NFC Reading/Writing

Summary

Reading NFC tags via smartphones for scanning assets and inventory is a good option if the volume is low and isn’t required regularly.

Pros

• Flexible - Can be used as both an NFC reader and barcode scanner.
• Convenient - Easy to make payments without a wallet or credit card.
• Versatile - Works with more than just payment systems. It reads information from NFC tags, which can be further manipulated and edited.
• Seamless - Provides continuous communication between devices.
• Safe - NFC payments are more secure than credit cards.
• Availability - Most people keep their phones on them at all times.
• Cost - No need to pay for a new NFC scanner. Purchasing multiple NFC Readers can get expensive.
• Photo-ability - Take pictures and attach them directly to data for timely problem-solving.
• Anytime Reading - Phones are carried by most people and go everywhere. Provides the ability to read on the go.
• Storage - Provides digital storage, and if a network is not available, data can be read, stored, and then sent later.

Cons

• Battery Life - Powering the screen and running applications on the OS while reading drains the phone’s battery more quickly.
• Design - Phones are heavy and not designed for repetitive scanning motions and angles.
• Security - Data scanned on a device opens the opportunity for information to be shared outside. BYOD requirement makes it even easier for confidential info to leak.
• Total Cost of Ownership - A dedicated reader has a longer lifespan.
• Replacement Cost - Phones can be damaged while reading. Replacement is more costly than a dedicated reader.
• Lost productivity - If the smartphone breaks before transferring data, the data will need to be rescanned.
• Operating System Updates - Smartphones require regular software and OS updates.

Summary

For processing high-value & high-volume assets (50+ items) regularly.

Pros

• Flexible - Ability to adapt to many mobile scenarios.
• Mobility - Does not require a power connection and is convenient when required to move around. Reads tags from up to 100cm away; NFC protocol enabled; Provides a highly secure data transmission.
• Performance - The NFC reader is intended for limited purposes, making it faster and more reliable than a smartphone.
• Ergonomics - Readers are lightweight, minimizing wrist movement and protecting the user from heavy repetitive motions.
• Battery Life - Longer than a phone.
• Cost Efficiencies - Readers are limited-purpose devices making them less complex and less expensive to buy and maintain.
• Total Cost of Ownership - Readers do not rely on the latest technology to perform and don’t need replacing as often as a smartphone.
• Replacement Cost - Less expensive to replace if broken.
• User Feedback - Includes sounds, lights, and vibration.
• Storage - No digital storage keeps your data private and secure.

Cons

• Storage - Cannot hold digital data for later use.
• Photo-ability - Not capable of taking images.

Summary

Countertop NFC Reading and Writing requires a reader that sits freely on any countertop surface. It is a perfect option for complete contactless data capture, and the tap-and-go technology is optimal for regular and high-volume scanning.

Pros

• Flexible - Adaptable to many stationary and mobile scenarios.
• Mobility - Does not require a power connection making it convenient to move around. Reads tags from up to 50mm away. NFC protocol enabled. Provides a highly secure data transmission.
• Performance - NFC readers are intended for a single purpose, making them faster and more reliable than smartphones.
• Battery Life - Longer than a phone.
• Cost Efficiencies - Readers are single-purpose devices, less complex and less expensive to buy and maintain.
• Total Cost of Ownership - Readers do not rely on the latest technology to perform and don’t require replacing as often as smartphones.
• Replacement Cost - Less expensive to replace if broken.
• User Feedback - Includes customizable voice and lights.
• Storage - No digital storage keeps your data private and secure.

Cons

• Storage - Cannot hold digital data for later use.
• Photo-ability - Not capable of taking images.