Implementation & Benefits of NFC Technology in Various Industries

We are on the verge of entering the third decade of the 21st century, and the world is filled with wireless connectivity solutions. There has been a rapid increase in the demand and use of smartphones with the ongoing wireless connectivity solutions. One of the technologies that are constantly analyzed for its innovative use is NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. NFC technology comes with short-range wireless communication technologies that are based on RFID. NFC tracking provides secure and inherent communication between electronic devices.

Different industries using NFC technology include:

- Automotive

- Medical

- Health & Fitness

- Wearables

- IoT

- Consumer Electronics

- Industrial Space

- Mobile Phone Manufacturers

- Network Service Providers

- Commercial Service Providers

Different industries using NFC technology also read: 8 Innovative Ideas That Set the Trend of NFC Technology.

Different industries using NFC technology with their implementation & benefits include several ways to implement NFC technology in different industrial applications and their benefits respectively.

1. For machinery access rights control

Example: NFC-enabled cleaning machines for professionals.

Implementation: There is just a need for a tap and authentication to machines for better access rights. All the access should be restricted to trained and skilled employees for the use of specialized machinery.

Benefits: NFC helps set individual profiles, personalize their settings, and adjust their preferences. There are different levels of authorized access. Faster access to specialized machinery increases productivity.

2. For access control to restricted areas

Example: Physical access control in the data center facility.

Implementation: Through NFC, you can secure and protect access to restricted areas like installations, warehouses, assembly plants, data centers, etc.

Benefits: Implementation of NFC would help you record time and attendance logging of users for secured and restricted areas. It will access remote key distribution management. Through limited access allowance to restricted areas, time-limited access will be provided for the temporary individual. It will also reduce the maintenance and replacement costs with less damage to keys, cards, or badges.

3. For extending user interface and zero-power configuration

Example: NFC-enabled time relay.

Implementation: You can use your smartphone as a configuration interface for products with a basic interface or for products that are completely sealed without an interface at all. You can personalize and customize your product settings just with a single tap.

Benefits: With NFC technology for a user interface, you can handle complex device settings easily on your smartphone or tablet. You will benefit from more accurate adjustments than mechanical controls. With zero-power configuration and operation, the device can be unpowered.

4. For easy troubleshooting & product diagnostics

Example: Use of phone touchscreen for sealed device diagnostics.

Implementation: You can use your smartphone or tablet connection to upgrade device permanent software. NFC can help to identify the breakdown issue and make the appropriate replacements. To check the warranty and product registration. Also, helpful to read product diagnostics before powering off the machinery.

Benefits: The biggest advantage is easy maintenance and no contact interface needed. Through NFC, you can easily obtain product details like serial number, firmware version, repair history, etc. Through NFC, it is easy to read error logs and activity statistics even when the device is dead. You can modify the controlling computer interface, therefore eliminating the need for a UART service port.

5. For the commissioning of nodes to a network

Example: Smart lighting system in a factory.

Implementation: NFC implementation commissions sensors and other nodes to a wireless network so that they can be remotely managed and controlled. It also configures sensors to trigger an alert whenever the threshold is achieved.

Benefits: NFC helps in fast device pairing, avoiding manual settings or entering long codes. NFC makes the device easy to use and reduces technical support costs. You can use NFC to pair with any wireless networking standard. NFC exchange documents securely, just by a tap.

6. For authenticated tools & consumables

Example: A robotic arm that authenticates the right tool for the task.

Implementation: NFC can authenticate replacement parts, and it automatically adjusts the settings of the accessory attached. NFC can protect the correct use of device functioning to ensure the use of original consumables & tools in the tasks. It also identifies the attachment of a robot.

Benefits: NFC ensures the authenticity and fights the forgery of consumables. It boosts the manufacturing process by automatically choosing the right tool.

7. For device-to-device communication

Example: NFC-enabled wireless charger.

Implementation: With NFC, it is easy for a fully sealed, battery-free sensor unit to interact with the meter housing. NFC can be used to record mechanical-stress readings of the moving parts. NFC devices can communicate without wires, avoiding old, galvanic connections. NFC is a much better option for nearly located devices to communicate without wires.

Benefits: The major benefit is that the device can stay completely sealed, i.e., waterproof, dustproof, etc. With NFC, it is easy to communicate with devices and sensors that are not connected with wires, or if simply said, NFC has the ability to replace moving cables, rotating or sealed parts.

8. For reading product details

Example: NFC label encoding medicinal information.

Implementation: Staff can access important risky information just by tapping their NFC devices against the products. NFC devices can read emergency instructions in case of an accident. NFC can also get access to machinery instructions or user manuals.

Benefits: NFC saves time in the operating processes. It reduces the costs of identifying items, goods, etc. It increases the reliability of the collected data. It also reduces the time and cost of training.

9. For long-range ultra-high frequency RFID

Example: Product Tracking.

Implementation: NFC can track and trace spare parts, PCBs, and finished products through supply chain management. It can manage inventory. It can control production and do variant management. It also protects the brand and manages recycling.

Benefits: NFC helps to increase the efficiency and flexibility of production. One NFC tag is enough to provide both identification and authentication at the same time. Ultra-high frequency (UHF) allows reading at a long range up to 10m. Bulk reading of items in a box or pallet is also possible.

Conclusion

These different functionalities of NFC tracking technology for industrial applications are very optimistic for the growth and enhancement of the business. Through these NFC asset tracking functionalities, communicate with battery-less devices, reduce the cost of identification of goods, use smartphones and tablets for better accuracy adjustments.