Scan keys in a flash at the Log+Key terminal ⏱️⚡️
At the Log+Key terminal you can scan your keys conveniently and in a flash, making it easy to register checkouts and returns. To do this, we rely on the high-quality touch terminals from gekartel AG. In this blog article, find out how this partnership came about and what advantages gekartel's professional terminal hardware offers.
📱 Starting out with personal smartphones
Log+Key is meant to be as quick to access and as easy to use as possible. We designed the first use cases around use with ordinary smartphones. However, it quickly became clear that not all of our customers' staff have smartphones available. This led us to consider making Log+Key available on a central device, ideally right where the keys are kept.
🖥️ The next step: central tablets
Following our customers' requirements, we set about optimising Log+Key for use on tablets that are set up centrally and can be used by the whole team. Alongside adapting the user interface for use on other display sizes, it was especially important to implement a simple sign-in process. Since unauthorised people must of course not have access, while staff should be able to sign in as conveniently as possible, we developed a new, simple workflow for authentication. This way, Log+Key is always ready to go on the tablet.
🪫 The weaknesses of consumer tablets
At first we fell back on typical consumer tablets. However, this soon turned out to be problematic. The Samsung devices were not designed for the continuous operation that we want to offer with Log+Key. After a while in continuous operation, failures began to mount up. In addition, consumer tablets contain a multitude of functions and apps that are irrelevant to Log+Key's specific requirements but cannot easily be disabled. The resulting complexity in management, general security problems and the unstable continuous operation prompted us to look for a better solution.
🍀 Our lucky find: gekartel
The solution is our collaboration with gekartel AG. The hardware of the gekartel terminals is explicitly designed for continuous operation. With an integrated NFC reader and the option of being connected to the network via cable, we have found a solution that meets our requirements to industrial standards. On top of this, the Android-based operating system can be tailored precisely to each particular purpose, and the integrated remote-maintenance solution GKT-Remote allows us to carry out the vast majority of all maintenance work quickly and easily, remotely. The flexible mounting options, on the wall or on the sturdy stand, round off our requirements.
🤝 A strong partnership
The decision in favour of gekartel terminals proved to be a lucky find. Not only is the product right, the teams also get on well on a personal level. gekartel's personal, straightforward contact and quick response times made for a seamless integration. The collaboration brought us not only a powerful terminal, but also a partnership from which both companies will benefit for a long time to come.
🏁 Goal achieved
The journey from consumer devices to a high-quality terminal was an instructive and successful development for Log+Key. The focus on user-friendliness, overcoming the challenges with consumer tablets and the cooperation with gekartel have all helped to create a product that not only meets requirements but also exceeds expectations.
Find out more about our partner Gekartel at https://gekartel.de/
