Businesses must do more to tap NFC

Smartphones are no longer used only to send and receive calls, text messages, use apps, surf the Net, play games, et cetera.

The first computer was the size of a room; the latest mobile phones are in essence supercomputers the size of our palms. Wireless communication technology in these devices has permeated our lives.

Near field communication (NFC), which is available in most phones in the market, is particularly important. It allows small packets of data to be transmitted between smartphones and other NFC-enabled devices (“UOB boosts S’pore’s contactless payment network”; Sept 14).

Despite its proliferation, many have not utilised this tool. NFC could change our lives in future, so more should be done to adopt the technology fully.

First, with NFC, the smartphone is an all-in-one payment device. Instead of fumbling with cash or watching our credit card spending, we simply wave our phone at an NFC-enabled kiosk to pay for items.

Concert organisers should use it so we need not queue for drinks or tickets. So too should theme parks, and we would not need to take a bulky wallet or purse.

Businesses and services worldwide are already utilising NFC technology, but with two in three mobile phones estimated to come with NFC in 2018, I do expect the number of retailers using the system is to grow over the next few years.

Second, NFC technology is being used to open doors in hotels, businesses and schools. In a few years, there should be keyless entry to more places.

Keys get misplaced, jingle about and stick out awkwardly in our pocket. Besides NFC replacing keys and identification badges in the workplace or even our home, imagine opening and starting our car safely with the wave of a phone.

Third, NFC tags are small and lightweight and so should eventually be integrated into everything, from sports posters to advertisement signs and more. These tags would contain all sorts of data available with the tap of a smartphone.

There should be NFC-enabled stadiums with posters advertising the next game in unique ways. We could tap our phone and get sent to the club’s web page to find the information we need, including game schedules, player statistics and interviews.

There should be NFC-enabled campuses where students can get updated schedules or coursework by tapping their phone on a noticeboard. School administrators would also be able to do a real-time headcount of the students on campus at any given time.

As more smartphones feature NFC, and more developers create innovative ways to use it, the technology should be integrated into countless applications such as food packaging, flyers and other merchandise.

Then we would get the full benefits of NFC and the sky would be the limit.