We are on the verge of entering the 3rd decade of the 21st century and the world is filled with wireless connectivity solutions. There came 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 is based on RFID. NFC tracking provides secure and inherent communication between electronic devices.
Different industries which are using NFC technology are:
- Automotive
- Medical
- Health & Fitness
- Wearables
- IoT
- Consumer Electronics
- Industrial Space
- Mobile Phone Manufacturer
- Network Service Provider
- Commercial Service Providers
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Also Read: 8 Innovative Ideas That Set Trend of NFC Technology
Different Industries using NFC Technology with their Implementation & Benefits
There are 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 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 to 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 for restricted areas
Example: Physical access control in the datacenter facility.
Implementation:
Through NFC you can secure and protect access into restricted areas like installation, warehouse, assembly plant, the datacentre, etc.
Benefits:
- Implementation of NFC would help you record time and attendance logging of users for secured and restricted areas.
- It will access the 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 the products that are completely sealed without 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 be benefitted with more accuracy adjustments than the mechanical controls.
- With zero-power configuration and operation, the device can be unpowered.
Also Read: 5 Instances of Incredible Customer Experience via RFID Technology
4. For easy troubleshooting & product diagnostics
Example: Use of phone touch screen for sealed device diagnostics.
Implementation:
- You can use your smartphone or tablet connection to upgrade device permanent software.
- NFC is 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 the 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 controlling computer interface, therefore, eliminating the need for UART service port.
5. For the commissioning of nodes to a network
Example: Smart lighting system in a factory.
Implementation:
- NFC implementation commissions the 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 of long codes.
- NFC makes the device easy to use and reduce 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 settings of the accessory attached.
- NFC can protect the correct use of device functioning to make sure they 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 choosing the right tool automatically.
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About NFC for Asset Tracking
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 the 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 of the operating processes.
- It reduces the costs of identifying the 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 the 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 to recycle.
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.
Also Read: Various Advantages of NFC with Their Use Cases
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.