You’re Not Using RFID and NFC Like This—10 Surprising Construction Applications

At Extreme Aerial Productions, we’re known for pushing boundaries with drone data and digital mapping. Now, we’re incorporating RFID and NFC tagging into our job site workflows—and seeing serious potential. To dig deeper into what these technologies can really do, we sat down with Thomas Hebert, Chief Solutions Officer at Asset 2 Archive, whose background spans everything from geospatial curation of dinosaur fossils (yes, really) to asset tracking on high-stakes industrial sites.

Our founder, Mark Taylor, has been working with Thomas and the Asset 2 Archive team to test RFID and NFC integrations with several of our clients. So far? Game-changing. And we’ll be sharing case studies soon.

But first—here’s what Thomas had to say about how these tiny tags are creating big value.

Meet the Fossil-Hunting Tech Pioneer

Thomas, could you share a brief overview of your role at Asset 2 Archive and your journey into RFID and NFC technologies?

I’m the CSO, Chief Solutions Officer, for Asset 2 Archive Inc. My job is to help our clients find solutions to their problems in asset and data management. I came into this role after a two-year journey using RFID tags to geospatially curate, map, and track dinosaur fossils. I was the first person to ever RFID tag, track, monitor, and geospatially curate dinosaur fossils in the field—we call it Dig 2 Display©.

What inspired Asset 2 Archive to delve into RFID/NFC solutions, and what sets your approach apart?

Seeing the flexibility and ease of using RFID tags and GIS mapping for fossils, I was drawn to the idea of how other industries could benefit. After many articles were written about my work, we began receiving requests for other use cases. Together with my wife and business partner, Jared Petrie, we explored how to integrate data management, geospatial curation, and inventory management. Many companies offered tags or software, but few offered fully customized solutions. That’s where we come in—we help select the right tags, build custom forms, and create a tailored system that fits the unique needs of each client and industry.

RFID vs. NFC—What’s the Difference?

Can you clarify the key differences between RFID and NFC?

The main difference is communication distance. RFID uses a stronger signal and can be read from farther away, while NFC has a weaker signal and must be close to the reader. Typically, NFC is read with a smartphone, whereas RFID requires separate equipment.

When would one be preferred over the other?

RFID is ideal for large assets or outdoor environments—think solar arrays, water districts, or paleontological digs. NFC works well in controlled environments like manufacturing floors, where employees can use their smartphones to log equipment maintenance, read safety manuals, or confirm they’ve watched a forklift training video. Ultimately, it comes down to the client's needs—how discreet the tag should be, and at what range it needs to function.

10 Surprising RFID/NFC Applications in Construction and Beyond

1. Smart Maintenance Logs

NFC tags paired with custom forms can capture everything from equipment maintenance records to OSHA compliance documentation. You can even attach digital PDFs for lockout/tagout, MSDS sheets, and safety manuals—ready to be accessed on-site by anyone with permission.

2. Interactive Marketing

NFC opens up dynamic engagement at events or job sites. Tags can link to training videos, user manuals, or historical data. Want to impress a client? Let them scan a tag on-site to see the history of a material or asset—from acquisition to installation.

3. Secure Access Control

RFID and NFC can restrict access to job sites, tools, or high-value assets. Tag scans can log who enters or operates equipment and when, increasing both accountability and security.

4. Healthcare Inventory Management

Hospitals use RFID to track the location, condition, and usage of expensive medical equipment. You can even require tag scans before equipment is used, logging who, what, where, and how long.

5. Harsh Environment Tracking

RFID shines in extreme conditions. Asset 2 Archive's early field tests involved 102°F heat, 40 mph winds, and no internet. The tech still worked flawlessly. Some tags are even washer- and dryer-safe for industrial laundering.

6. Digital Document Management

Why rely on binders when you can digitally tag every asset? RFID/NFC can permanently link equipment to digital safety sheets, manuals, inspection forms, or any reference material you want accessible in the field.

7. Event Management

From wristbands to signage, RFID/NFC creates seamless guest tracking, tailored user experiences, and interactive stations. You can offer attendees instant access to location-based info or resources—no app download required.

8. Waste Compliance Monitoring

Municipalities can tag bins, weigh pickups, and collect real-time data to analyze waste trends. This enables smarter logistics, future site planning, and detailed compliance reporting for environmental oversight.

9. Library and Archive Systems

Most retail stores and libraries already use RFID for theft prevention. But with advanced tagging, institutions can geolocate items, monitor foot traffic patterns, and streamline asset retrieval from deep archives.

10. Fleet Management

RFID helps track vehicle use, mileage, and maintenance. Work orders can be triggered automatically, reducing downtime. That data also helps with insurance compliance and optimizing fleet efficiency.

What’s Next in RFID/NFC?

What trends do you foresee in the next 5–10 years?

Emergency response is a big one. Imagine RFID tags embedded in the ground near utilities or homes, storing key data for first responders—shutoff points, occupant info, or access notes—ready to be accessed in disasters like wildfires or earthquakes.

Any exciting projects coming up at Asset 2 Archive?

Yes! We’re in early planning for a project at the Battle of Little Bighorn. We're creating a full digital twin of the site, tagging monuments and translating historical info into Native languages. If disaster ever strikes the site, we could reconstruct it down to the inch using our RFID location markers.

For the RFID-Curious: A Final Word

What advice do you have for companies hesitant to adopt RFID/NFC?

Start with a conversation. Our solution architects can help you understand how RFID/NFC fits your operations. When designed correctly, these systems improve efficiency, reduce errors, and pay for themselves over time. Yes, change is hard—but better data means better decisions. And that’s good business.

Want to learn more or start a conversation with Asset 2 Archive?

Visit asset2archive.com or contact Thomas directly at thebert@asset2archive.com.

📍 Curious how Extreme Aerial Productions is putting this tech to work?

We’re actively testing RFID and NFC tagging on client job sites—integrating it with drone mapping, data capture, and asset documentation. Case studies are coming soon. In the meantime:

Let’s talk about your next project → Give us a call!