Today’s brand owners are always looking for ways to increase revenue and strengthen their brands, by better
connecting with consumers and streamlining their operations. A growing number of brand owners, especially those in
the consumer sector, are taking advantage of low-cost RFID-NFC technologies to achieve these goals.
Low-cost RFID-NFC wireless technologies enable products and their packaging to be connected to cloud-based
applications that support big data. The information stored in RFID-NFC wireless tags can be accessed via the
dedicated readers used by supply-chain professionals, or by the more than two billion NFC-enabled smartphones owned
by everyday consumers.
The three RFID-NFC technologies – long-range, vicinity, and proximity – help control the supply chain
and protect each product item with digital track, trace and authentication. RFID-NFC can also help create deeper
consumer relationships, by enabling value-added services and experiences before, during and after a sale.
What’s more, by enabling real-time data collection and analytics in the cloud, RFID-NFC supports continuous
supply chain improvement and deeper consumer insights, so brand owners can make better decisions about their
processes and products.
Powerful trio
Here’s a closer look at the three RFID-NFC technologies:
- Long-range RFID (UCODE®) reads tags over the greatest distance (up to 10 meters or more),
with the help of a dedicated RFID reader and without direct line of sight. Operating in the RAIN UHF range (840
to 960 MHz), long-range RFID is used primarily in the supply chain, where it reads hundreds of items per second.
- Vicinity RFID (ICODE®) reads tags at up to 1.2 meters using a dedicated
reader, but is also compatible with NFC, which means it can be read at close range by a standard NFC smartphone.
Operating in the 13.56 MHz range, this hybrid technology greatly expands a brand’s options as it supports
supply-chain as well as consumer applications.
- Proximity RFID (NFC : NTAG®/MIFARE®) reads tags over only a few
centimeters. It operates at 13.56 MHz and works with any NFC-enabled smartphone on the market. Proximity RFID
lets anyone – including consumers – check if a product is genuine or verify it’s been
handled properly while in the supply chain, and lets consumers access helpful product-related information and
services before and after the sale.
Real-world examples
All three of the RFID-NFC technology formats deliver new ways to protect brands, improve logistics and
create deeper consumer relationships. Here are just a few examples of how our customers are putting RFID-NFC to
work:
Vivienne Westwood (UCODE)
This luxury fashion brand uses woven UCODE labels, provided by TexTrace, to combat counterfeits,
shrinkage, and gray-market activity. The labels are part of the item itself, not a hangtag or care label, so
they can be encoded and shipped directly to suppliers. Labelled items are easily tracked and authenticated
throughout the supply chain, using standard RFID technology at checkpoints and in stores, and any unauthorized
sales are subject to legal action.- Bottega Veneta (ICODE)
Since 2010, this Italian designer, known for unsurpassed
craftsmanship and attention to detail, has used RFID to make sure everything related to their supply chain
– from raw materials and final products to consumer returns – can be traced and digitally
authenticated. The system uses NXP ICODE’s unique privacy mode, so consumers can be confident that any
information about their purchase remains solely with Bottega Veneta.
- Geantet-Pansiot (MIFARE)
This French artisanal winery equips all their bottles with NXP MIFARE Ultralight C tags, for NFC
authentication with encryption. At any time, inspectors, distributors and retailers can quickly verify
authenticity in the field and combat illegal diversion, just by tapping an NFC phone or tablet to the back
label. NFC also lets consumers authenticate bottles at the point-of-sale, and lets them learn more about the
estate, the vintage and how best to store and serve the wine.
- Embassy Bicycles (NTAG)
Based in Poland, this innovative bicycle maker brings wireless technology to the iconic mid-century
American design of a beach cruiser. Each customized Embassy cruiser is equipped with a unique NFC feature that
creates a more personal relationship with the bike owner. An NFC app lets cyclists verify authenticity and view
information about specifications and accessories, and lets bike owners assert ownership of their cruiser if the
bike is ever lost or stolen.
Take the next step
To see more ways NXP can help strengthen your brand and improve operations, check out our informational
brochure titled “Make Your Products Smarter and More Secure with RFID-NFC.”
Join the conversation
Are you using RFID-NFC solutions to make your supply chain more efficient and more secure? Have you ever
used your smartphone to verify you’re buying a genuine product, or to access services based on real-time
needs?
Related links
NXP vicinity solutions
NXP long-range solutions
NXP proximity solutions
MIFARE contactless solutions
NXP NFC solutions
