Access control systems are essential for maintaining secure environments in businesses across the United States. These systems often rely on “prox” style access control cards, which are low-frequency cards operating at 125KHz. When employees hold these cards within an inch of a connected reader, they transmit a unique ID number to the system, granting access to the facilities. Companies like HID, Kastle, Datawatch, and Keri are major suppliers of these cards, which are typically purchased from security system installers for about $6.00 each.
However, did you know there’s a more cost-effective and secure alternative available? This alternative technology, known as “Mifare,” operates at a higher frequency of 13.56MHz and incorporates an added layer of encryption in its radio frequency (RF) protocol, enhancing security beyond what prox cards offer.
The shift from prox to Mifare technology isn’t just about enhancing security; it’s also significantly more cost-effective. Mifare cards cost approximately $1.50 per card— a substantial 75% savings compared to the standard prox cards. This cost efficiency does not come at the expense of security or functionality. In fact, Mifare’s advanced encryption capabilities provide an added level of protection against unauthorized access and cloning.
To transition to Mifare technology, businesses need to replace their existing low-frequency door readers with high-frequency (HF) compatible readers and reconfigure their access control panels to recognize the new Mifare cards. This upgrade is a straightforward process for most security system installers. While installers might initially prefer to stick with prox technology due to higher profit margins, they are generally familiar with Mifare technology and can easily implement it upon request.
There’s an important consideration for businesses thinking about making this switch. It involves not only the initial setup and hardware costs but also understanding the long-term savings and security enhancements. By investing in Mifare technology, companies can reduce the ongoing costs associated with issuing and maintaining access cards, all while bolstering their defense against potential security breaches.
At InstantCard, we recognize the diverse needs of our clients when it comes to secure access solutions. That’s why we offer printing services for photo ID cards on all kinds of RFID cards, including both Prox and Mifare technologies. Whether you are looking to continue using prox cards or upgrade to Mifare, we have the capabilities to support your choice. Our goal is to ensure that no matter which technology you opt for, your ID cards are produced with the highest quality and security standards in mind.
In conclusion, transitioning to Mifare technology offers businesses a dual benefit of cost savings and enhanced security. If you’re considering such an upgrade, talk to your security system installer about making the switch and explore how InstantCard can facilitate this transition with our comprehensive RFID card printing services. Visit our website to learn more about our products and how we can help secure your business efficiently and economically.
