Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to the Autoclave Counter System mobile application (the “Application”) provided by Hermann Müller Medizintechnik GmbH (the “Service Provider”). It describes how information is processed when the Application is used with compatible external counter devices.
Information Collection and Use
The Application communicates with compatible external autoclave counter devices using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). During discovery, it processes advertised device names, Bluetooth device identifiers and signal strength (RSSI) to identify nearby compatible devices. It also receives and displays information supplied by a connected device, such as its identification, counter readings and operational status.
To support the Application’s functions, the mobile device stores the identifier of the last connected device, user-selected maintenance settings and a limited history of device-related operations. The history may contain timestamps, event types and associated device details. Bluetooth identifiers may be hardware addresses or Android-specific identifiers, depending on the device and operating system.
The Application does not require account registration or collect names, passwords or payment details through an account system.
Bluetooth, Location and Notification Permissions
Bluetooth or Nearby Devices permissions are used to discover and communicate with compatible equipment. Depending on the Android version and device configuration, location permission and enabled location services may be required for Bluetooth scanning. The Application does not use these permissions to read GPS coordinates or track the user’s movements.
Where permitted by Android, the Application provides locally generated maintenance and device-operation notifications. These are not remote push notifications. Permissions can be managed in Android settings; denying scanning or Bluetooth access can prevent connection to a device.
Internet Access, Cookies and Analytics
The Application’s core device communication takes place locally over Bluetooth and does not require a remote application server. The Android application has internet permission and may open the Service Provider’s website when a user chooses to follow its link. The external website may process technical browsing data in accordance with its own privacy notice.
The current Application does not include advertising, behavioural analytics, tracking pixels or an integrated remote crash-reporting service. It does not upload counter readings or local operation-history records to a server operated by the Service Provider.
Storage, Retention and Deletion
Local preferences and operation-history records are stored in SharedPreferences within the Application’s Android storage. The operation history is limited to the latest 200 entries; older entries are replaced when new entries are recorded. Other locally stored preferences remain until updated or the Application’s data is cleared.
Users can remove local Application data through Android Settings or by uninstalling the Application. Uninstallation normally removes local data, but Android backup or device-transfer services may retain copies depending on device and operating-system settings. The Application does not expressly disable Android backup.
Removing the Application or clearing its phone storage does not remove information retained by an external counter device.
Information Sharing and External Services
The Application exchanges information directly with compatible devices over Bluetooth for the operations initiated through its interface. It does not sell local Application records or send them to advertising or analytics providers. Android backup and device-transfer services, where enabled, are operated by the relevant platform provider and are governed by that provider’s terms and privacy notices.
If a user contacts the Service Provider by email, the Service Provider processes the contact details and message content necessary to respond to the enquiry and to comply with applicable legal obligations.
Data Protection Roles and Legal Basis
Hermann Müller Medizintechnik GmbH is the contact point for privacy enquiries relating to the Application and acts as controller for personal data it receives and determines how to process, such as correspondence sent directly to it. Its processing of support correspondence is based on the legitimate interest in responding to enquiries and maintaining customer communications (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR), insofar as that basis is applicable; processing required by law may rely on Article 6(1)(c) GDPR.
Operational records held only on the user’s phone are not routinely transferred to the Service Provider. The allocation of data-protection responsibilities for use of equipment within a healthcare organisation may depend on that organisation’s own activities and arrangements.
Your Privacy Rights
Where the GDPR applies, individuals may have rights to access, rectify or erase their personal data, to restrict or object to processing, to request portability where applicable, and to lodge a complaint with a competent data-protection supervisory authority. Where processing relies on consent, consent may be withdrawn without affecting earlier lawful processing.
Privacy requests may be sent to info@hermannmuller.com. The Service Provider cannot remotely retrieve or delete records held only in the phone’s local Application storage; users should use the local deletion options described above. Requests concerning information held by an organisation operating the external equipment may need to be directed to that organisation.
Children
The Application is designed for personnel using compatible counter devices, particularly in healthcare and central sterile services settings. It is not directed to children and does not knowingly seek personal information from them.
Security
The Application uses the access controls and storage isolation provided by Android. Local SharedPreferences records are not separately encrypted by the Application. The security of Bluetooth communication may also depend on the connected equipment and its configuration. Users should protect access to their mobile devices, follow workplace procedures and keep their operating systems updated. No electronic storage or wireless communication method can be guaranteed to be entirely secure.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
The Service Provider may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in the Application or applicable requirements. The current version will be published with an updated effective date, and additional notice will be provided where required by law.
Contact Us
Hermann Müller Medizintechnik GmbH, Gotenstr. 3, 78532 Tuttlingen, Germany. Email: info@hermannmuller.com. Telephone: +49 7462 925 35 00.