Asset Tracking Using NFC (Near field communication) is established in the market as a mainstream. The number of cell phones with NFC technology is rising quickly. However, it works out of sight so you may not know what it is.

No worries, we're here to clarify the potential uses for NFC and how is it different from other technologies.  

In spite of the fact that it's principally being utilized for making payments (as of now), with many popular platforms such as Google Pay and Apple Pay, enabling you to leave the wallet or handbag at home.

But, NFC has far more capability than this. It can also be used for information sharing via smartphone & all you have to do is tap.

Choosing the right technology for a specific task is very important. Especially when you have the technology available such as RFID, QR code, Bluetooth & NFC. So, let start comparing all of them with NFC.

Also Read: 15 Useful Asset Tracking Tips to Help You Track Your Assets

RFID and NFC

When it comes to asset tracking, RFID is not the only best option. NFC is also another available option. Radio frequency identification (RFID) & near-field communication (NFC) are both similar. RFID frequency ranges from small, high & ultra-high & NFC frequency is high  

We can also say that NFC is the advanced version of RFID. They both use electromagnetic induction for transmitting the data.

So, what is the difference between RFID and NFC?

RFID contains a tag, an antenna & a reader NFC device is able to act both as a reader and as a tag. RFID's main purpose is Asset Tracking on the other hand NFC can be used in tracking, information sharing, making a payment with just a tap.  

Overall, NFC expands upon the models of High-frequency RFID and transforms the constraints of its working recurrence into a remarkable component of near-field communication.

QR Code and NFC

QR Code and NFC both have their own strength & weakness both are used in the same way.

The advantages of QR Code are:

• Cost-effective  
• Highly compatible  
• The customer knows how to scan

The disadvantages of QR Code are:

• They required high visibility to retrieve information
• Not secured
• Need to open the app to scan QR Code

The advantages of NFC are:

• High smartphone adoption
• High security
• Customer can use it for multi-purpose

The disadvantages of NFC are:

• they are more costly in comparison to QR Code
• difficult to embed

QR Code & NFC is just a simple scenario of cost-effective vs convenience choice that you have to make for your particular use case.  

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and NFC

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is also getting famous these days. We can think of Bluetooth as an RFID reader that always broadcasts its signal.

BLE is also popular by the name of Bluetooth Smart. Bluetooth Low Energy works with the assistance of beacons. It identifies the device and communicates with them.

How do Bluetooth and NFC differ from each other? Bluetooth Low Energy can have a range from up to 50 meters whereas NFC has a range of 4 to 5 inches.

You cannot make payment via Bluetooth, but you can make payment with NFC with just a tap.

The cell phone must have Bluetooth turned on in order to have the best user experience.  And, you need to install an app. NFC needs only a tag embedded.

What are the overall benefits of NFC?

As we have said earlier NFC is very similar to RFID Technology it uses a high frequency. With just a tap, you can make payments & do the transactions very easily via smartphone. It has an inbuilt reader. It provides security.

However, NFC has a very small range (just a few centimeters). The tags are expensive compared to others. As it has a small range, it can become a time-consuming & exhausting task.

Conclusion -

All of the above mentioned technologies have their own advantages and disadvantages. So, either you choose RFID, Bluetooth, QR Code, or NFC technology it's important to understand what exactly your company requirements are. Then only you will be able to choose your best option.

Here at Asset Infinity, we are specialists in empowering things with computerized intuitiveness and constructed a platform that makes it simple to manage assets.

If you need help in implementing asset tracking technologies in your business. We urge you to connect with any inquiries you may have.