EnTag Bridge User Guide

#What the EnTag Bridge does

The EnTag Bridge allows a Windows desktop computer to read and write EnRep NFC tags using a compatible USB NFC reader, such as the ACS ACR122U or ACR1222U.

Mobile phones and tablets that support browser NFC can continue to use the mobile NFC tools directly. The EnTag Bridge is only needed for desktop NFC read/write support.

#Requirements

Before installing, make sure you have:

- A Windows desktop or laptop.
- A compatible USB NFC reader connected to the computer.
- An NFC tag compatible with the reader.
- Access to EnRep in Chrome, Edge, or another modern browser.


#Installation

1. Download the EnTag Bridge installer ZIP from EnRep.
2. Right-click the ZIP file and choose Extract All.
3. Open the extracted folder.
4. Run `install_bridge.bat`.
5. Allow the installer to create the startup entry when prompted.
6. The EnTag Bridge should start automatically after installation.

If Windows SmartScreen appears, choose More info, then Run anyway, only if the installer was downloaded directly from EnRep.

#Starting the bridge

The EnTag Bridge must be running before desktop NFC read/write actions will work in EnRep.

If the bridge was installed with the startup option, it should start automatically when Windows starts. If it is not running, start it manually using the EnTag Bridge shortcut or by running `EnRepNfcBridge.exe`.

EnRep itself can still be opened and used without the bridge. Only desktop NFC read/write actions require the bridge to be running.

#Confirming the bridge is running

After installation, open this address in the browser on the same computer:

`http://127.0.0.1:8787/nfc/status`

A working installation should show a response similar to:

{
  "ok": true,
  "success": true,
  "bridge": "EnRep NFC Bridge",
  "readerDetected": true,
  "writeCapable": true
}


If `readerDetected` is false, check that the NFC reader is plugged in and visible in Windows Device Manager under Smart card readers.

#Using the bridge in EnRep

1. Start the EnTag Bridge, unless it has already started automatically with Windows.
2. Plug in the NFC reader.
3. Place the NFC tag on the reader.
4. Open the asset/item details page in EnRep.
5. Open the NFC Tag panel.
6. Click Manage if the NFC controls are collapsed.
7. Use Set NFC Tag to write the EnRep asset link to the tag.
8. Use Read / Test Tag to confirm the tag reads correctly.
9. Use Revoke NFC Tag only when the tag should no longer be linked to that asset.

When the bridge is detected, EnRep will show:

`Desktop NFC Bridge detected for read/write.`

#Important usage notes

- Keep the NFC tag on the reader until EnRep confirms the action has completed.
- Do not move the tag while writing is in progress.
- One tag should normally be linked to one asset.
- If a tag is revoked, it should be rewritten before reuse.
- The bridge only works on the computer where it is installed and running.
- Desktop writing uses the EnTag Bridge. Mobile writing uses the phone or tablet NFC hardware.

#Troubleshooting

##EnRep says no bridge is detected

Check that the bridge is running by opening:

`http://127.0.0.1:8787/nfc/status`

If the page does not load, restart the EnTag Bridge from the Start Menu or restart the computer.

##The bridge is running but no reader is detected

Check that:

- the USB NFC reader is plugged in;
- Windows has recognised the reader;
- the reader appears in Device Manager under Smart card readers;
- no other NFC software is currently using the reader.

Unplugging and reconnecting the reader may resolve detection issues.

##The tag is not detected

Check that:

- the tag is placed flat on the reader;
- the tag is compatible with the reader;
- the tag is not damaged;
- only one tag is on the reader.

##Writing fails

Check that:

- the tag is still on the reader;
- the tag is not locked or read-only;
- the tag has enough memory for the EnRep link;
- the bridge status shows `writeCapable: true`.

##Browser warning or blocked installer

Only run the installer if it was downloaded directly from EnRep. If Windows SmartScreen appears, choose More info, then Run anyway.

#Uninstalling

To remove the bridge:

1. Close the EnTag Bridge if it is running.
2. Remove the EnRep NFC Bridge startup shortcut from the Windows Startup folder.
3. Delete the EnRep NFC Bridge installation folder.

The bridge does not remove or alter existing NFC tag links in EnRep. Revoke tags from within EnRep if required.

#Support information to provide

If support is needed, provide:

- the Windows version;
- the NFC reader model;
- a screenshot or copy of the response from `http://127.0.0.1:8787/nfc/status`;
- the EnRep asset/item number being used;
- the action attempted: read, write, test, or revoke.
