In this article:
Intro
What is NFC
How does it work with container locks
Conclusion
Intro
With Seguratainer container locks, your smartphone is the only key you’ll need.
We use NFC to create the link between phone and lock and validate your credentials: this is the fastest and safest way to control who has access to your containers.
Do you know why?
Keep reading to learn more about NFC technology, and it works with container locking systems: managing all NFC keys and locks from your laptop in real time, having a mobile app turn any authorized phone into a digital key, and all withing a stable and secured ecrypted system!
What is NFC
Definition
NFC technology is a short-range wireless communication system that works on 13.56 Mhz and requires the almost-contact of emitter (mobile phone) and receiver (lock) to activate itself.
In short, this is the same technology trusted by financial institutions all around the world and used for touchless card payments or smartwatch payments, among several other applications.
NFC Technology does not require an internet connection or data access to allow the communication between emitter and receiver. An authorized phone can open a lock in a remote location with no signal -provided the key was generate before.
Is it also extremely safe and very stable, based on its authentication process and the encrypting of the information that is exchanged. Hence the trust in it of banks around the world.
The very reduced distance of usage (the mobile phone must be millimetres away from the lock) makes it virtually impossible for a third party to intercept the communication.
So, this is NFC. What are the advantages?
Immediate advantages
Based on the above definitions, there are clear advantages for a shipping container locking system integration:
Short distance: phone and lock must be max 10mm away, so no remote signal hacking possible.
No data: NFC does not require an internet connection to work, your key will work even with no data.
Heavily encrypted: heavy protection against external attacks.
Longer battery life: the lock is asleep until the smartphone “wakes” it, making for a much longer lifetime.
Let’s explore how Seguratainer integrates NFC and shipping container locks.
How does it work with container locks
Management Platform: from your laptop!
First of all, one essential advantage of digital keys (NFC or else) is that you can manage them remotely.
This is also the case with Seguratainer: you can create and delete keys in a few seconds from your laptop. You can also create rules (time limits: “opening allowed only from 08:00 to 09:00am” or area limits “open allowed only at ‘warehouse’”).
Another essential advantage: you have a 24/7 audit trail of each action, per key and lock. You can show this to your client, custom and border control authorities or your clients as a proof that your cargo’s integrity has been preserved.
Mobile app
Based on the above, let’s assume you have created a key for yourself, and your warehouse manager.
You and any member of your personnel can download the free Seguratainer Mobile App (iOS: Q1 2024).
Once installed, your warehouse manager will be able to place his phone on the lock and, if his key is valid, the time and place are right, he/she will be able to open the lock.
It’s fast and easy, and all modern smartphones already include an NFC antenna into them.
And remember: you can, at any moment, in just a few clicks, cancel a key or change the access rules. You can also have a lock with no keys assigned to it, for a container on transit or in storage, and create a key when the time is right.
Advantages:
Security: all actions are registered into your log. No blind openings. Each key is personal!
Remote access: you keep full access control from your laptop.
Customize the keys: create rules for every key and locks.
Fast: the app is light to download, fast to set up, and the key works in just a few seconds.
No traditional keys: our locks cannot be picked and there are no physical keys “lost”.
Conclusion
NFC touchless technology is the most secure, stable, and smart solution to provide you a 24/7 remote access control of your containers and trucks.
Combine NFC with our heavy duty and patented shipping container lock designs and you find yourself with a full high security solution to keep your cargo safe.
Seguratainer: 24/7 remote access control and high security locks, all in one.