It would be great if we lived in a world where security was never an issue. But the unfortunate reality is that crime happens, and businesses need to take steps to protect their assets. One of the modern ways to do this is by installing an access control card system.
An access control card system is a physical security measure that uses cards, readers, and software to grant or deny entry to a building or restricted area. But with so many different systems and vendors on the market, how do you know which one is right for your business?
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to consider when choosing an access control card system, so you can make the best decision for your company.
What types of access control card systems are available on the market today?
With the advent of new technology, more access control systems are now available than ever. Criminals have become smarter and more sophisticated, so security experts have developed new ways to stay ahead of the curve. The following are some of the most popular types of access control card systems available in the market:
- Barcode or QR code system
- The magnetic stripe card system
- RFID access control card system
- Smart card access control system
Each type of access control card system has its own benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of each before making a decision. Let’s discuss each of them in detail, so that you may be able to figure out which one is best suited for your business.
Barcode or QR code system:
A barcode or QR code system is the most basic type of access control card system. In this system, cards with a unique barcode or QR code are issued to employees. These codes are then scanned by infrared readers to grant or deny access. These systems are usually used by the general public, such as in libraries, schools, universities, gyms, and others.
Benefits:
- The biggest advantage of using a barcode or QR code system is that it’s the most cost-effective option.
- These systems are also very easy to install and require little maintenance.
- No special training is required for the security staff to use them.
Drawbacks:
- Barcode and QR code systems are not secure, because the codes can be easily duplicated.
- They are also not very reliable, as the codes can be damaged or corrupted.
Magnetic stripe card system：
We are most familiar with these types of cards, as they are commonly used in credit cards. In a magnetic stripe card system, cards with a magnetic stripe are used to access the desired permitted area. In order to gain access to a restricted area, you have to swipe the card through a reader. Basically, the stripe contains encoded data that is read by a reader when the card is swiped. If the data on the stripe matches the data stored in the reader, then access is granted.
These cards are extensively used in the banking, hospitality, and retail industry. For optimal security of your premises, you can use these cards in conjunction with other types of identification, such as a fingerprint scanner. This can make them more secure than using just a magnetic stripe alone.
Benefits:
- Magnetic stripe card systems are inexpensive and easy to install.
- More secure option than barcode and QR code cards.
- Suitable for small businesses with a limited number of employees.
Drawbacks:
- Stripe cards are not very secure against fraud or skimming.
- A bit more expensive than barcode and QR code cards.
- Not suitable for high-security risk areas.
- In addition, the data on the stripe can become corrupted over time, making it difficult to read and causing errors in the system.
RFID access control card system
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. RFID systems are one of the most popular types of systems available in the market. In this system, cards with an embedded RFID chip are used to gain access to restricted or protected areas. The chip contains encoded data that is read by an RFID reader when the card is presented. In this system, you don’t need to swipe or place the card in the line of sight of the reader.
The communication between the RFID card and the RFID reader happens through radio waves. The data is then transferred by the reader to the database of the system for verification. If the data matches, then access is granted.
RFID access control card systems are so much popular that they have replaced the traditional magnetic stripe card systems in many places. They are extensively used in office buildings, warehouses, hospitals, and other places where security is of utmost importance.
Benefits:
- Security – The RFID access control card system is more secure than the stripe and barcode cards system. The data on the RFID chip cannot be duplicated or copied without special equipment and software, making it difficult for unauthorized personnel to gain access.
- Better use experience – This system is very fast and efficient. The data on the RFID chip can be read quickly and easily by the reader. There is no need to swipe or insert the card into the reader, as is the case with magnetic stripe cards.
Drawbacks:
- Cost – The RFID access control card system is more expensive than barcode and QR code systems. The installation and maintenance cost of RFID systems is much higher than other systems.
- Special training for the staff – Another drawback is that the RFID access control card system requires special training for the security staff to use it.
- Not 100% foolproof – Although it is much more secure than strip cards, barcodes, and QR cards, it is not 100% foolproof. There have been cases of people cloning the data on the RFID chip and using it to gain access to restricted areas.
Smart card access control system
A smart card access control system uses cards that contain a microprocessor chip. These chips are used to store data and run simple programs. The data on the chip is protected by encryption, making it difficult to duplicate or copy. In order to gain access, you have to insert the card into a card reader. The reader then reads the data on the chip and verifies it with the data in the database. If the data matches, then access is granted. The advantage of using a smart card access control system is that it is very difficult to duplicate or copy the data on the chip.
Benefits:
- Security – The data on the microprocessor chip is encrypted, making it very difficult to duplicate or copy.
