Mobile NFC: what it is and how to take advantage of it in your company

NFC has taken great steps towards immersion among the general public through the so-called contactless payment methods thanks to the mobile.

However, what the vast majority still do not know, is that its benefits do not translate only to that operation. In this article we will define the concept we will show some of its most outstanding applications both for the regular user and for companies.

What is NFC technology?

Near Field Communication or NFC is a technological tool that enables communication between two compatible and nearby devices (one equipment transmits the signal and another receives it). Also, the most common devices today that use this technology are access cards, payment terminals and endless gadgets with different uses, but, above all, smartphones. In fact, according to NFC Forum, 20% of the world’s population has this kind of gadget.

What is NFC for?

One of the most common uses by the common consumer is the sending of photos, documents, Google Maps directions, phone numbers … In short, all types of files. In this way, we can say that mobile NFC performs a similar function to Bluetooth, but more efficiently, since it needs less energy for data transmission and exchange. It is only necessary that the two devices are at a distance of less than 20 centimeters.

How does NFC work?

Like many other wireless signals , NFC technology sends a huge variety of data through radio waves. However, in this case, the main difference is that the information is transmitted by electromagnetic induction based on radio frequency identifications. That is, it uses another class of standards.

Highlights of NFC

There is no better way to get to know NFC technology in depth than with examples of its different applications on a day-to-day basis. Below are the highlights.

Digital brochures

How many newspapers, brochures or flyers are distributed per day on the street, train station or bus station? As is logical, all this supposes an important economic expense that can be avoided transforming it into digital content. Thus, anyone can access that information, if they wish, using their smartphone or mobile NFC. Obviously, much less waste is generated and paperless culture is encouraged.

Identification

One of its most widespread uses is that of identification system. In fact, there are many office buildings that use this technology so that employees can validate access to their workplace through their smartphone. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to think that its next applications will be, for example, in driving licenses and passports integrated into mobile devices.

Automated doors

Whether in garages, private homes, buildings or hotels, it is a luxury to have a door opening system that is activated by the simple fact of bringing a phone. This also avoids the problems caused by traditional garage controls and, in addition, it is a way to always carry the keys.
As for a hotel, it would be enough to pick up a temporary pin with the mobile device to have access to the corresponding room. Once the time has elapsed, its use will be prevented.

Mobile payments

Payment with the mobile phone is, perhaps, the use par excellence to date. Regardless of the operating system used and the bank with which you work, everyone can use this comfortable system.

Access to content

At first, NFC technology was intended as an alternative to QR codes, as it avoided the uncomfortable process of having to unlock the mobile, look for the camera application and point to the code. By simply bringing the device closer to the label in question, the information contained is already accessed. However, this progress has not yet been as exploited as it should be in sectors where it can get a great return such as tourism and museums.

E ID Reader

Currently, Android allows you to use this system to read the electronic ID and identify yourself in some compatible applications.

Share data

Although Bluetooth has occupied everything in terms of data transmission and wireless connections in recent years, this technology offers the possibility of sharing information without limitations, as long as the minimum distance between the equipment is respected.

Synchronization between devices

In line with the previous utility, Near Field Communication makes it considerably easier to transfer music, photos and videos. Certainly, there are sound equipment that manages to synchronize in less than a second when a mobile phone approaches them.

Environmental control

Thanks to this advance it is possible to control the thousand and one options of a home automation: temperature, light power, off and on a computer … As well as the famous NFC speakers that play the music of the nearest smartphone .

How do companies take advantage of NFC technology?

Allowing contactless payments

The contactless credit cards speed up the customer’s payment procedures , optimizing their procedures to the maximum. In this way, queues and waiting times are avoided.

Modernizing promotional materials

It is possible to place NFC tags on a variety of promotional materials such as flyers or posters and thus offer the customer a different and practical experience.

Empowering product information

Including NFC tags in the packaging makes the information much more eye-catching, attractive and dynamic.

Accessing WiFi and social networks

It is very common to incorporate these tags to redirect consumers to the company’s social networks or to connect to the WiFi network of the place. In the latter case, it is possible to reduce a series of uncomfortable steps, such as searching for the specific network and entering the password, just by bringing the smartphone closer to the indicated area.
After analyzing this article in depth, it is perfectly understood the success of NFC technology and why it is so important in the business sector. For more information on this or another related topic, at Pasiona we are happy to help anyone who needs it.