Tracer

1. Initial Consultation
   • Discuss your project goals, design preferences, and product types (such as lenticular prints, floating frames, or lighted menu boards).

   • Determine specifications like size, format, and intended use.

2. Design and Artwork Preparation

   • Submit your artwork or collaborate with Tracer’s design team to prepare files suitable for lenticular printing, which may involve interlacing multiple images.

3. Proofing and Approval
   • Review digital or physical proofs.

   • Make any necessary adjustments before production begins.

4. Production
   • Tracer prints and assembles the custom products.

   • Includes quality checks and packaging.

5. Shipping and Delivery
   • Final products are shipped to your location.

   • Delivery time depends on your location and the size of the order.

Estimated Timeline

• Small Format Projects (e.g., greeting cards, photo prints): Typically 1–2 weeks

• Large Format or Custom Installations (e.g., wall décor, menu boards): Around 3–6 weeks

• Rush Orders may be available depending on complexity and production capacity

Tracer software is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their specific operational needs. Here are the key customization features:

Tracer SC+ (Building Automation System)

• Factory-Engineered Applications: These are customizable to fine-tune control strategies for HVAC, lighting, energy meters, and more.

• Open Protocol Support: Built on BACnet, LonTalk, and Modbus, enabling integration with both Trane and non-Trane equipment.

• Legacy System Integration: Supports older systems via communication bridges, allowing phased upgrades without full replacement.

• User Interface Options: Includes Tracer Synchrony, a modern UI that can be tailored for installers, operators, and programmers.

• Wireless Infrastructure: Air-Fi Wireless allows flexible system design and phased infrastructure updates.

• Enterprise Scalability: Tracer ES enables centralized control across multiple facilities, integrating lighting, fire, and security systems regardless of brand or age.

TracerPlus (Mobile Data Collection)

• App Creation: Users can build unlimited custom mobile apps for barcode scanning, RFID, and data collection.

• Flexible Licensing: Supports both SaaS and perpetual licenses, with customization options for workflows and device configurations.

Tracer’s pricing varies depending on the platform and deployment model. Here’s what to expect:

TracerPlus Mobile Software

• Monthly SaaS Subscription: $99 per device/user

• Annual Subscription: $432 per device/user (equivalent to $36/month)

• Perpetual Licenses: Available upon request for long-term use without recurring fees

• Included Tools: TracerPlus Connect and Desktop are bundled at no extra cost

Tracer SC+ and Tracer ES

• Setup Fees: Typically include hardware installation, system configuration, and integration services. These vary based on project scope.

• Maintenance Costs: Ongoing updates, hardware servicing, and software support may be billed annually or as part of a service contract.

• Support Charges: Trane offers Intelligent Services and cloud analytics, which may incur additional fees depending on service level agreements.

• IT Infrastructure Savings: Tracer ES can reside on existing servers, reducing the need for new hardware investments.

Tracer offers a range of tools and resources to help new users get up to speed:

• Tracer TU Tool: This is the primary service interface for Trane’s BACnet controllers. It includes a balancing tool (free license) and optional paid features for advanced diagnostics and configuration.

• TracerPlus Support Center: Offers detailed guides, tutorials, and upgrade instructions for mobile data collection apps like TracerPlus Desktop, Connect, and Mobile Client.

• Trane ComfortSite & Trane Connect: Secure portals where users can access manuals, order parts, track invoices, and manage building systems remotely.

• Field Support & Licensing Help: Trane provides direct assistance for firmware upgrades, controller setup, and troubleshooting through its support teams and authorized reps.

Tracer platforms are designed with multiple layers of protection:

• Secure Cloud Access: Trane Connect is a cloud-based portal with secure login credentials, allowing remote monitoring and control of building systems.

• Firmware Integrity: Firmware upgrades are handled through Tracer TU or SD card methods, with backup protocols to prevent data loss during updates.

• Data Management: Users are advised to maintain memory and flash usage below 50% during upgrades to avoid system instability.

• Access Control: Licensing requirements and user roles help restrict access to sensitive system functions, especially in enterprise deployments.

Tracer software updates are released periodically and managed through structured tools:

• TracerPlus: Updates are recommended across all components (Desktop, Connect, Mobile Client) to maintain compatibility and performance.

• Tracer SC Firmware: Updates are handled via Tracer TU or SD card. Users must manually load firmware files and follow backup procedures. The latest stable version is often recommended (e.g., v4.0 or higher).

• Legacy Support: Older firmware versions are still accessible for legacy systems, but newer builds offer fewer bugs and improved features.

Tracer, like most SaaS providers, typically follows a model where:

• You Own Your Data: Customers retain full ownership of the data they generate and store within Tracer platforms. Tracer acts as a custodian, not a proprietor.

• Portability Options: Higher-tier service plans often offer enhanced data export capabilities, allowing users to retrieve and transfer their data with fewer restrictions. Lower-tier plans may limit access or frequency of exports.

• Contractual Clarity: Data ownership and portability are usually defined in the service agreement. These terms specify how data can be accessed, transferred, or deleted, and what happens upon termination of service.

• Security and Compliance: Tracer platforms include backup and recovery protocols, encryption, and access controls to protect data integrity and support compliance with data protection regulations.

Tracer’s SaaS architecture supports flexible scaling to match evolving organizational needs:

• Modular Licensing: You can add or remove licenses for mobile apps, building automation modules, or enterprise features based on usage.

• Tiered Service Plans: Different tiers offer varying levels of functionality, data access, and support. Scaling up typically unlocks more integrations, analytics, and customization options.

• Infrastructure Flexibility: Tracer ES and SC+ platforms support both cloud and on-premise deployments, allowing organizations to scale without major hardware investments.

• Legacy System Support: Tracer can integrate with older systems, enabling gradual upgrades rather than full replacements—ideal for scaling in phases.

Auto-Renewal Terms

• Automatic Extension: Contracts may auto-renew unless canceled within a specified notice period.

• Affirmative Consent Required: As of May 2025, U.S. law mandates that customers must explicitly agree to auto-renewal terms—via checkbox, initials, or signature placed directly next to the renewal clause.

• Advance Renewal Notice: Vendors must notify customers before each renewal, including:
  • Renewal date
  • Deadline to cancel

  • Simple cancellation instructions.

Cancellation Terms

• Click-to-Cancel Rule: Cancellation must be as easy as enrollment. If you signed up online, you must be able to cancel online with minimal friction.

• Single Retention Attempt: Vendors may offer one “save” attempt during cancellation. Any further upsell or survey must be optional and require explicit consent.

• Refunds and Termination Rights: These vary by contract tier. Some plans may offer prorated refunds or early termination clauses.

Tracer software is designed to meet several key compliance benchmarks, especially in building automation and enterprise SaaS environments:

Building Automation (Tracer SC+, ES)

• BACnet® Protocol Compliance: Ensures interoperability with HVAC, lighting, and energy systems across vendors.

• LonTalk® and Modbus® Support: Enables integration with legacy and third-party devices.

• Cybersecurity Standards: Includes secure cloud access, encrypted firmware updates, and role-based access control.

Mobile Data Collection (TracerPlus)

• Data Privacy Compliance: While not explicitly stated, TracerPlus aligns with common SaaS standards such as GDPR and CCPA through secure data handling and user-controlled access.

• Audit Trails: Supports logging and traceability for enterprise deployments.

• Secure Licensing: Device-level licensing and encrypted app deployment help prevent unauthorized use.