Near Field Communication

How does it work?

Near Field Communication is close proximity (3/4” distance) wireless connectivity technology. NFC tags store small amounts of information that activate your personal electronics (smart phone, personal computer or smartwatch) to respond to opening a web browser and then a website. There are no wires or apps needed. Tags used in public locations can be hard locked to prevent any alteration of the URL destination. NFC tags can also be left open so they can be reprogrammed as needed.

NFC tags can be used in conjunction with graphic overlays to create a smart label. The smart label interacts with the user to connect them to an endless amount of information.

Examples of NFC uses

• Share contact information from a business card
• Initiate phone call to taxi or Uber service
• Read out medication instructions for visually impaired from prescription package
• View pricing at retail stores
• Act as a ticket to enter concerts, museums and theatres
• Order stadium food through a contactless process

NFC tags can also be incorporated into in-mold decorated (IMD) parts. OEMs will find that their 2D or 3D IMD part can connect their end users to owner’s manuals and warranty information, as well as, promote loyalty programs and premium product offerings. When any of these items need to be updated, it can be done in the URL page so the most current information will always be available to the consumer.

Android

Android devices have supported NFC since the early 2000s and do not require an app to utilize NFC. Samsung brought the technology mainstream in their 2012 Galaxy S3 smartphone.

iPhone

The iPhone has had NFC capabilities since 2014 with the release of the iPhone 6 and was made exclusively for Apple Pay. iPhones 6 through 10  require an associated app for NFC functionality. The iPhone 11, 11Pro and 11 Pro Max all support NFC reading without the need for a 3rd party app and have the ability to write NFC tags with a 3rd party app.