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.

We're Here to Help

Still not sure which data reader is right for you, or have questions regarding the solution best suited for your business’ requirements? Our customer support team is available to help you through your product purchase decision and answer any questions you have.

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