As organizations grow and diversify, traditional manual methods of tracking assets often fall short, leading to inaccuracies, lost assets, and rising operational costs. To address these challenges, organizations are turning to advanced technologies like RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near Field Communication) for asset tagging.
Asset tagging with RFID and NFC (near field communication tags) streamlines asset tracking while enhancing inventory accuracy, strengthening security, and simplifying lifecycle management. These wireless technologies offer real-time visibility into asset movement and condition, enabling asset and inventory managers to make faster, data-driven decisions.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how asset tagging with RFID and NFC systems works, why it is increasingly essential for modern asset management and the practical benefits it delivers. Let’s dig in!
What is Asset Tagging?
Asset tagging is the practice of attaching unique labels or electronic tags to physical assets so each item can be identified and tracked. This functionality allows managers to log data such as location, purchase date, and maintenance history for every tagged item. In effect it creates a digital inventory of assets, improving inventory accuracy, maintenance scheduling, and theft prevention. Whether overseeing IT infrastructure, manufacturing equipment, healthcare devices, or retail inventory tracking, organizations can achieve greater control and efficiency by adopting a strategic asset tagging system.
PRO TIP: Simplify Asset Tagging with Smart Technology
The NonStop Suite simplifies asset tagging and management by seamlessly integrating RFID and NFC technologies into a single, powerful platform. Its Smart NFC tags and dynamic eForms allow organizations to tag, track, and manage assets in real-time with minimal manual input. By automating these critical processes, The NonStop Suite helps businesses improve accuracy, boost operational efficiency, and ensure complete visibility across their asset portfolios.
NFC Vs RFID Tags in Asset Management
NFC (Near Field Communication) and RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) are two different yet related wireless tagging technologies. NFC is a type of high-frequency RFID (13.56 MHz) that works only in a very short range (a few centimeters). In contrast, many other RFID systems (especially UHF RFID) work over much longer range (meters) and can be read without line-of-sight. NFC tags are typically read by smartphones or tablets, while active RFID tags require dedicated scanners.
Both asset-tracking technologies have some trade-offs. NFC tags are inexpensive and use common NFC enabled devices (no new readers needed), making them suitable for tracking IT equipment or maintenance tasks. For instance, one maintenance team tagged about 1,000 assets with NFC labels so technicians could tap each tag with a smartphone to access equipment manuals and service logs. However, NFC’s very short range means it cannot scan through metal or multiple items, and it stores only limited data. By contrast, UHF RFID can scan many active tags quickly at a distance, aiding bulk inventory management and asset audits. However, RFID systems require fixed readers and network infrastructure, which adds cost and complexity.
Can NFC and RFID Be Used Together?
Hybrid (dual-frequency) tags combine both NFC and RFID in one label. For instance, Checkpoint Systems’ DUÉ mini labels include both an NFC chip and a UHF RFID chip on the same tag. A mobile device can tap the tag via NFC while a long-range reader scans its RFID side. Such dual tags let a single label serve both close-range (mobile-based) and wide-area (RFID) tracking tasks.
How Does Asset Tagging Work with RFID and NFC?
Asset tagging with RFID and NFC entails attaching small, encoded tags to physical assets. Each tag stores a unique identifier and, in some cases, additional data such as asset type, owner, or maintenance history.
With RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification), tags can be scanned remotely using an RFID reader. For example, a warehouse manager can walk through a facility with a handheld scanner and instantly capture the RFID data of hundreds of tagged items without needing direct line-of-sight. This efficacy greatly speeds up inventory checks and reduces human error. NFC tags, on the other hand, require a mobile device or an NFC reader to be within a few centimeters of the tag. This method is ideal for high-value assets requiring frequent individual checks. For instance, a hospital might use NFC tags on medical devices, enabling staff to quickly tap the tag to review maintenance schedules or usage logs.
Simply put, combining RFID and NFC enables flexible, efficient tracking across different operational needs. These asset management technologies automatically update asset management systems when scanned. Ultimately, allowing for faster audits, improved maintenance tracking, and more accurate asset reporting.
PRO TIP: Maximize Asset Uptime with Proactive Maintenance Management
With The NonStop Suite, organizations can move from reactive to proactive maintenance strategies. The platform’s real-time tracking capabilities and automated maintenance scheduling ensure that assets are serviced on time, reducing unplanned downtime and costly repairs. Intuitive dashboards and real-time notifications allow asset managers to prioritize tasks, optimize resources, and extend the lifecycle of critical equipment. For industries where asset uptime directly impacts productivity and revenue, The NonStop Suite provides a decisive advantage in maintaining peak performance and operational continuity.
Why Use Asset Tagging with RFID and NFC?
Asset tagging with RFID technology and NFC tracking offers a modern, efficient way to manage assets across industries. Traditional manual tracking is slow and error-prone, while digital tagging automates asset identification, reduces paperwork, and ensures greater data reliability. With RFID and NFC, companies can monitor asset movement, usage, and condition in real-time, leading to better decision-making.
