Does TALOS require employees to download an app?

No. TALOS works with the native NFC reader built into every iPhone 14 or newer running iOS 17 or later, and most modern Android devices. No download, no login, no friction.

What phones work with TALOS?

iPhone 14 or newer running iOS 17+, and most Android phones from the last three years. The NFC chip in your phone reads the DOT directly through the native OS — no app needed.

Can the verification record be faked or altered?

No. Each TALOS DOT contains an NXP NTAG424 DNA chip that generates a unique cryptographic signature on every tap. The signature changes with each use, making cloning or replay attacks mathematically impossible.

What happens if a crew member refuses to tap?

The absence of a tap is itself a data point. Your dashboard shows which tools were verified and which weren't. The accountability isn't coercive — it's documented.

Does TALOS work without internet or cell service?

The tap creates a local record on the device. Full cloud sync occurs when the device reconnects. The DOT itself does not require connectivity.

How do I use TALOS for an insurance claim?

Pull the verification log from your dashboard. It shows every tap for every tool — who verified it, when, and where. Export it as documentation for your adjuster. TALOS creates the GPS-timestamped proof of custody that insurance companies require to approve theft claims.

A TALOS DOT is a 3D-printed ASA housing containing an NXP NTAG424 DNA cryptographic NFC chip. It attaches permanently to any tool or equipment with industrial adhesive. It has no battery, no charging, no maintenance, and no moving parts.

Where is TALOS available?

TALOS currently serves trade contractors in the San Antonio, Texas metro area. We are expanding to additional Texas markets in 2026.

Is TALOS a tracking device?

No. TALOS does not track location passively or continuously. It documents custody at the moment of a tap — creating verified proof of presence when a crew member actively confirms a tool's location.

What does cryptographically signed mean for a contractor?

It means the record cannot be faked. When your crew taps a DOT, the chip produces a unique code that only that chip, at that moment, could have produced. If someone tries to copy or fabricate the record, the verification fails. Your proof is real.

FIELD MANUAL

Tips, guides, and best practices for getting the most out of your TALOS DOTs.

GETTING STARTED

Hold your phone near the DOT like paying with your phone.
On iPhone, the NFC antenna is near the top edge. On Android, it varies by model, usually center back.
When you tap, a green shield means the DOT is verified and the notes section appears below.

INSTALLING YOUR DOTs

Clean the surface first. It should be dry and free of oil, grease, and loose material.

Smooth metal

3M VHB tape or industrial epoxy

Rough/textured metal

Epoxy or mechanical fastener

Plastic housings

3M VHB or super glue gel

Painted surfaces

3M VHB; test adhesion first

Wood

Any strong adhesive

For metal surfaces, use anti-metal shielded DOTs with ferrite backing. Standard DOTs will not read on bare metal.

Place DOTs where they are easy to tap, away from extreme heat sources, and protected from direct impact.

ADDING SERVICE NOTES

Tap the DOT, verify the green shield, then add your note below.
Choose the service type: Repair, Install, Inspect, Diagnose, Replace, or Other.
Use model numbers, readings, part numbers, what you found, and what you did.

GUIDES

Crew Quick Start Guide DOT Installation Guide Owner Admin Guide

TIPS FROM THE FIELD

Run your morning check while coffee brews. Tap each unit, review the last tech's notes, know what you're walking into.

Be specific in your notes. “Fixed it” helps nobody. “Replaced 40µF capacitor on compressor 2, checked refrigerant — 2 lbs low, added R-410A” helps the next guy.

If you find something unusual, note it even if you don't fix it. The next tech will thank you.