How NFC Technology Can Benefit Your Business

NFC is something you may have already heard of (a kind of feature that newer smartphones have), but you weren’t sure what it was. This acronym stands for Near Field Communication, a technology that was invented not long ago and that seems to have a bright future. What’s so special about it?

Near field communication technology makes it easy and intuitive to use your smartphone for some special purposes. It provides two-way contactless communication between devices, which are very close (1-4 cm) to each other, so you can send and receive data with it.

Does it look something like Bluetooth? Yes, but with NFC your device uses much less power and a faster wireless connection is established. Also, there are no additional barriers like pairing or mutual discovery in NFC. It’s easier to set up NFC than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, it just starts working automatically! No need to start any application. By the way, due to the shorter range, the probability of unwanted interception is minimized.

Speaking directly, NFC uses short radio frequencies to establish an automatic wireless connection between two devices.

What is NFC used for?

There are three basic fields of application of NFC:

1. Card emulation: NFC-enabled device acts as smart proximity cards (used for transactions such as payments and ticketing)

2. NFC to read information: the NFC-enabled device reads the information stored in the RFID tag, embedded in signs and smart tags

3. Peer-to-peer mode: two NFC-enabled devices are connected to each other to exchange information

Currently, the most popular applications that make NFC payment available are Google Wallet (for Android devices) and Apple Pay (for iPhones). However, it should be mentioned that NFC Currently, NFC is not fully supported by iOS devices so far. Android has the garland here.

This newly minted technique allows ample options for astute entrepreneurs:

• NFC mobile payments, where a device serves as a contactless bank card. Instead of getting your standard bank card to pay for goods at the checkout, you can pay with your;

• NFC payment application, installed on your phone;

• Ticketing: mobile purchases in public transport;

• Reading RFID tags from billboards and advertisements, similar to QR codes;

• One-touch Bluetooth device pairing of two mobile phones.

It is expected to serve various purposes soon, such as e-money, e-commerce, online ticketing, identity cards, traveler cards, software protection dongle, and other fields of application.

How do I know if I have it on my phone?

Currently, NFC-compatible smartphones include Google’s Nexus S, Samsung’s Galaxy S II, and the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930. Basically, if you’ve bought your smartphone in the last year or two, chances are. that has the built-in NFC function. To be sure, check out the comprehensive list of devices that support the technology.

Stick on labels, not labels!

There is something as cool as the NFC tag. It’s a microchip that can store small amounts of data, which NFC-controlled devices are supposed to read. These labels can be attached to various items such as office doors, movies, restaurants, business cards, bracelets, medicine bottles, and more.

Where can you see it today? Let’s say you’re walking past a coffee shop or beer restaurant and you see a “place.” Try putting your mobile device on it and you will probably get a discount for your favorite drink.

What can you do today as a business owner? Implement NFC tags right now. What possibilities do they offer?

Functions that can be implemented using NFC tags

With the help of special applications (such as Trigger, for example), you can program NFC tags to perform various tasks or adjust settings, such as:

• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings (including GPS on / off, auto sync, etc.)

• Control sound settings (profiles, ringtone, volumes, notification tones, etc.)

• Display options (automatic rotation, brightness, etc.)

• Social networks (register with the help of Facebook, Google Places and other registration services; tweet)

• Messaging (sending emails, SMS)

• Applications (open / close / pause application, open URL, etc.)

• Multimedia (start / stop playback, go to the next medium, etc.)

• Alarms (setting of timers and alarms)

• Events (create events and timestamps on the calendar)

• Security (activate lock screen)

• Make phone calls

• Create other tasks

What are the benefits of NFC for businesses?

The first thing that many people think of is the convenient form of payment, although the list of benefits is much broader. Flash transactions, easy connections, and simple data exchange find good use from time to time.

Access control is another feature that can be used by a company that decided to develop a mobile application with NFC. Many businesses require door security, when only authorized persons could enter using a contactless card that is placed in a door reader. The specification and automation of control over staff working time is an integral part of modern resource management.

Any deep NFC technology company sees how to use this technology today and make a profit for many layers of our society and many aspects of our daily routine.

Both the public and private sectors (manufacturers, advertising agencies, retailers, public places, transportation companies, theaters … whatever) can benefit because NFC simplifies complex digital communication processes. And what is simpler, it is more desirable. That means a potential increase in income streams and better experiences.

Possible vulnerabilities

There are some security issues that are potentially associated with NFC, however they are mostly theoretical hazards rather than feasible. For example, if someone approaches you with an NFC-enabled device, they may steal the information on our device. In practice, it’s hard to imagine allowing strangers to get so close to you! Remember that NFC only works in a range of 1 to 4 cm.

Another weird but existing thing is the creation of scam apps, designed to steal your money. Yes, it happens sometimes. However, that does not mean that it will happen to you. Our advice is to always verify the source you are getting the applications from, as well as the application provider, which should be trusted.

We don’t consider it a fly in the ointment, but theoretically these things are possible. Forewarned is worth two.