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Polar Device Preparation

Purpose of this article​

This article guides the partner on how to prepare Polar sensors for use with the Dersalis/BioLink solution.

Use this guide before delivering sensors to the customer, conducting operator training, or performing controlled first use.

This article applies to the currently approved sensors:

  • Polar 360;
  • Polar Verity Sense.

To validate phone, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, mobile network, and GPS requirements before preparation, see Phone, Sensor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS Requirements.

Before you start​

Polar sensors don't have their own screen. Because of this, they depend on the Dersalis App on an Android phone for operational interaction and connectivity.

In the flow with Polar sensors, the sensor collects data during the shift, while the Android phone with the Dersalis App can be used to:

  • start a shift;
  • identify the operator;
  • select the sensor;
  • maintain the Bluetooth connection;
  • transmit data;
  • pause or end the shift, when applicable;
  • display operational messages from the app.

Before preparing the sensors, confirm whether the project will use:

  • an Android phone in kiosk mode, configured to run the Dersalis App;
  • the customer's corporate Android phone, as long as it meets the minimum requirements;
  • another flow previously validated by Dersalis.

Partner responsibility​

In partner-led implementations, the partner must ensure sensors are ready for use before delivering them to the customer or starting training.

This includes:

  • checking the sensors received;
  • charging the sensors;
  • identifying the sensors;
  • testing the connection with the Dersalis App;
  • validating that data reaches the platform;
  • guiding the customer on correct charging, storage, and use;
  • logging pending items before first use.

The customer should not receive sensors without minimal functionality testing.

Step 1: check the sensors received​

When receiving the sensors, check:

  • sensor model;
  • quantity received;
  • accessories received;
  • chargers or adapters;
  • straps or armbands;
  • physical condition of the sensors;
  • visual identification or serial number, when applicable;
  • signs of damage, poor contact, or wear.

If there's a discrepancy in quantity, model, or physical condition, log the issue before proceeding.

Step 2: identify the sensors​

Each sensor should be easy to identify during implementation and operation.

Identification can be done via:

  • a label;
  • an internal code;
  • a serial number;
  • a name defined for the project;
  • a spreadsheet or control record.

Identification is important to avoid:

  • selecting the wrong sensor in the Dersalis App;
  • incorrect swapping between operators;
  • support difficulties;
  • loss of traceability;
  • confusion during training;
  • problems when replacing sensors.

Whenever possible, keep a record with:

  • sensor identification;
  • model;
  • customer;
  • unit or operation;
  • sensor status;
  • responsible party for receipt or use;
  • support notes.

Step 3: charge the sensors​

Before any test or delivery, charge the sensors.

Best practices:

  • charge the sensors before first use;
  • use the appropriate adapters and chargers;
  • check that the sensor is correctly seated in the charger;
  • avoid delivering partially discharged sensors;
  • define a charging routine at the end of each shift;
  • avoid leaving sensors completely discharged for long periods.

The partner should confirm the customer knows where, when, and by whom sensors will be charged.

Step 4: check the project's Android phone​

This step applies when the project uses Polar sensors with the Dersalis App.

Before testing the sensors, confirm the Android phone that will be used:

If it's a kiosk phone​

Confirm:

  • phone charged;
  • Dersalis App available;
  • MDM correctly applied;
  • device locked for the planned use, when applicable;
  • Bluetooth active;
  • connectivity available;
  • usage location defined;
  • charging routine defined.

In this model, Dersalis handles the phone requirements according to the project.

If it's the customer's corporate phone​

Confirm:

  • compatible Android version;
  • Dersalis App installed;
  • permissions granted;
  • Bluetooth active;
  • connectivity available;
  • absence of customer blocks that prevent operation;
  • sufficient battery for the routine;
  • customer's MDM policy, when applicable.

If the corporate device doesn't meet the minimum requirements, it should not be used in the implementation.

Step 5: test the connection with the Dersalis App​

Before delivering the sensors to the customer, run a connection test.

Validate:

  • sensor turned on;
  • sensor charged;
  • sensor close to the phone;
  • Bluetooth enabled on the phone;
  • Dersalis App open and working;
  • necessary permissions granted;
  • sensor appears for selection in the app;
  • sensor can be selected;
  • a shift can be started with the sensor;
  • data reaches the platform.

If the sensor doesn't appear or doesn't connect, check:

  • sensor battery;
  • phone's Bluetooth;
  • proximity between sensor and phone;
  • app permissions;
  • whether another device is trying to use the same sensor;
  • whether the sensor needs to be restarted;
  • whether you need to try again after a few seconds.

Don't proceed to training or first use without at least one successful test.

Step 6: validate the sensor's physical fit​

The sensor needs to be worn correctly on the body to generate reliable data.

Guide that the sensor should:

  • stay firm on the arm or forearm;
  • remain comfortable;
  • not be loose;
  • not move during the shift;
  • maintain adequate contact with the skin;
  • not have the bottom LEDs visible during use, when applicable;
  • be readjusted if it's slipping.

If the Dersalis App indicates the sensor needs better adjustment, the operator should:

  • check whether the strap or armband is firm;
  • reposition the sensor;
  • dry the area if there's excessive sweat;
  • confirm the sensor has adequate contact with the skin;
  • try again.

During breaks or after the shift, the operator may loosen the strap slightly or switch arms if there's skin sensitivity, as long as the sensor is properly readjusted during the shift.

Step 7: validate shift start​

The partner should test the basic shift-start flow before training.

