In physical security, the topic of NFC has drawn both frustration and hope in recent years. On the one hand, mobile credential technologies are now at the forefront of access control, and NFC wins out over BLE in terms of ease of use, and standardization. On the other hand, licensing and costs have made NFC technology very difficult to access without an extensive budget.
Now, licensing changes have brought us to a tipping point — finally, NFC access control technology makes financial and operational sense for businesses of every size. Here’s how NFC fits into physical security and what has changed in its accessibility.
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a way to wirelessly transfer data between two devices. Outside of the security world, it’s most commonly used in tap-to-pay technology such as Apple Wallet. The simplicity and power-efficiency of this technology makes it attractive for several business purposes.
In security, NFC allows for precise and standardized access control practices. Instead of entrusting employees with key cards or relying on BLE, which can vary widely in range and power requirements, organizations can leverage NFC as part of an easy-to-use and more consistent access control solution.
Making the switch from plastic keycards to mobile credentials not only makes for a smoother user experience, but also adds new layers of security and efficiency at every level.
While it’s not uncommon for employees to lend out their plastic keycard, it’s much less likely that anyone would hand over their personal cell phone. Likewise, losing track of a plastic card is much easier than misplacing a phone, and a phone is easier to track down. NFC access naturally tightens security because smartphones are more personal, more secure, and harder to lose.
Every time an employee forgets their access card, front desk staff waste time issuing temporary badges. With mobile credentials, that problem disappears. People don’t leave home without their phones—and if they do, they turn around to get them.
Especially now that tap-to-pay has become a part of daily life, using a phone to pull up security credentials comes easily to most users. Instead of shuffling around in a wallet or backpack to find a key card, users can simply open their mobile wallet and tap their credentials. Since many people are walking into work with their phone in hand anyway, this makes for a fast and intuitive access experience.
While there may be some upfront cost to upgrade hardware, NFC systems often save money in the long run by reducing badge issuance, loss, and admin time.
Up until 2024, NFC technology was an ideal solution for countless organizations, yet it wasn’t affordable. Cost barriers and lack of accessibility outweighed the benefits of NFC, making it infeasible despite its benefits. In addition to on-premises technology upgrades like NFC readers at entrance points, user licenses and seat licenses quickly ate away at security budgets and put this technology out of reach.
Fortunately, NFC is finally becoming more affordable and accessible. Recent collaboration between Apple, Google, and key manufacturers has brought cost per user down substantially, allowing businesses of all sizes and stages to leverage NFC technology in their physical security systems.
This new accessibility means that now is a tipping point: if your organization is completing security upgrades in the near future, making the switch to NFC might belong in your plans.
For years, NFC access was seen as a high-end option: great if you had the budget, but not a must-have. That mindset is quickly changing. Today, NFC mobile credentials offer a blend of security, convenience, and cost-effectiveness that’s hard to ignore.
At SCI, we see this as an opportunity to upgrade infrastructure, revisit outdated systems, and deliver real value in your organization.
The future of access control is mobile. With NFC technology now affordable and widely supported, it’s time to leave behind outdated key cards and move toward a more secure, streamlined solution.
Whether you're managing a growing enterprise or upgrading a single facility, our team can help. Get in touch today.