Following are the key benefits that organizations can yield by streamlining asset tagging with RFID and NFC tags:
Improved Inventory Accuracy
Implementing RFID and NFC in asset tagging can boost inventory accuracy by 95%, far exceeding traditional manual methods. Automated scanning eliminates human errors like miscounts, missed items, or incorrect data entry.
Accurate inventories ensure that companies always know the precise location and status of their assets, minimizing stock discrepancies and operational disruptions. High inventory accuracy also enables better forecasting, reduces the risk of stockouts, and strengthens customer satisfaction, providing a competitive advantage in industries where asset availability is crucial.
Faster Audits And Asset Tracking
RFID and NFC tags significantly reduce the time needed for asset audits and tracking. Instead of manually checking each item, employees can scan hundreds of RFID-tagged assets within minutes, or tap NFC-tagged items individually with a smartphone. This rapid data capture accelerates internal audits, regulatory compliance checks, and operational reviews.
Companies like Delta Airlines have implemented RFID tracking for maintenance parts, making audits more fast and accurate. Faster audits free up valuable labor hours, decrease downtime and provide real-time visibility across asset locations. Consequently, improving organizational agility and resource planning without sacrificing the accuracy or completeness of asset data.
Enhanced Security And Theft Prevention
Asset tagging with RFID and NFC strengthens security and theft prevention strategies. Tagged assets can be continuously monitored, with alerts triggered if an item moves unexpectedly or leaves a designated zone. RFID systems can even be integrated with security gates to automatically detect unauthorized asset removal.
For example, hospitals can use RFID tagging to track valuable medical equipment, reducing loss rates significantly. NFC tags allow individual access logs to be maintained, recording who last interacted with an asset. Together, RFID and NFC tags offer real-time visibility and control over high-value assets, minimizing losses, deterring theft, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Simplified Maintenance And Lifecycle Management
NFC and RFID asset tagging simplifies maintenance scheduling and lifecycle management. Each tag can store critical information such as maintenance history, warranty details, and upcoming service dates. Maintenance technicians can simply scan an NFC tag to instantly access and update an asset’s records, improving maintenance compliance and equipment longevity.
In industries like aviation, RFID tagging of airplane parts has improved preventive maintenance programs, reducing unplanned downtime. By centralizing asset data through tagging, organizations can plan repairs proactively, track asset depreciation more accurately, and make informed decisions about replacements or upgrades. This efficacy lowers the total cost of ownership and extends asset life.
Real-Time Reporting And Analytics
RFID and NFC technologies enable real-time reporting and analytics in asset management systems. As assets are scanned or moved across checkpoints, the systems immediately store data and upload into centralized databases with the help of memory chips. This live visibility allows managers to monitor asset utilization, identify bottlenecks, and optimize inventory levels instantly.
For example, manufacturing plants using RFID tagging can track production equipment in real-time, leading to faster response to operational issues. Real-time analytics empower organizations to act quickly on emerging trends, enhance forecasting, and make data-driven decisions, offering significant strategic advantages in competitive, fast-paced industries where timing and accuracy are critical.
Scalability For Growing Businesses
Asset tagging with RFID and NFC is highly scalable. Organizations can start with a small deployment, tagging only critical assets, and expand coverage as operations grow. RFID readers and NFC-enabled electronic devices can be easily added without overhauling existing infrastructure. As organizations add new assets, locations, or service areas, their industrial asset tracking systems can seamlessly adapt. This transition maintains operational efficiency and control without requiring disproportionate investment or complex reconfigurations.
PRO TIP: Optimize Asset Tagging and Maintenance Using The NonStop Suite
As businesses grow, asset management becomes increasingly complex. The NonStop Suite is built to scale alongside your operations, offering flexible deployment options and customizable workflows that adapt to evolving business needs. Whether managing hundreds or thousands of assets across multiple locations, The NonStop Suite ensures consistent visibility, control, and compliance. For organizations planning for sustainable growth, The NonStop Suite delivers a future-proof solution to asset management challenges.
Conclusion: Transform Your Asset Tracking Systems with RFID and NFC Technologies
Optimizing asset management is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, reducing risks, and driving organizational growth. To meet these evolving demands, The NonStop Group brings forth a powerful EAM solution “The NonStop Suite” that simplifies asset tracking, maintenance management, and security monitoring with precision.
The NonStop Suite offers features like Dynamic eForms, Smart NFC tags, intuitive design, for real-time tracking, improved inventory accuracy, faster audits, and advanced analytics. This CMMS asset management system with passive RFID and NFC tagging empowers organizations to gain full visibility and control over their assets. The NonStop Suite integrates seamlessly into existing systems, helping organizations improve asset utilization, minimize downtime, and streamline workflows across multiple locations.
Should your organization want to elevate its asset management strategy, consult The NonStop Group today and book a FREE personalized product tour to see how The NonStop Suite’s asset tagging system can support your organization’s long-term success.