- Flexibility – Smart cards can be used for a variety of purposes, such as identification, tracking attendance, and so on.
- Compatibility – Smart cards can be used with a variety of card readers, making them very versatile. Moreover, they can also integrate with other systems, such as biometric systems.
- Easy to use – Smart cards are easy to use. You just have to insert the card into the reader to gain access.
Drawbacks:
- Cost – Smart cards are more expensive than RFID cards. Moreover, the maintenance cost and integration cost is also high.
- Special requirements – In order to use a smart card, you need a card reader that is compatible with the card. Moreover, the infrastructure required for integration is also complex and expensive.
So these are the four most popular types of card access control systems. Besides these cards, there are some other cards that can be used in access control systems. These include proximity cards, NFC cards, and Wighaned cards.
Now you know the different types of access control systems. Let’s move on to how to choose the best system for your needs.
Factors to consider while choosing an access control system
Although the purpose of all of the above-mentioned systems is the same i.e. controlling access to a specific area, every business has its own requirements and needs. Therefore, you cannot choose any system randomly and implement it at your premises. You have to determine your requirements and the specifications that you are looking for.
Here are some of the factors that you need to consider while choosing an access control system:
Type of business
The first thing that you need to consider is the type of business. Depending on the type of business, you will have to choose a system that is best suited for your needs. For example, if you have a business that sells food items like vegetables, fruits, and grocery items, you can go for a simple access control system like a barcode system or magstripe card access control system. However, if you are a retailer of gold jewelry or something else more expensive, you should go for a more secure system like an RFID system coupled with biometric authentication.
Size of the premises
The size of your premises is another important factor that you need to consider while choosing an access control system. If you have a simple small office, then you can go for a simple access control system. However, if you have a large office, then you will need a more sophisticated system that can handle more users and have more features.
Level of security
The level of security is also another important factor when choosing the right system for your business needs. If you want a simple system for controlling access to your office, then you can go for a barcode or magstripe card system. However, if you want to control the access of a warehouse, a locker room, or a jewelry storage room, then you should go for a Smart card access control system.
Moreover, if you want optimal security of your premises or a specific area, you can go for multiple levels of access control systems like integration of biometric authentication with the RFID or smart card authentication.
Budget
The budget is also an important factor to consider. As you know there are a variety of access control systems available in the market. Systems that are more secure and have more features are usually more expensive for example the implementation and maintenance cost of an RFID access control system is way higher than a Magstripe or barcode access control system. So, you need to first determine your budget and then choose a system that is best suited for your needs.
Tips to choose the right vendor for purchasing access control card system
After you have determined all your requirements, the next step is to find a vendor that can provide you with the best system for your needs. Here are some tips to find the right vendor:
Look for a vendor that has experience
One of the most important things to look for in a vendor is experience. You should look for a vendor that has been in the business for a long time and has a good track record like Nexqo. You can ask the vendor to show you some of their previous projects. Moreover, you can also check what type of services and solutions they are providing in the market. This will give you an idea about their quality of work, and you can make a better decision.
Customization
Customization is another important factor to look for in a vendor. Every business and person has its own needs. So one system cannot fulfill the needs of every business. To cater to the needs of different businesses, some customizations are required. Therefore, it is highly recommended that go for a vendor that can offer you customizations according to your specific requirements.
Check reviews and testimonials
Reviews and testimonials give you an idea about the reputation of the vendor. You should check the reviews of the vendor on their website and also on other websites. This will give you an idea about the quality of the product and the service.
Compare prices
Another important thing to do is to compare prices. You should get quotes from different vendors and compare them. After comparing the prices and the quality of products, go for the low-price vendor. However, it is advisable to count on other factors also while making decisions.
Customer support
Customer support is another important factor that you should always look for in the vendors. Making sure that the vendor has great customer support will save you from future headaches. Go for such vendors who have 24/7 customer support and also have a live chat option. So in case of any emergency, you can at least get in touch with them. And sometimes it happens that there are nominal problems that can be resolved with minor instructions.
Ask for references
You should also ask the vendor for references. This will help you get in touch with their past clients and get an idea about their experience with the vendor.
These are some of the things that you need to keep in mind while choosing the right vendor for your needs.
Conclusion
Access control cards are an important part of any security system. There are a variety of access control systems available in the market. And it is important to choose the right one that best suits your needs and requirements. If you want a more secure system, then you can go for the RFID or smart card system. If you want a more affordable option, then you can choose the barcode or QR code system.
It is important to note that no matter which type of access control card system you choose, you need to make sure that it is compatible with your existing security systems. Moreover, you also need to train your staff on how to use the system. Only then can you be sure that your business is secure.