Interactive Products with NFC
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Near-field communication (NFC) as Wikipedia explains is a set of communication protocols for communication between two electronic devices over a distance of 4 cm or less. NFC offers a low-speed connection with simple setup that can be used to bootstrap more-capable wireless connections.
Use of NFC tags on products is a great way of making the customer experience interactivity. NFC tags although of low range but can be read by most of the smartphones in the market today. Adidas has been using NFC tags from Smartrac in their shoes, allowing customers to tap a shoe and get information.
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NFC tags come in many forms and can be retrofitted or later stuck as a sticker to merchandise. They can be coded with tiny url links to videos, pictures or websites. This allows for customers to interact with the products without having to wait for or require assistance of a sales associate. In the connected world of social media, such an interaction would allow for customers to share more details with family and friends. NFC tags also address the issue of product authentication. They can be used to fight fakes and issues with product integrity.
On fashion and luxury goods, these tags can serve to ensure authenticity for the customer as well as the manufacturer. The mere fact that NFC tags can be ready by most of the smartphones makes such use possible. These tags stuck to wine bottles or medicines can serve to ensure that a bottle is not opened until it is meant to be opened. The special NFC tags would still give information regarding the product along with an alert that the seal has been broken and the bottle opened. Simple mobile apps can be put together for businesses and brands to be able to get results from NFC tags for their customers and themselves. In high value products, NFC will emerge as a winner over UHF as often it is important to see the products rather than doing a faster long distance scan.
A recent great NFC initiative has been by RBC. Royal Bank of Canada has added new features to its mobile app that make it quicker and easier for customers opening a new bank account at a branch to prove their identity. “The app also uses near field communications (NFC) so clients can tap the electronic chip on newer versions of passports.” At 44degNorth we pride ourselves on being able to source NFC tags and develop apps. We have helped many customers bring life to their stores by making products interactive with interactive displays and kiosks. Happily serving customers in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada.
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