QR or quick response codes have taken the world by storm after rising in popularity in 2002. Businesses who were quick to adopt QR codes into their systems and daily operations reaped efficiencies in payments, performance monitoring, check-in processes, and a myriad of other advantages.
Is it safe to say we’ve peaked with QR codes? Nope. When it comes to technology, there are only new frontiers. By 2011, NFC or near field communication technology was introduced. It provided connectivity that was more advanced and advantageous than its predecessor in terms of security, ease of use, readability, and design.
What’s the Difference Between NFC Technology and QR Codes?
How does NFC technology work? QR codes operate similarly to barcodes. Upon scanning a QR code with a smartphone, a website or application that’s linked to it is opened. Whenever businesses want to use QR codes, they have to first decide what they want the code to link to, then generate a QR image with a computer program.
Since QR codes are fixed images, you can’t change the information it links out to. If you want a QR code to retrieve different information, you’ll have to generate a new image.
QR Codes: Uses and Limitations
To read the QR code, the user has to open an app on their smartphone to scan the QR image, wait for it to recognize the code, analyze it, and then get access to stored information. Depending on the smartphone used, the process can require a bit of time.
Common uses of QR codes in the hospitality industry allow businesses to monitor guest check-ins as well as collect data and survey results from people who accessed a product or service.
NFC Technology: A More Versatile Solution
Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, on the other hand, is a cut above QR codes because it enables faster, more reliable, and secure connectivity. Its ease of use enables users to just wave their phones near the NFC tag and retrieve information instantly.
NFC Technology is versatile and can adapt to a number of changes through the NFC chip connected to a device. It not only stores different types of information but allows users to adjust that information on a whim by overwriting the previous data contained in the tag with new information.
Benefits Of Integrating NFC Technology In The Hospitality Industry
Running an operation that attracts huge crowds while still requiring personalized customer service entails precise customer management systems. Integrating NFC technology into hospitality establishments is the best way to efficiently manage these industry demands. Let’s take a look at some of the common uses of NFC technology within the hospitality industry.
#1. Easy Check-In and Check-Out
With NFC, you don’t have to worry about lost key cards and getting them back when guests check out. By placing digital keys in smartphones, guests can check-in, check-out, and re-enter as needed without carrying a physical key or key card. In turn, hotels only need to issue digital keys and provide corresponding access.
#2. Reliable Cashless Payment System
NFC technology is fast, secure, and resistant to scratches and other superficial damages. This durable tap-and-go system is a great cashless payment solution. NFC technology can be integrated with POS (point of sales) systems so it is a quick, accurate, and convenient payment system.
#3. Eliminates Long Queues and Accommodates Loyalty Programs
Because NFC Technology allows faster connectivity, businesses can eliminate long lines and generate more revenue by using a faster and more efficient payment system. NFC also accommodates loyalty programs that are tied to purchases. Consumers can redeem vouchers, promotions, discounts, freebies, and other rewards with an NFC-based system in place.
#4. Easy Management
With NFC, guest database collection, behavior, transaction history, etc. becomes easy to monitor. Additionally, all this data allows businesses to analyze and enhance the customer experience which leads to client retention and increased revenue.
#5. Helps Track Inventory
NFC technology can be used to monitor inventory and sales. This can potentially help businesses change their marketing tactics and strategies based on real-time consumer behavior.
The Takeaway: NFC Is a Competitive Edge
NFC technology is changing the hospitality industry. Businesses in this sector are left with the decision of getting in early and reaping its many benefits, waiting until most businesses have adopted it, or resisting it and hoping that they can stay competitive despite competitors’ innovations.
About PouchNATION
Find out how you can take advantage of NFC technology. PouchNATION is Asia’s leading cashless and guest management solution. Since 2014, PouchNATION has been enabling organizations with intelligent operational solutions with the latest in-house technology.