The expected flow with the Dersalis App is:

  1. open the Dersalis App;
  2. start a shift;
  3. enter the operator's ID or identifier, according to the project;
  4. select the sensor;
  5. confirm the shift has started.

During the test, confirm:

  • ID or identifier accepted;
  • sensor appears correctly;
  • the selected sensor is the correct one;
  • shift starts without error;
  • data appears as expected;
  • the operator or focal point understands the flow.

If there's a failure in this flow, fix it before real first use.

Step 8: guide pause and end​

When applicable to the project, guide the use of pause and end functions.

The operator should understand:

  • when to use pause;
  • when to end the shift;
  • the difference between pausing and finishing;
  • that pause doesn't replace final ending;
  • that ending finalizes the shift;
  • what to do if they select the wrong option.

This guidance should be simple and practical, without excessive technical detail.

Step 9: define charging, storage, and delivery routine​

The operation needs a clear routine for the sensors.

Define with the customer:

  • where sensors will be stored;
  • who delivers sensors to operators;
  • who collects them at the end of the shift;
  • who puts them on the charger;
  • who checks charge before the next use;
  • how problem sensors will be set aside;
  • how backup sensors will be used, if any;
  • who should be notified in case of failure.

Without a charging and storage routine, the operation tends to face recurring problems at the start of the shift.

Step 10: prepare guidance for operators​

Before training, the partner should prepare a simple explanation for operators.

The operator should know:

  • why they'll use the sensor;
  • how to wear the sensor;
  • how to start a shift;
  • how to select the sensor;
  • how to act if the sensor doesn't connect;
  • how to adjust the sensor;
  • how to pause or end, when applicable;
  • what to do when receiving messages or alerts;
  • who to contact in case of doubt.

Avoid technical language. Training should be direct and practical.

Polar sensor preparation checklist​

Before considering the sensors ready, confirm:

  • sensors received and checked;
  • accessories checked;
  • sensors identified;
  • sensors charged;
  • Android phone defined;
  • Dersalis App available;
  • Bluetooth tested;
  • permissions granted;
  • sensor + app connection tested;
  • shift start tested;
  • data reaching the platform;
  • sensor physical fit validated;
  • charging routine defined;
  • storage routine defined;
  • operator guidance prepared;
  • customer's focal point defined;
  • first-level support prepared.

Common preparation problems​

Sensor doesn't turn on​

Check:

  • sensor charge;
  • fit in the charger;
  • adapter or cable used;
  • minimum charging time;
  • signs of physical damage.

Sensor doesn't appear in the Dersalis App​

Check:

  • whether the sensor is turned on;
  • whether Bluetooth is active;
  • whether the sensor is close to the phone;
  • whether the Dersalis App has the necessary permissions;
  • whether the sensor is already connected to another device;
  • whether you need to try again after a few seconds.

Sensor connects, but the shift doesn't start​

Check:

  • ID or identifier entered;
  • operator registration;
  • selected sensor;
  • internet connection;
  • app permissions;
  • whether the company and operation are configured correctly.

App indicates incorrect sensor adjustment​

Guide the operator to:

  • tighten or adjust the strap;
  • reposition the sensor;
  • dry the skin if needed;
  • ensure adequate skin contact;
  • try again.

Data doesn't appear on the platform​

Check:

  • whether the shift was started;
  • whether the sensor is connected;
  • whether there's connectivity on the phone;
  • whether the app is working correctly;
  • whether the operator selected the correct sensor;
  • whether there's a synchronization delay;
  • whether data appears after a new test.

If the problem persists after basic diagnosis, contact Dersalis.

What to avoid​

Avoid:

  • delivering a sensor without charge;
  • delivering a sensor without identification;
  • starting training without testing the connection;
  • using a corporate phone without validating requirements;
  • letting the customer figure out on their own how to charge sensors;
  • not defining who's responsible for storage and charging;
  • ignoring sensor adjustment messages;
  • considering a connected sensor as equivalent to a completed implementation without validating data on the platform;
  • escalating a problem to Dersalis without testing battery, Bluetooth, proximity, and permissions.

When to involve Dersalis​

Involve Dersalis when:

  • the sensor doesn't connect after basic checks;
  • there's a persistent failure in the Dersalis App;
  • data doesn't reach the platform after a correct test;
  • there's doubt about phone requirements;
  • the customer's corporate phone shows blocks;
  • there's unexpected behavior at shift start;
  • the partner cannot validate the flow before first use;
  • there's a need to replace or evaluate a sensor with a suspected defect.

When contacting Dersalis, send:

  • customer;
  • operation;
  • sensor model;
  • sensor identification;
  • phone used;
  • Android version, when applicable;
  • description of the problem;
  • time of the test;
  • screenshots, photos, or videos, if any;
  • steps already tested.

Expected outcome​

At the end of preparation, the partner should have Polar sensors ready for use, validated phones, tested connection, guided operators, and a defined charging routine.

The operation should only proceed to training or first use once the basic sensor + Dersalis App + platform flow has been validated.

Next step​

After preparing Polar sensors, proceed to Technical Checklist Before Customer Delivery to confirm that all technical and operational items are ready before delivery or first use.

Summary​

Polar 360 and Polar Verity Sense sensors need to be prepared before delivery to the customer.

The partner must check, identify, charge, test the connection, validate use with the Dersalis App, guide physical adjustment, define a charging routine, and ensure data reaches the platform before real first use.