New configuration settings, encryption keys and firmware updates are distributed efficiently, and readers can be checked 24/7 for proper operation.
The unique VTAP Cloud architecture also provides a powerful ‘taps to apps’ gateway that can route NFC tap information to other servers and application platforms. This can be used to build real-time centralised NFC loyalty, membership and even access control solutions, without needing local infrastructure or complex integrations.
Why use VTAP Cloud?
Quick deployment
Securely connect, configure and manage remote VTAP readers in minutes
Easy integration
Simple, powerful APIs for reader management, tap processing and access control applications
Install anywhere
Remove the need for a physical connection between NFC readers and other local systems
Remotely manage your VTAP readers
View reader status, adjust reader configuration and encryption keys and automatically update firmware, all via the VTAP Cloud web portal or API.
Monitor reader status
View reader firmware version, online status, last interaction and local network information.
Update configuration and keys
Securely update the configurations, network settings and cryptographic keys for one reader, a fleet or the entire reader estate.
Group and label readers
Organise readers into fleets and apply named configurations. Add metadata to readers including location and application-specific parameters.
Management API
Directly integrate with VTAP Cloud to create configurations, manage readers and monitor their status.
Send taps to your server in real time
VTAP Cloud enables tap data to be routed to a target application in whatever format is required. The NFC pass payload (or RFID card information) is combined with the reader serial number and sent via either a standard or customised integration. This ‘taps to apps’ architecture enables existing cloud applications and APIs to be used, or new ones to be built quickly and easily.
Tap gateway
VTAP Cloud receives the tap data, figures out where to send it (depending on the reader ID) and runs the chosen integration script, sending the data to its destination along with additional metadata including the reader serial number and location.
Standard integrations
Standard VTAP Cloud applications include links to popular NFC pass providers and various web platforms, ranging from Zapier to Klaviyo and SalesForce. A general-purpose outbound HTTP POST with JSON format tap data is also available.
Custom applications
We can work with you to create a custom VTAP Cloud application that connects to your server and performs any number of API calls and processes. An example might include looking up a customer by their ID and then checking them into a fitness class.
Reader responses
Depending on the scenario, the reader can be made to respond after a tap, based on the target application/reply. For example, the VTAP LED colour can be turned red if a user is not found, or green if they are. More powerful tap response features are described below.
Output data, animate LEDs and drive relays
For more advanced applications, VTAP Cloud can provide a powerful channel for sending ‘command and control’ responses back to a reader after a tap. If the VTAP reader is connected to a local front desk or POS system by USB or Bluetooth, the target application can send data directly to that system, enabling ID translation and voucher code lookups for example. And if a VTAP PRO reader has an I/O expansion board attached, the integration can be built to fire relays, open doors and drive animated strings or grids of serial RGB LEDs.
USB/Bluetooth output
Responses from the target cloud application can include database lookups and/or voucher codes to be sent to a locally connected system via a wired or wireless connection.
Mirrored outputs
Data sent to the cloud can also be mirrored on a local port or connection to enable kiosk and check-in applications to run locally in parallel with cloud applications.
LED and relay control
Commands can be sent from the server to drive animated serial RGB LEDs and/or relays via the VTAP I/O Expansion board. This can be used to provide feedback, interface with vending machines or control doors and turnstiles.
Enable real-time integrated access control
With VTAP Cloud you can build a new type of access control system, one that operates in real time with fast access decisions being made centrally by the ultimate source of truth. Rather than awkward and inefficient synchronisation between a traditional access system and a master database of users, simply integrate VTAP readers directly with that master database, and let it decide!
With modern network speeds and reliability this new approach to real time access control is now a reality. And just in case the network links go down, VTAP Cloud’s access enablement features include local offline backup databases stored within the reader itself and in VTAP Cloud, used only if needed.
