Customize / NFC Chips

NFC Chip Technology

In operations using multiple flexible connectors, streamlining inventory can be a challenge. With NFC technology, this can be a thing of the past.

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Product Description

Filcoflex offers NFC chips as an optional product feature. Encasing the chip inside a polyurethane pocket allows welding or stitching to any flexible connection. This pocket also protects the chip from fluids, chemicals, and other influences that may damage the chip. But what is NFC and why should you use it for your flexible connectors?

NFC (Near Field Communication) technology offers the possibility to write and read a chip with any mobile NFC compatible device (iOs and Android) or with an NFC reader and writer connected to your PC. NFC uses radio waves, similar to RFID, but only operates in close proximity reading.

NFC chips are also called as NFC tags, smart tags, and info tags.

Main Features

NFC ready
Hygienic construction
Streamline operations
IOS, Android and Microsoft compatible

NFC Tags in application

Where to use NFC Tags

You can program the NFC with multiple records, such as:

P&ID numbers or unique factory position ID
Stockroom position
Part code or Article number
Drawing numbers
URLs to: manuals, safety instructions, operating manuals, internal operating procedures, certificates, etc
Video web-links to Youtube, Vimeo, and other services
Name of the allergen sensitive products
Replacement and maintenance
Date of first use, replacement date, and service date

Traditional vs NFC Tags

Many of our customers use the same standardized flexible connectors for various locations or purposes inside the factory. For example, a connector used to produce amoxicillin cannot be used for other drugs.

These often have a physical label welded onto the flexible or stainless steel parts. As a result, the stock room contains products of the same kind that are hard to differentiate. This causes less efficient inventory management and slower replacements.

Since 2020, almost any smart device is NFC compatible. Every NFC chip we deliver comes with a standard link to this Optional Product Features page "NFC chip" on the website. The chip comes in an 888 bytes size, which is the largest capacity available at this moment. If the NFC capacity grow, Filcoflex will change their standard to larger formats.

While traditional tags remain relevant, upgrading to NFC tags could help your operation become smarter and more productive. You can quickly learn all the information about your flexible connector and its application using an NFC chip reader.

Benefits of NFC Technology in flexible sleeves

NFC is a great tool for inventory management in factories. How can this new technology improve your operations?

UNIVERSAL STOCK. An NFC chip on a flexible connector remains empty until you program it. Flexibles in the stockroom can be used for any purpose in your factory. The NFC chip is only programmed to have the right contents when you need it to be.
LESS MANUAL ERROR. Employees and operators often have to read traditional tags to get information. Tags contain a limited space and may not show all needed details. Reviewing connector placement can be done simply with an nfc enabled device.
EASY ACCESS. Using just a reader, employees and operators know all important information about the product. Reading and writing details in the NFC chip only takes a few minutes.
HYGIENIC. Filcoflex encases their NFC chips in a polyurethane pocket before attaching to a flexible connector. This makes sure that your operation remains hygienic and free from contamination.

How to program NFC chips

When customers choose to add a custom NFC tag, they receive an "empty" chip that they can write on themselves. The following are the steps to program nfc tags:

1

Download software and make sure that your device is NFC-enabled.

2

Upload or type the information you want your chip to contain (text, URL, etc.).

3

Select the "write" option and scan the tag in your flexible connector.

4

Once confirmed, you can access the information from the tag using an NFC reader anytime.

The customer can program the NFC chip whenever. They can secure the tag with a password to prevent unauthorized parties deleting or changing a tag's programming. Reading and writing with Android or iPhone (iOs) device is almost the same. Filcoflex customizable NFC tag comes with a pictogram showing swiping and scanning with a compatible device.

SOFTWARE AND APPLICATIONS

All new smartphones and tablets are able to read and write nfc technology in the manufacturers software. However, the factory software often have limited capability. Other software with better reading and writing capability can be downloaded.

Filcoflex recommends the NFC Tools software. Click to download for your operating system.

Download for Android Download for iOS Download for PC

Need more help?

We understand that deciding which product to use can be daunting. Reach out to us and we will figure out the best solution for you!

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