Securing the Future of Access Control: Three Key Use Cases for NFC

Access control is fundamentally about security. Being able to control who can enter your home or workplace is a key priority, as is restricting who can enter ticketed events or access certain services. User trust in access control solutions is therefore make or break for widespread adoption.

Solutions currently in use across the physical access control ecosystem are hugely fragmented. Almost every door we need to open requires a different key, and, at present, different use cases leverage a variety of legacy solutions, including metal keys, key fobs, card readers, keypads, and single-purpose RFID cards.

The aim of NFC Forum is to provide interoperable technology that can be adapted to meet the needs of each unique use case it serves. Each of the legacy solutions currently in use could instead be replaced with digital keys certified by NFC Forum, which can all be stored and used from a persons’ NFC-enabled mobile phone or wearable to tap-and-go.

Unlocking enhanced security and convenience

Access control systems using NFC technology offer a secure solution for managing entry to buildings, rooms, or secured areas. Leveraging the biometric security on a device, NFC Forum Access Control reduces the risk of unauthorized access by also using an extremely short-range, encrypted connection between a device and a lock.

NFC technologies also deliver ultimate convenience by utilizing the Digital Wallet of the mobile device most consumers already own, and most digital key frameworks also make it easy to share keys with others who you trust. The same functionality can also be provided through a brand’s app, depending on the specific use case. This adaptability and ease of use make NFC an ideal choice for modern access control solutions – no matter the use case.

NFC-enabled Access Control in action

There are many use cases for NFC technologies within the access control ecosystem. Here are three key examples of NFC-enabled access control in action:

Commercial property owners have long relied on issuing and provisioning proprietary ID Badge keycards for enabling workplace access and recording who is entering and leaving the building. However, as more and more organizations look to reduce costs, improve security, and streamline onboarding, demand for digital keys is growing. Digital keys can be issued and stored in the employee’s phone via their digital wallet or through an app, meaning one less thing for them to remember each day. In the event an employee leaves the business, building access can also be revoked just as quickly as it was issued.

Homeowners are increasingly installing NFC Forum technology-enabled door locks as an innovative and reliable way to use, store, and share keys with family members. Homes become more conveniently accessible with just one tap from a mobile phone or wearable, but also provide far greater access control for residents than a physical key. If a device holding a digital key is lost or stolen, it can be disabled to revoke access to individuals without needing to replace a physical lock. Similarly, homeowners can log who enters the property and at what time, giving users full visibility over who is in their home.

Hotels and Cruise Liners were early adopters of proprietary RFID card solutions. However, issuing such a large number of key cards is not just a logistical challenge, it also creates a large amount of plastic waste. NFC technologies certified by NFC Forum can deliver seamless tap-and-go access from the start of a guest’s visit, with digital keys delivered directly to their digital wallet or an app. With no need to line up at a check-in desk or install special software as other mobile solutions mandate, customers benefit from an easier, more convenient way to access their rooms.

Transit providers can further enhance the services a user has available through their smartcard or NFC-enabled device. Interoperable transit ticketing solutions are already setting the stage for innovative Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) and expanding beyond traditional rail transportation and retail deployments. Increasingly, access control is being added to the multiple use cases for existing transit cards, enabling access to commercial, residential and hospitality spaces. This is helping to create a fully integrated contactless service offer – be that using a physical smartcard or one hosted in the user’s digital wallet.

As the number and complexity of different use cases continue to develop, so too do the standards that they rely on. Through close collaboration, NFC Forum is working to ensure that our standards meet evolving market needs. This helps to ensure consistency of behavior across NFC implementations, sets the foundation for interoperability and, ultimately, empowers solution providers to create next generation access control solutions.

Contact us to find out how you can get involved.

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