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NFC Tech

What is RFID and what does NFC have to do with it?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology for transmitter-receiver systems for automatic and contactless data transmission using electromagnetic waves. The biggest advantage is the increase in efficiency through considerable time savings when checking large pools of equipment.

An RFID system consists of:

  • A transponder (tag), which is located on or in the product
  • An identifying code (e.g. serial number)
  • A reader to read this code

Up to now, we have used transponders (tags) with a UHF frequency. These are passive transponders that do not need their own power source, but require a special UHF reader to read them.

With the switch to NFC (Near-Field Communication), the tag (identifying code) can be read using a smartphone or other NFC-enabled device. The tag ID is unique worldwide, which makes the product identifiable. This HF frequency is known from contactless payment.

Advantages:

  • The original reader can be replaced by a mobile device
  • The software used (e.g. Excel Word, Scannable, PSA-Audit) is independent of the tag or reader

Scannable x EDELRID

Scannable is a PPE management software that focuses specifically on personal protective equipment and ensures easy management and inspection.

Our partnership with Scannable turns EDELRID products into smart products. The integrated NFC tags are initialized during the manufacturing of the products. This means that the product and tag are already linked ex works. Specific product information (e.g. GAL, DOC) can be read directly with an NFC-enabled end device. This does not require a user account with Scannable.

It is not mandatory to use Scannable as PPE software, as all EDELRID NFC products are compatible with all PPE management systems.

Learn more

Initialized vs. non-initialized tags

NFC tags are equipped with two data fields. The tag ID, an identification number, is only assigned once worldwide. A free data field can also be provided with specific product information (e.g. GAL, DOC).

Non-initialized tags only hold the globally unique tag ID, while initialized tags are already provided with additional, specific product information by the manufacturer.

Both tag types combine the following advantages:

  • Globally unique tag ID and therefore clearly identifiable product
  • Can be read with an NFC-enabled end device
  • Software-independent use
  • Time-saving PPE management

Apart from this, initialized and non-initialized tags differ in the following points:

Non-initialized tags:

  • NFC tag only contains the tag ID, the free field is not linked to product-specific data
  • With Scannable, the same functions are available as with initialized tags after linking

 

Initialized tags:

  • Free field already contains specific product information (GAL, DOC)
  • Product can be read out directly on a piece-by-piece basis
  • Data provision by Scannable
  • No Scannable account required

EDELRID products with initialized tag:

  • New
    professional
    TECTUM
    Modern, functionally equipped work safety helmet
  • New
    professional
    TECTUM AIR
    Work safety helmet with closable ventilation openings
  • New
    sports professional
    OVAL POWER 2500 TRIPLE NFC
    Oval, aluminum carabiner with a triple-lock closure | with an NFC chip
  • New
    sports professional
    X-TUBE 25MM LOOP NFC
    Wide webbing sling with outstanding tensile strength
    from  €10.00

    FAQ

    I already work with QR codes and/or UHF tags in my product inventory, why does it make sense to add another technology now?

    Then you are already used to it and know the advantages of software and digital markings. EDELRID products have and will always have an additional 2D code to digitize the marking so that you can also work with it. In any case, your software should be the key to being completely independent of any digital marking technology in the future.

    EDELRID has products without NFC tags. How should I use them in my software?

    You can add any type of product to your inventory in any software. You then only need to reference it manually. This can be done in your inventory software either via the unique serial number or via an individual tag that you apply to the product and vice versa. You also have the option of using retrofittable NFC tags to permanently label and thus digitize any type of product.

    I don't currently use any software. So how do I benefit from NFC products?

    If you only use your PPE in your free time, our digital NFC tags will certainly not bring you much added value. However, as soon as you use PPE commercially, you are obliged to check it at least once a year and document this check. Software should be considered as the number of PPE products increases. In this case, the use of PPE management software offers significant time savings compared to manual management.

    Regardless of the software, however, if an item can no longer be identified by its label, it must be discarded. Digital labeling is the longest-lasting solution to this problem, as it ensures that you don't have to reuse your product due to a missing label. You simply get a longer lasting product. Apart from that: EDELRID initialized products can be scanned with a smartphone without any software or subscription to find all relevant documents, see all technical specifications and e.g. find out if there has been a recall for this product.