With Zaptec, managing access to your charger is a breeze! Whether it's via the Zaptec app or Zaptec Portal, inviting others to manage your charger is simple, perfect for keeping it private or sharing responsibilities.
Sharing access doesn't mean you have to activate authorization. For example, maybe you want your partner to check charger data without needing authorization each time. But, if you want to lock the charger for others, authorized users can enable charging when necessary. You're in charge - toggle this feature on or off anytime.
Anyone with access can start charging by creating a Zaptec app account or using an RFID-enabled device like a Zaptec key. Adding devices easily with the Zaptec app.
This guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Understanding Authentication and Authorization (Access Control)
Access to chargers can be limited to authorized users only, and users can authenticate their identity using various methods. Once authenticated, authorization dictates what actions they’re allowed, such as starting or stopping charging.
Authenticate
Authentication verifies the identity of a user, confirming that they are who they claim to be. It's like showing your ID card at a building entrance. In the context of Zaptec chargers, authentication ensures that only authorized users access chargers and installations.
Authorisation
Authorisation, on the other hand, determines what actions an authenticated user is allowed to perform. It specifies the level of access or permissions granted to the user based on their authenticated identity. Continuing with the analogy, after you've shown your ID to enter a building, authorization dictates whether you're allowed to access certain floors, rooms, or facilities within that building.
Controlling the level of access
You can determine access as follows:
- Owner Access: If you're the owner, you're in charge. Add administrators and manage who can use the chargers.
- User Access: Those using your chargers. Set permissions as needed.
- Service Access: Admins help manage the setup and installation settings.
Read more about the different roles here.
Granting access to a charger
Via Zaptec app
- From the Dashboard, tap the Key icon under the charger.
- Tap + Add access, add users by email or enter the Lookup key if this is a partner. They'll get a link to sign up and start using the chargers.
- Choose the level of access.
Via Zaptec Portal
- Go to Installations, and select your installation and the charger you want to give access to.
- Go to permissions, click + add permission, and add users by email or enter the Lookup key if this is a partner. They'll get a link to sign up and start using the chargers.
- Choose the level of access.
If you want to give access to a partner or installer, enter their lookup key. to add a new user. You'll need to fill in their name and email.
Giving access to the installation:
Via Zaptec app
- Go to the Installations tab.
- Tap Access, + Add access, and add users by email or enter the Lookup key if this is a partner. They'll get a link to sign up and start using the chargers.
- Choose the level of access.
Via Zaptec Portal
- Go Installations, and choose your installation.
- Navigate to permissions, + add permission, and enter the user email or the Lookup key if this is a partner.
- Choose the level of access.
Activating Authorization
When authorization is required, charging stations will be locked and will only give power to authorized users. For example: Users who have not been permitted to charge to the installation or applicable chargers will be unable to charge.
This setting can be switched on and off whenever you need it.
Via Zaptec app:
- Go to the Installations tab.
- Tap Access and turn on the toggle switch to restrict access to the charger(s).
When authentication is enabled, the key icon will say Access - restricted instead of Access - Open.
Via Zaptec Portal:
- Go to Installations, and click on your installation.
- Under Settings, click Authentication and enbale the internal authentication.
Under the circuit tab you will now see a tiny man on the charge point which indicates that authentication is required.
Giving access to a payment operator or installer
Payment operators or installers may need access to the installation to perform their functions. The installation Owner can give this access.
The Owner should ask the payment operator or installer to provide their Zaptec Lookup key, which consists of four letters or numbers. The payment operator or installer can find this on their User Group page in the Zaptec portal.
The Owner can now go to their installation in the portal and click on Permissions, then Give Permission
On the Add Permission dialogue, click the Partner tab and enter the installer's 4-digit Lookup key
Click Search and the name of the chosen partner will appear. Select the partner and give the required permissions e.g. Service
Click Next then Save. Your chosen partner will now has the necessary permission to access the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which RFID chip does the charging station support?
Zaptec supports NFC/RFID standard: MIFARE Classic, type A. It is the most common standard for RFID chips and NFC charging cards.
How can I register charge card against my user profile?
In the app, go to my account > add Zaptec key and scan the key on the rfid sone.
In the Portal this is done manually. Portal > my profile > add charge card > enter number on chip.
If you want to use your credit card ect for authentication we recommend adding it in the app.
How do I know if the charging station requires authentication?
The status indicator light will go yellow when plugging in the vehicle. In the app you will see a key icon and in the portal the charge point will be marked with a lock.