NFC stands for Near Field Communication. With a detection range of no more than 10cm, NFC relies on magnetic induction to send information from the tag to a reader. The reader could be a special gadget or popular smartphone model, and the information sent can be used for tracking, payments, and more.
So, what is NFC Tag? An NFC tag has a little memory to hold tiny bits of information and a radio chip attached to an antenna. And, what does an NFC tag look like? These tags come in various physical formats: clear stickers, printed stickers, white stickers, disc tags, badges, fobs, PVC cards, and wristbands. These are also some of what uses NFC tags.
How NFC Tags Became Popular?
The first NFC-enabled mobile phone didn’t appear until 2006. Since then, NFC has noticed a slow but increasing adoption. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, launched in 2014, were the first Apple devices to be NFC-enabled. However, these phones could only handle payments (Apple Pay) and nothing else. Since then, all iPhones have been manufactured with NFC chips inside them. But unlike the model 6, Apple’s newer phones can read NFC tags.
Currently valued at around $3.80 billion, the NFC market will be worth almost $16 billion by 2030. This market's growth is driven by the rising popularity of NFC tag-based payment and the proliferation of NFC-enabled mobile phones. Virtually all the flagship models of popular phone brands are NFC-enabled. In addition, the convenience and security behind this system ensure its growth.
How does an NFC tag work?
These tags are not self-powered. Instead, they draw power from the device reading them. They need to be encoded with an action or series of actions. Encoding is the process of adding data to the tag. What are NFC tags used for? They can store and transmit short lines of text; they can hold web addresses and contact details. They can hold up to 4KB of data in various formats.
Several free and paid mobile applications let you encode your NFC. A quick search in your app store will reveal what these are. Also, some mobile phones come with a preinstalled application to help you manage your tags.
Since tags do not need to be powered, NFCs are highly cost-effective. Besides, individual tags can be re-used when their data is reset. But you have the option to block tags, so they are no longer rewritable.
How do NFC tags work? To detect these tags, turn on your phone's NFC connectivity. You can find this option in your phone's connection settings. Next, ensure the phone is placed near the tag. Afterward, your phone will execute the programmed instruction on the tag.
Business Benefits of Using NFC
As a business owner, what can you use NFC tags for? Businesses have viable and profitable use cases for NFCs. Some of the business benefits of using NFCs include:
Wirelessly Exchange Information
Do you want to share your social media links digitally? NFCs are the answer. They can take visitors to specific URLs on the web that lists your social accounts. This can improve the visibility of your business and increase engagement.
Serves As Smart Cards
They are typically plastic cards the size of a credit card. Smart cards have various use cases. For example, they can serve to verify users' identities or issue users necessary authentication and access. Thus, making them helpful in curbing the usual security challenges around hosting an even or managing a hotel. For example, some smart cards are used as acceptable payment methods for transportation on public buses.
For Tracking
NFC is practical for sending messages between electronic tags and readers. Hence, it is an established method for tracking assets and managing inventory. NFC offers unique tracking advantages over QR (Quick Response) code or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). QR codes are not as secure as NFC, and since they require an application to work, using them isn’t as convenient. Unlike RFID, NFC devices are more versatile and can act as both a reader and a tag. Tracking is a good use case for schools that want to manage their inventory.
Contactless Payments
Smart cards are used to pay for goods and services in the finance industry. This application of NFC is driving its growth.
Advantages of NFC
Convenient
Secured
Easy to use, no need to retrain staff
Fast Processing
Low running costs
NFC is a good fit for various use cases
What does NFC tag mean for the everyday user? NFC has several day-to-day use case scenarios, and the list of customizations is endless. Some known use cases include:
Paying bills
To communicate: Endearing messages can be encoded in a wristband for a loved one, making the gift super memorable. An NFC fob or wristband given as a gift can take a loved one to an online URL with a personal message you composed for them. This secret message is an excellent gift idea for children and adults alike.
Connecting with other NFC-enabled devices such as headsets and speakers
For performing tasks such as turning off wifi, switching your phone’s profile, playing music, opening your car door, launching an app, and the likes.
These are some of what NFC can do. The versatility, security, and convenience of NFC technology ensure it is a mainstay that will continue revolutionizing business and everyday life.
