Do you currently use proximity cards or maybe you're considering switching to a proximity card system for your access control needs? Proximity cards provide the security you need to maintain who should access to your facility. They also provide an efficient and effective way to process numerous people, cars, and more into and out of your facilities.
Proximity cards, keys fobs, and more, are excellent at providing secure access to your premises without adding more staff to your security force. These amazing cards have never been more accessible than they are now, which leads many individuals responsible for their company's security to wonder if they should choose a generic proximity card. Do you need to save a bit on the costs of issuing and maintaining an access control system?
Original patents covering the technology used in proximity cards have expired, leaving the market open to an expansion of brands offering cards. This, in turn, drove the price of proximity cards down and allowed more organizations access to proximity technology than ever before.
But how do you know which proximity card/brand to ensure it works with your current access control solution?
How proximity cards work
You might have card readers at your organization that activate a contactless card once it's within range of the reader. In each employee, student, and other card is an antenna and a chip that holds the information a reader needs to decide whether to grant or deny access.
Using radio frequency, the reader activates the proximity card and reads its ID number. It then checks this number against the database to identify which areas the cardholder has access to. For example, if the card holder only has access to the fifth floor, the Financial/Accounting Department in your building, the system won't grant access to any other floors.
Most proximity cards get their power from the reader. When within range, the reader provides the energy needed to read the card's ID number. If the card holder is authorized, the reader grants access to a restricted area.
What's most important about proximity cards?
Regardless of brand, you need a proximity card that is HID compatible. Most generic proximity cards adhere to the HID technology which makes them compatible with most access card systems in use today.
It's all about the communication technology that lets a reader use radio frequency to communicate with the card. Most proximity card manufacturers today adhere to the HID-compatible technology that guarantees cards will work with your current system. The key is to choose proximity cards that meet your business and security needs such as the format and Hz technology to work with your readers, badges, clam shell cards, key fobs, and more.
Final thoughts
Idesco offers several proximity solutions with a variety of HID compatible proximity cards that work with your card readers. Every major access control system is represented in proximity cards offered on our website. You can even get programmed proximity cards with your specific card configuration in a shorter timeframe than other suppliers.
If you're not sure how to order the right card for your readers, the formatting needed, and your budget constraints, our ID card specialists can help. We have the in-depth experience and expertise with each proximity card and can help you choose the right card that works with your reader system, budget, and security needs.
Contact one of the Idesco ID Experts to help you determine exactly what you need that works with your current proximity card readers and ID solution. We'll walk you through the variety of proximity cards available to help you choose the right card for your security needs and your budget.
Because it's not a matter of what's the cheapest proximity card, it's the one that will work with your readers. Let us help you find the best bang-for-your-buck and provide the access control you need to secure your premises.
If you still have questions, call one of the Idesco ID Experts at 212-889-2530 and they’d be happy to answer them.