NFC, or
Near Field Communication, is a subset of RFID. It is similar to HF RFID, and is characterised by
simple tags with very short
range, typically half an inch. Asset Management systems in the past typically used barcode
technology to provide a unique
identification that could be machine read, enabling a physical item to be quickly and accurately
identified. NFC technology can
replace the barcodes in such a system, provided that an NFC enabled reader is used to conduct audits
and track moves.
.. click for information on specific asset management systems
Over recent years physical asset management systems have typically used barcode technology to identify an asset. This is a mature technology, and a wide range of readers are available. Readers for use with laptops and desktop workstations typically cost a few hundred dollars, and most users opt for the cordless version, more for reliability than convenience. Mobile readers are usually rugged, and usually more expensive.
In many applications barcode technology fully meets all the needs of the user, but there
are a few issues that crop
up from time to time, including:
- the cost of the reader
- the possibility of damage to the tags
- the cost of the tag (vs passive RFID)
The NFC reader scores on all points. It is cheaper to manufacture, more rugged, and,
because it is an essential element in modern smartphones, benefits from economies of scale, using
components that are produced in
the tens of millions. An NFC reader can be attached to a mobile computer more cheaply than a barcode
reader, because it is so
simple, basically a simple antenna and some chips, no optics.
And of course, you can always just use a smartphone, either at the primary tool, or as an emergency substitute. Rugged purpose built mobile handheld computers are available, but smartphones are less expensive, again because of the economies of scale.
barcoded labels are fine in a library, or tracking file folders, but can be subject to harsh treatment in other applications. Tool crib applications are one example. Barcode labels can be torn, scratched, and covered in mud or grease, making them unreadable. They can also be difficult to apply securely, particularly on surfaces that are patterned.
NFC tags are inexpensive, but fall somewhere between the top end of barcodes and the bottom end of passive RFID tags. There is some overlap between the top end of barcode labels, and the bottom end of NFC, and the top end of NFC slightly overlaps with the bottom end of passive UHF. More exotic UHF passive can easily exceed $5 per tag, so in this application NFC is the clear winner.
At what range can a barcode, NFC and UHF passive tag be read? Typical barcodes can be read from three to twelve inches, though larger tags with special readers can be read at thirty feet. There are very few applications that justify that set up. NFC tags have very limited range, typically half an inch - or ten mm for the metrically inclined. But this is not necessarily a problem, and can sometimes be an advantage. Passive UHF can be read up to 100 yards (OK, say roughly 100 metres) with the proper equipment, which in this can would be a fixed mount reader.
The comparison here is between NFC and Passive UHF. With NFC the read is always clean and reliable. You know where to put the reader, and you know when you have a read, and which tag you read. But with UHF there are a range (no pun) of issues to consider. Orientation matters - you can't read an RFID tag end on. And which tag are you reading? We have a situation today where a client pointed a reader at a local tag, but the reader failed to co-operate, ignoring the local tag and reading one six feet away.
So NFC wins in this circumstance because it gives a clear, accurate read, and you have a high level of confidence in knowing which tag was read.
Barcodes, UHF Passive and NFC all have strengths and weaknesses which suit them for particular applications. For many cases where asset management is the prime objective the low cost of tags, the ruggedness of the tag, and the low cost of readers will make NFC the best choice.
If you found this useful, you might also want to review:
-
an introduction to barcode technology
- an introduction to RFID
- mobile data collectors
-
consulting
services: barcodes and their applications
