NFC Forum Unveils Simplified Testing and Certification Process

Partners of the NFC Forum are set to benefit significantly from the latest testing approach introduced by the organization. This new addition aims to simplify and make the certification process more affordable for businesses, ultimately leading to improved user experiences with NFC-enabled products. By enabling other standards bodies to test product functionality more easily, the NFC Forum is paving the way for a more streamlined market-ready product evaluation process.

The innovative NFC Forum testing approach brings a host of new capabilities to the table. It allows for the evaluation of release candidate software, rather than engineering software used solely for testing purposes. This shift not only accelerates the time-to-market for NFC Forum enabled products but also ensures that testing requirements are aligned with the intended use of the product. As a result, the number of tests needed is reduced without compromising on testing coverage or the functionality being assessed.

According to Mike McCamon, the Executive Director of the NFC Forum, the focus on product conformance to NFC Forum Specifications is crucial for ensuring seamless interoperability across different markets. McCamon emphasizes the importance of maintaining trust in the technology and highlights the significance of simplified and cost-effective testing approaches like the ones introduced in TR13.2. These approaches strike a balance between cost and quality, ultimately enhancing the overall user experience.

Industry bodies that have integrated NFC Forum testing practices into their certification programs, such as the Connected Car Consortium, Universal Stylus Initiative, and GSM Association, will continue to benefit from the latest updates without any disruptions. McCamon reassures partners that the NFC Forum's certification program is designed to cater to the diverse needs of various industry groups, with a focus on ensuring that advancements do not impact existing testing programs. The NFC Forum offers three levels of testing – analogue, digital, and NDEF-application test cases, with the recent updates being specific to certain NDEF-application tests.

Partners of the NFC Forum can rest assured that the organization collaborates with authorized test laboratories to provide certification testing services. These laboratories are now fully equipped to conduct TR13.2 testing, further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the certification process for NFC-enabled products. With a commitment to driving innovation and interoperability, the NFC Forum continues to lead the way in advancing NFC technology and ensuring a seamless user experience across a wide range of industries.