Passive Tags overview

Overview

Passive tags are printed identification labels attached to assets. Each label has a scannable code (barcode, Data Matrix, or QR code). ON!Track uses this code to link the physical asset to its digital record in ON!Track.
 

Why use passive tags

• Passive tags offer a simple and low‑cost way to identify assets using a phone.
• They do not need batteries, signals, or extra hardware.

What Problem They Solve

Passive Tags help answer everyday questions like:

• Which tool is this exactly?
• Is this tool registered in our account?
• Who is responsible for it and where should it be?

They create a clear link between the physical asset and its digital record in ON!Track.

How passive tags help your business

• Lower admin effort: Less time spent searching records or fixing mistakes.  
• Smoother daily work: Faster identification means less disruption.  
• Clear responsibility and traceability: Each tool has a consistent identity across teams and sites.  
• Strong base for future improvements: Once assets are labeled, it’s easier to standardize processes or add advanced tracking later.

Benefits of using passive tags for your business

• Quick and clear identification: Scanning instantly shows the correct asset record.  
• Fewer errors: Users don’t need to type IDs or search long lists.  
• No electronic maintenance: The labels have no battery and work as long as they remain readable.  
• Easy to adopt: Users simply follow: open app → scan label.
• When a tool is repaired at a Hilti Tool Service Center and the label is replaced, the new scan code is automatically married to the too

Use cases for passive tags

• On the jobsite: Workers scan a label to confirm the asset before reporting an issue, requesting a replacement, or logging usage.
• In warehouses and tool rooms: Staff scan labels when issuing or receiving tools, or while checking shelves and racks.
• During handovers: When tools move between people or locations, scanning ensures the right items are selected in ON!Track.
• Non‑Hilti Tools and Mixed Fleets : Labels can be applied to non‑Hilti tools, allowing all assets to be managed in one system.

How it works

Think of a Passive Tag as an ID card for your asset:

• A unique code is printed on a label and attached to the asset. 
• The code is linked to the asset record in ON!Track. 
• A user scans the label using the ON!Track app. 
• ON!Track opens the matching asset record so actions can be taken.

Hilti Tag & Scan Service

• For Hilti tools, Hilti attaches the tag at the warehouse before shipment or at the Tool Service Center during repair.
• The scan code is already linked to the tool before it arrives.

Features 

• Different Label Types:  AI L2 (small label), AI L5 (large label), AI T35‑H (metal tag) and AI T43‑P (hanger tag)
   

• Mobile Camera Scanning: Camera‑based scanning using the mobile app (no extra scanner needed).
   

  

   

• Broad Barcode Support: Supports multiple code formats, including Data Matrix, QR, and common barcodes.

Installation

• Choose the right label type based on the asset and environment.
• Attach the label to a clean, dry, flat surface.
• Place it where users can easily scan it.
• Avoid areas that are scratched, covered, or hard to reach.

Limitations and Requirements

• Manual scanning is required: Passive Tags do not broadcast signals. Someone must scan them with the app.  
• The label must remain readable: Scanning may fail if the label is damaged or dirty.  
• Consistent labeling is important: Best results come when all relevant assets are labeled correctly.  
• Scan code uniqueness: 
  • Scan codes are unique within ON!Track accounts
  • Codes printed by users may not be globally unique
  • Can be up to 36 characters and support letters, numbers, and UTF-8 characters including non-Latin scripts.
  • Hilti‑provided tags are managed to be unique by Hilti

Summary