Overview
Redlist allows you to link QR codes and NFC tags directly to components in addition to assets, asset groups, and inventory. Once linked, scanning a code or tag will navigate directly to that component's detail screen, making it fast to pull up component information in the field. This is especially useful for maintenance technicians who need to scan a tag physically attached to a component and immediately access its details, tasks, and lubrication data.
Accessing the Scanner
The scanner can be accessed from multiple locations in the app depending on your workflow:
Tap the Scanner icon available in the bottom navigation bar or from relevant asset and component screens
The scanner opens with a camera view for QR codes and a Tap to Scan NFC button at the bottom for NFC tags
Note: NFC scanning is only available on compatible iPhone models. If the Tap to Scan NFC button does not appear, your device does not support NFC reading.
How to Link a QR Code to a Component
Linking a QR code to a component creates a permanent connection so that scanning the code in the future will navigate directly to that component.
Open the scanner from any supported screen in the app
Point the camera at the QR code you want to link — the code must not already be linked to another item
A Not Found dialog appears with linking options
Tap Link to Component
The Link to Component screen opens, showing your assets and their associated components
Browse the list and tap the component you want to link the code to
The Link QR Code confirmation screen appears, showing the component's name, type, and photo
Tap Link to Component
Tap Done to Confirm
The code is now linked — the component's detail screen opens automatically
Note: If the code is already linked to another item, it will navigate directly to that item instead of showing the linking dialog.
How to Link an NFC Tag to a Component
NFC tags can be physically attached to equipment. Linking an NFC tag to a component lets you tap your phone to the tag and navigate directly to that component.
Open the scanner from any supported screen in the app
Tap the Tap to Scan NFC button at the bottom of the scanner screen
Hold your iPhone near the NFC tag
If the tag is empty or not yet linked, a Not Found dialog appears
Tap Link to Component
The Link to Component screen opens, showing your assets and their associated components
Browse the list and tap the component you want to link the tag to
The Link QR Code confirmation screen appears, showing the component's details
Tap Link to Component to confirm
The tag is now linked — the component's detail screen opens automatically
Note: When an NFC tag is linked, Redlist stores the tag's unique hardware serial number alongside the code. This means the tag can be identified reliably even on devices or conditions where the tag payload is difficult to read.
How to Link a Code to an Asset, Asset Group, or Inventory
In addition to components, you can link a scanned code to other record types using the same flow.
Scan an unlinked QR code or NFC tag
When the Not Found dialog appears, choose one of the available options:
Link to Asset — Links the code to a specific asset
Link to Asset Group — Links the code to an asset group
Link to Inventory — Links the code to an inventory item
Follow the confirmation steps for the selected type
Tap the appropriate Link to Type (Asset, Asset Group or Inventory) button to confirm
Tap Done to confirm
How NFC Auto-Write Works
When scanning an empty, writable NFC tag in contexts where a payload is configured (such as asset or component-specific scanner screens), Redlist will automatically write a link to the tag before linking it to the record.
Open a scanner screen that has a pre-configured payload (for example, from an asset detail screen)
Tap Tap to Scan NFC and hold your phone near the tag
If the tag is empty and writable, Redlist writes the payload to the tag automatically
The tag is then linked to the corresponding record
Note: On production environments, the tag is locked after writing to prevent future edits. On QA and staging environments, the tag remains writable after the write succeeds.
Understanding the Not Found Dialog
When you scan a code or NFC tag that has not been linked to anything in Redlist, the Not Found dialog appears with the following options:
Link to Asset — Starts the flow to link the code to an asset
Link to Component — Starts the flow to link the code to a component
Link to Asset Group — Starts the flow to link the code to an asset group
Link to Inventory — Starts the flow to link the code to an inventory item
Cancel — Dismisses the dialog and returns to the scanner
Best Practices
Label Components at Installation: Attach QR codes or NFC tags to components when they are installed, then link them in Redlist immediately — this eliminates the need to look up components manually during future maintenance visits.
Use NFC Tags for Harsh Environments: NFC tags are more durable than printed QR codes in oily or wet conditions. Use NFC tags on components that are frequently exposed to lubricants or moisture.
Verify the Link Before Leaving the Field: After linking a code or tag, confirm the correct component detail screen opened — this ensures the link is accurate before you walk away from the equipment.
One Code Per Component: Each code or tag should be linked to only one component. If you accidentally link a code to the wrong record, contact your administrator to update the identifier.
Troubleshooting
Issue: The Not Found dialog does not appear after scanning an unlinked code
Solution: The scanner entry point may be configured to ignore unlinked codes — try accessing the scanner from an asset or component screen that supports linking.
Confirm the scanner is set to ask-to-link mode — some scanner entry points are configured to ignore unlinked codes
Try accessing the scanner from an asset or component screen that supports linking
Contact your administrator if linking options should be available but are not appearing
Issue: Tapping Link to Component shows no components in the list
Solution: Verify that assets with components exist in your account and that you have permission to view them.
Verify that assets with components exist in your Redlist account
Check that you have the appropriate permissions to view assets and components
Contact your administrator if you expect components to appear but none are listed
Issue: The NFC tag is not detected when tapping the phone to it
Solution: Make sure the top edge of your iPhone is near the tag, and check for case interference or tag compatibility.
Make sure you are holding the top edge of your iPhone near the tag — the NFC antenna is located there
Remove any thick phone cases that may block NFC signals
Confirm the tag is ISO 14443 or ISO 15693 compatible — Redlist does not support all NFC tag formats
Try tapping Tap to Scan NFC again and approach the tag slowly
Issue: The NFC tag was linked but scanning it now opens the wrong record
Solution: The tag may have been previously linked to a different record — contact your administrator to correct the identifier assignment.
The tag may have been previously linked to a different record — contact your administrator to update or remove the existing identifier assignment
If the wrong record opened, do not use the tag until the link is corrected to avoid logging presence actions against the wrong component
Summary
Redlist supports linking QR codes and NFC tags directly to components, giving field technicians a fast, hands-free way to pull up component details, tasks, and lubrication data by scanning a tag attached to the equipment. Use the scanner's Link to Component option to create the link, and rely on the confirmation screen to verify the correct component before finalizing.