“ NFC is already adopted in the mobile arena: there will be 1.5 billion NFC-enabled mobile devices shipped per year by 2025, according to ABI Research from 2020. When looking at IoT devices the numbers are even more exciting: 20 billion IoT enabled devices were predicted to be in use by the end of 2020, and by 2030 this number will reach half a trillion devices.”

David Renno (2021)

What is Near Field Communication (NFC)?

The very first use of Near Field Communication (NFC) started in France in 2011. It makes a considerable number of functions convenient for users worldwide. NFC makes the exchange of digital content more accessible. Your electronic device can generate essential data with a touch or click. NFC can work with other contactless cards as well. This advanced technology is getting a lot of attention in this new era of technology for its flexible features, advanced smartphones, and low-cost implementation of NFC tags compared to other alternatives. NFC technology is derived from RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification). The frequency of NFC allows a device to assemble peer-to-peer interaction at a maximum of 10 centimeters distance.

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Common Purposes of Near field Communication (NFC)

NFC was originally intended for the payments market, but its widespread adoption in mobile devices is now serving a lot of other purposes that can make our lives easier. Most of the modern devices now have built-in NFC for:

  • Contactless transactions
  • Connecting devices
  • Smart access to information
  • Easy download of digital contents
  • Enhanced security benefits

How to use NFC?

Holding an NFC-enabled smartphone near an NFC reader to pay for a product or service is NFC technology’s most common current application. Consider having your smartphone near your vehicle’s door handle to unlock it. NFC also enables peer-to-peer communication, which allows you to share a file or a contact by bringing two smartphones close together.

How can NFC benefit fleet management?

Ease of use

The ease of use of NFC technology over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi – two standard wireless communication technologies already used by automotive OEMs – is a significant advantage. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi require users to connect smartphones, which takes several seconds manually. NFC connects automatically in a fraction of a second, making the connection appear instantaneous. Its contactless “tap-and-go” feature is simple and easy to use. Fleet service providers can easily track their vehicles, important equipment, and viable information through the implementation of NFC.

Authorization

Fleets and vehicles often face various types of security risks. Near-field communication enables the establishment of secure channels and the use of encryption when transmitting sensitive data. Only authorized drivers can scan the NFC tag. Unauthorized drivers cannot gain access to the vehicle. Thus, NFC also reduces the possibility of vehicle theft. Even if any vehicle or part of the vehicle is lost, an NFC tag can help to identify the lost parts.

Accountability

Implementing a mobile equipment checkout process allows you to track the amount of equipment. Fleet managers can use tool tracking software to track all past and current equipment assignments to locate lost or missing equipment. Allowing operators to assign equipment to themselves by scanning NFC tags enables them to take an active role in gear security, maintenance, and organization. Data derived from NFC allows you to foster an accountability culture among your team members and empower them to communicate with you about the status and condition of your equipment.

The CloudApper Fleet can integrate the Near Field Communication (NFC) feature. The system can generate a vehicle-ID using Near Field Communication (NFC). This ID enables drivers to obtain a brief vehicle report. Renewal history, accident records, maintenance schedules, meter reading, and upcoming assignments are just a few examples. It can also assist mechanics and car technicians in diagnosing and repairing problems. With more vehicles using electronics and embedded processors, an NFC-enabled phone can be a valuable tool for displaying error codes and diagnostic information.