NFC Reading/Writing

NFC Reading/Writing devices range from smartphones, handheld devices, and countertop readers that all offer a unique set of benefits. The comparison guide below will help you analyze these benefits and guide you toward the best reading/writing solution that suits your needs.

Phone

Phone-nfc-reading-writing-hover

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. Reads info 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.

Handheld

D600-nfc-reading-writing-hover

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 - 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.

Countertop

s550-nfc-reading-writing-hover

Summary

Countertop NFC Reading and Writing requires a reader that sits freely on any countertop surface and is a perfect option for complete contactless data capture. 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 when required 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 a smartphone.
  • 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 pictures.

If you are having issues with your data reader, please review our FAQs for a solution.

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