What are the benefits of using NFC?
There are several advantages to using an NFC tag. I will highlight the most important ones.
- A quick and convenient way to access device data and related tasks in a mobile application. Scan the NFC tag, and the app will open an intermediate menu through which you can access the device card or initiate a task related to the device.
- When an NFC tag is scanned at the start and end of a work order, an NFC icon is added to the time entries in the work time table, the confirmed task PDF, and the completed task report PDF. This indicates that the start and end times of the task were recorded in real time (the employee did not manually change the time) and that the employee was physically near the device at that moment.
If the service provider offers the client 24/7 fault repair service, this provides proof that the technician indeed went out during the night and was present near the specific device. - Occasionally, some devices located in inconvenient places are maintained remotely. By attaching an NFC tag to the device, the worker is required to physically approach it in order to scan the tag at the beginning and end of the task.
Example: Maintenance of a floodlight mounted on a mast. The worker must climb the mast, inspect cables and connectors, tighten connections, clean the glass and housing, and perform other necessary tasks. This is quite uncomfortable—especially in bad weather. Instead, the floodlight is briefly turned on, and if it lights up, the logbook is marked “all done”.
The obligation to scan the tag forces the worker to climb the mast. Once they’re up there, it’s highly likely that the tasks will actually be completed—since they’re already in place. Because the tag must be scanned again to confirm the job, the worker can’t just climb down immediately, as it would be suspicious if the entire job took only 10 seconds.
Of course, we can’t guarantee that the worker is genuinely working the whole time and not simply enjoying the view—but the likelihood of actual work being done is significantly higher.
Can an NFC tag be copied?
Yes and no. Copying an NFC tag is theoretically possible, but not very easy. It requires skills, knowledge, and specialized equipment.
Copying an NFC tag is not comparable to copying a QR code, which only requires taking a photo.
Can two NFC tags be linked to a single device?
No.
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