The development and implementation of near-field communication (NFC) have introduced significant improvements in various sectors. The technology has been particularly valuable for the payments industry. A broad range of processes became more convenient and efficient. Understanding the technology is valuable for implementing solutions in logistics.

Who is needed in the development team for NFC solutions?

Well, we figured out what NFC is and why they are important for logistics. But who needs NFC solution development? These are companies that are usually associated with buying and selling. Customers are already used to using this technology. So, keeping up with the times, you won’t lose money.

The first reason why NFC is an in-demand solution is the ability to pay contactless even with a smartphone. NFC can also be used for security. The technology of electronic locks is already known to many. When this happens via NFC, the employee can enter the office or office using a smartphone. So the second point is security. With the help of NFC, one can read documents, which will also come in handy when we talk about security and comfort.

When a customer needs an application that supports NFC, he looks for an NFC solutions company. Although this market is quite developed, it has some gaps. Therefore, it is not easy to find a suitable developer with a just price.

What are NFC mobile payments?

The NFC technology relies on short-range wireless technology involving magnetic field induction. It enables communication between devices in close proximity. NFC mobile payments enable digital transactions by connecting devices and cards with NFC readers.

The mentioned devices include tablets and credit cards. Convenience and speed are two primary advantages of the technology. Companies rely on NFC mobile payments in a broad range of industries. These include retail industry, restaurant industry, and other professional services. Businesses accepting NFC payments pay charges similar to the card processing ones. The majority of credit card readers support NFC payments.

Each NFC mobile payment starts with the initiation of the NFC-enabled reader. The initial start involves the point-of-sale (POS) system. The POS system sends a signal searching for a NFC payment device. Next, the reader detects the antenna of the NFC device or a card. The communication between the reader and the device allows payment processing.

What is the role of NFC in logistics?

While NFC technology is valuable for mobile payments, its use is even broader in logistics. Its application in supply chain management commonly delivers superior results. Companies usually combine NFC technology with the Internet of Things (IoT). Such a combination leads to higher effectiveness.

The application of NFC is possible within the scope of security, tracking, and quality controls. It is also effective for customer relations and connectivity. Implementing NFC technology increases the speed of those processes and data collection rates. The role of NFC in security includes tracking, location, and authentication functions.

NFC technology improves the inventory management function in warehouses and stores. Improvements in quality assurance stem from the broad measurement capabilities of NFC-enabled devices. These sensors allow for collecting critical data and forming databases. The automation component also enables cost efficiency.

What functions of the NFS can be used in logistics?

Specific uses of NFC in logistics reflect the roles of technology discussed above. Such uses generally need the development of custom software with predetermined functionality. TRIARE develops custom software for logistics and transportation. The solutions offered in the software target the respective roles of the technology:

• The security aspect requires using NFC-enabled labels and smart tags. These solutions identify, locate, and authenticate items along the supply chain. The technology allows protection against theft and counterfeiting.

• Tracking relies on NFC-enabled sensors attached to items. The tracking process supports inventory management by providing location data. Restocking process improvement is possible through inventory tracking in real-time.
• The use of NFC in quality assurance requires installing censors. These devices collect data about specific items that are critical to their quality. For instance, frozen produce retains its quality under specific temperature ranges. NFC-enabled sensors would measure the temperature and signal deviations. Businesses avoid risks related to spoilage or sale of the poor-quality items.
• NFC payments in logistics keep their convenience and efficiency. These applications are relevant to various stages of the supply chain. NFC payments in logistics need a reader and an NFC-enabled device.
• The IoT technology supports automation in logistics by connecting various devices. These connections support cross-device communication with the data exchange. The value of such an exchange stems from its efficiency.
• The security of the NFC-enabled sensors adds value to the technology. The short-range of the technology minimizes the possibility of hacking attacks.

Benefits of NFC technology for logistics

The core features of NFC technology, combined with the other innovative tools, such as the IoT, offer multiple benefits to businesses. The main outcomes of using NFC include cost-efficiency, flexibility, and precision. Companies secure these results by taking advantage of several key benefits of NFC.

The primary benefit of NFC technology is its ability to improve tracking and security. Labels and smart tags relying on NFC allow locating, identifying, and authenticating goods along the supply chain. Smart devices with tracking support the prevention of theft and counterfeiting. Additionally, customers gain access to information about production dates, expiry dates, and batch numbers. Retailers gain the ability to track inventory in real time, which improves their management. Further automation of these processes leads to substantial cost savings from a lower workforce and higher precision over the restocking cycles.

Quality assurance is another valuable benefit offered by NFC technology. NFC-enabled tags can provide critical information about the goods, such as temperature and humidity. Such information is particularly essential in the foods and beverages industry, as it may directly impact the health of customers. Thus, early detection of spoilages prevents distribution of these goods to customers and minimizes health risks. Customers receive fresh foods and beverages, which improves customer satisfaction and contributes to the competitive position of a company using NFC.

NFC tags are becoming a focal component of environmental protection. These devices allow monitoring various indicators, such as the level of pollution in the air and water. Socially responsible companies use NFC technology to monitor their effects on the climate and environment to minimize the negative effects. In this regard, NFC supports the sustainability element of businesses and improves their reputation.

The effectiveness and utility of NFC technology improves significantly with the addition of IoT. The connectivity aspect supports communication between autonomous NFC devices, which creates a relatively independent ecosystem. These ecosystems minimize the possibility of human error while reducing costs to business. Contactless payments have already shown their utility worldwide. Similar approaches involving automation in supply chains lead to major operational and financial benefits to companies.

Conclusion

TRIARE develops software that supports the implementation of NFC technology. Customized solutions suit specific needs of companies. The approach allows for avoiding excess costs and implementing the needed features.