NFC App set to make mark

 www.in2sequence.com

In our January issue, In2Sequence showed us the power of 3D technologies. Here, the technology solutions provider outlines the potential of ‘Near-Field Communications’ (NFC) and its likely impact on FM.

Perhaps the most significant technology development for FM users in 2011 will be the mass market introduction of Near-Field Communications (NFC), with Apple’s iPhone 5 and Google’s new Gingerbread Android OS.

NFC is a short-range radio communications link which enables the phone to act as an RFID (radio frequency ID)  tag reader or to emulate an RFID tag and relay data. NFC is both a ‘read’ and ‘write’ technology and communication between two NFC-compatible devices occurs when brought within four centimeters of one another.

The major impact for use in FM centres on cost. Widely available devices like smartphones will expand NFC use whilst reducing prices for custom equipment currently used. In addition, more sophisticated information can be transmitted as systems develop.

Last year, in an industry first, In2Sequence partnered with the world’s largest mobile handset maker, Nokia, on the Nokia 6131, the first NFC phone for specific FM applications. The handset has an inbuilt RFID tag reader.

In2Sequence uses the phone within its i2S Washroom Plug-in which its universal software platform, HotDeploy. The handset acts as a data collection device when service technicians scan details of site visits, and later as a quality control device when supervisors download the data. Each location has a low-cost RFID tag and the operator swipes the phone by one tag on entering and another on leaving. Information is added via drop-down phone menus and any paperwork requirement is eliminated.

In addition, iSightLabs is developing several NFC applications for healthcare, nursing and patient care utilising the specific attributes of NFC devices paired to intelligent platforms for sending detailed information on drug delivery, patient health and monitoring.

A ‘universal software platform’ can play a major role when using NFC, as the data collected is only as good as the functionality and intelligence provided by the platform. Consequently, next generation FM systems will require software platforms capable of handling huge workloads and complex tasks, whilst being flexible enough to adapt to changing environments. They act as the ‘central nervous system’ of any FM solution, co-ordinating all interactions from users and devices.

Nokia has a developer portal that allows development partner companies with Java (J2EE) expertise to write applications for the NFC device. iSightLabs developed and deployed their Washroom App last year to prove the technology and can now offer it as an option within their i2S Apps range.

Furthermore, In2Sequence has deep radio network expertise to maximise the overall effectiveness of NFC devices and applications. Not surprisingly, In2Sequence plan to start rolling out NFC-enabled solutions shortly.

Looking ahead, In2Sequence are happy to partner their technology with various industry leaders to together provide an optimum solution for FM users.

For more information on research programmes, visit the In2Sequence YouTube channel.