Leverage Near Field Communication (NFC) with Maximo Mobile
Use a mobile device to scan an NFC tag for asset/location identification.
The release of Maximo Mobile 8.11 saw IBM provide additional scanning functionality to expedite identification of records (like an Asset or Location). While previously there was only barcode reading capabilities, there now exists the ability to read and scan NFC. In the below I discuss what NFC is, take a practical look at how to set it up and look at the advantages of using this (potentially over QR coding) to quickly identify assets at site.
Background:
NFC (near field communication) is used to let two devices communicate when they’re close together. NFC is a subset of RFID (radio-frequency identification), a technology that utilises radio waves for item identification. RFID has been around a long time and is used for things like scanning clothing in shops, entering secure buildings, tagging livestock, etc. You likely already use NFC in some form most days such as with contactless payments, allowing you to forego a physical wallet by keeping your credit card information stored on your phone. You can then transmit your card data from your mobile when paying for goods and service.
NFC and Maximo Mobile:
NFC reading capabilities are standard on most IoS / Android Smart phones. With the release of Maximo Mobile 8.11, IBM has included this functionality, giving users the ability to read records (like an Asset or Location’s NFC Tag) for fast identification.
Previously the Maximo Mobile reader was utilising only a barcode scanner for fast record (like Asset ID) identification, making the NFC capability a welcome addition. I wanted to test out and see how this functionality runs and whether it is worthwhile evaluating it as a form of identification at site. I found the experience of doing it and testing it surprisingly straight forward. What I learnt:
1: A bag of ten blank NFC disk shape tags will set you back $3 AUD. I ordered online and they arrived in a couple of days.
2: I needed to then write the unique ID identifying the Asset or Location to the tag. To do this I downloaded on my smartphone an NFC read / write application. Many of these exist such as TagMo or NFC Tools.
3: I create a text file with the Alphanumeric Asset ID I want to apply to the tag. I scan the tag and write the file onto it ( in my case used ID = 1234543). This ID correlates in my Maximo Database with a Freezer (asset) I need to do regular maintenance on.
4: With the NFC tag now transmitting the desired Asset ID, I firmly place it onto the relevant physical asset it would be required to identify.
5: I have an imagined scenario where as an employee I need to report a fault on a freezer. I log into Maximo Mobile (8.11) and via the Service Request Application, I raise a request and scan my NFC tag, this successfully pulls the Asset ID and correctly identifies my freezer asset. See example in this short video, I use the attachments feature to take a picture, where I show what the tag I have just scanned with my phone look like.
Advantages of NFC:
What are some conclusions that can be drawn utilising NFC tags as a form of asset identification (especially compared with barcodes) ?
Speed: NFC tags are scanned much faster than barcodes and are therefore a more efficient scanning method. You just tap the tag with a compatible device like your phone and read the ID stored on the tag. This will reduce time spent on asset identification.
Durability: NFC tags are durable. They’re able to run in harsh environments without too much impact from water, dust, heat, etc. and still be read. This helps ensure asset identification remains reliable regardless of the industry.
Data Storage: NFC tags can store much larger data sets than barcodes.
Security: NFC tags support encryption and authentication features, enhancing security.
Interactivity: Can set up NFC to trigger an action on the device such as opening the Maximo Mobile application or a browser with correct Maximo URL.
Future proofing: NFC technology is well funded and continually evolving. Adopting NFC tags can help future proof your companies asset identification strategy to then take advantage of advancements in NFC technology as and when it becomes available.
While barcoding (especially QR labels) remain a popular option for asset identification (and the one we most commonly use when asset tagging for our clients), the advantages offered by NFC in terms of efficiency, durability and interactivity make them an attractive option for consideration. It’s clear why this feature has been added by IBM as a form of identification.