Facility and Assets Management with NFC

NFC shows much of its potential in facility management solutions or systems, and asset maintenance management.

Due to the uniqueness of the UIDs of NFC chips, it is possible to identify and manage large numbers of items with the use of NFC tags (which can have different shapes and forms), NFC readers (which can be a mobile phone, tablets of industrial PDAs) and a management platform that centralizes and the data collected.

ADVANTAGES

This type of solution has advantages for companies at several levels:

- For technicians, filedwork becomes simpler and more efficient thanks to the centralization of information and the use of NFC tags and portable NFC readers it is possible to perform more tasks in less time, with agendas, task lists and digital notifications;

- For maintenance managers, all relevant information is centralized  on the platform, which allows them to obtain data and statistics about their team in one place, monitor assets, plan maintenance actions, calculate costs, or even see information in real time;

- For facility managers, the revelant information is also centralized and a uniform integration between departments is possible.

An additional benefit of adopting an NFC solution of this kind, is the reduction of the use of paper, making processes smooth, faster and more ecological. 

APPLICATIONS

Due to its versatility, the use of NFC in the maintenance of facilities and assets proves to be useful in many other sectors and industries. 

In hospitality, it facilitates the communication between departments and improves the reaction time to failures and requests, which leads to a more satisfied customer.

In technical assistance services, it allows improving the autonomy of field teams and creates effective maintenance plans.

In retail, it simplifies processes, improves communication between stakeholders and optimizes inventory management.

NFC TAGS TYPES

An NFC tag can take multiple formats, depending on what is most convenient for each application. Some cases will justify highly resistant industrial tags, others a small and subtle adhesive label, and other a PVC card or wristband. Let's look into some of them:

     - Wristbands

NFC wristbands are generally associated with concerts and music festivals, and for good reason! Personalized according to the event, the wristbands offer a simple and quick way to enter the venue, control access on the go, and potentially cashless payments. 

Altogether, they are useful for businesses too. Wristbands are an excellent way to carry out idenfication access control without contact, allowing employees to identify themselves only by approaching the wristband to an NFC reader. This solution seems to be very appropriate now with Covid-19.

     - Adhesive Labels

Adhesive labels have a low cost, are light, thin and non-invasive. They can be produced in various shapes and sizes, and optionally with a ferrite protection that allows them to be glued to metallic surfaces. Furthermore, can be personalized with logos, texts and numbers. The fact that adhesive labels can be glued to any surface makes them a very versatile asset.

     - Cards

NFC cards are often used for people identification and access control in facilities. Sturdy and usually produced in ID-1 size, they can be personalized with logo, text, and images. Also applicable in the event industry, as they can take a form of a digital business card and be used to exchange information.

     - Industrial Tags

Within the Industrial Tags category, tags are characterized by their resistance, durability and application. Some of the types of special tags on the market are for example: 

- Tags for textile magament in laundry services (Laundry Tags);

- Tags for screwing or nailing;

- Tags for jewelry or clothing;

- Tags for tires;

- Tags for plants;

and many more!