How to Use NFC with Power BI: A Simple Guide for Frontline Workers
- MirVel
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Imagine tapping your phone on a shelf, a machine, or a patient’s wristband and instantly seeing the right data on your screen. That’s what happens when you combine NFC (Near Field Communication) with Power BI.
For frontline workers in retail, manufacturing, and healthcare, this combo makes it super easy to quickly access accurate data – no searching, no typing, just tap and go!
Let’s break it down step by step.
What is NFC?
NFC is the same technology used for contactless payments. It lets devices exchange information by tapping or getting very close.
When used with Power BI, NFC tags can open dashboards or capture data automatically, helping you save time and reduce errors.
Real-Life Examples
🛒 Retail: Fast Inventory Checks
Stick NFC tags on shelves.
Tap your phone on the tag to instantly see stock levels in Power BI.
Helps prevent overstock or running out of items.
🏭 Manufacturing: Machine and Tool Tracking
Attach tags to machines.
Tap to see live performance, downtime, or maintenance data.
Makes it easy to monitor tools and keep production running smoothly.
🏥 Healthcare: Quick Patient and Equipment Info (Example below)
Use NFC wristbands or tags on equipment.
Tap to instantly view patient records or track medical equipment in Power BI.
Improves patient safety and saves time.
How to Set It Up (Simple Steps)
1. Use NFC-Enabled Devices
Buy NFC's!
Most smartphones can scan NFC tags.
You can also use special NFC readers.
Mobile version of Power BI (and Pro License)
Mark your NFC.
2. Capture NFC Data
Build a simple app with Microsoft Power BI to read NFC tags.
Or use an IoT device to scan tags automatically.
Choose your report or data like in this example of Patients Emergency Room Visit Report, and use Read NFC (preview) option in mobile Power BI. NFC coin should be placed on frontal camera of the phone to be discoverable. (please refer to detailed step-by-step word document at the end of the post)
3. Store the Data (this step can be skipped!)
Save NFC scans in Azure SQL, SharePoint, Excel Online, or even Google Firebase.
Power BI can easily connect to these sources.
4. Connect to Power BI
Use Power BI Desktop to build a report and to preselect if there is any need to have different data for different public (for instance Department).
Build dashboards that show scans, inventory, machine status, or patient records.
Create Tags in Admin settings in Power BI Service. This Tag is necessary to be discoverable by using mobile Power BI. (please refer to detailed step-by-step word document at the end of the post)
5. Try Power BI’s NFC Feature
The Power BI Mobile App lets you program NFC tags to open specific reports.
Just tap a tag, and Power BI will show the right dashboard instantly.
Why This Matters
✅ Saves time
✅ Reduces human errors
✅ Gives real-time data where you need it
✅ Easy to set up with tools you already have
Quick Start Checklist
✔️ Buy NFC tags
✔️ Test with a smartphone
✔️ Capture data using Power BI (Power Apps) or IoT
✔️ Store in the cloud if want to
✔️ Build a simple Power BI report and limit the filters if needed
✔️ Tap and view your dashboard!
Summary
NFC and Power BI together make it easier for frontline workers to get the data they need—quickly and accurately. It’s a powerful way to improve daily work, and you can start with just a few tags and a mobile app.
Grab this step-by-step tutorial of NFC setup in Power BI:
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