Ever since the implementation of ID cards, businesses and organisations have been able to improve security and authorisation within the workplace. Eliminating some of the needs for manual data entry, instead of employees signing in at the front desk they can now scan their personalised card to obtain entry. Windmill Computing is a leading supplier of identity access and technology solutions. Visit our website here to find out more about us and our services such as an ID card printer or RFID technology, that could help you improve security in the workplace.
What Are ID Cards?
As the name suggests, ID cards are pieces of card that protect the privacy and security within a workplace, only allowing authorised access to certain rooms/places. These cards are very important, holding your name, job title and department of work in which you reside. They are used in almost every industry, from scientists to athletes. Usually worn around the neck on a lanyard, these cards are scanned against a reader that prevents access if the card is not authorised.
How Do RF ID Cards Work?
RFID, short for Radio Frequency Identification, is used within most access control systems. When the access control system is installed and set up in a workplace, the door reader will emit an RF energy field. This field provides power to a contactless card. When the field interacts with the copper loop within the card the aerial connects within the smart card’s chip. The chip can contain important information about the cardholder such as the staff number, unique customer or facility code and other types of data. Once the chip is powered within the card, the number is then transmitted to the reader using the RF field as the primary transmission channel. The reader then transfers the card number received to the access control system to determine whether the cardholder has the authority to enter.
RFID Tags
An RFID tag consists of two main internal components, an integrated circuit and an antenna. The exterior of the tag is composed of a protective material that holds the pieces together, shielding them from various environmental conditions. RFID tags come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, typically made from durable plastic. The two main types of tags include; passive and active. Passive tags are much more common due to their smaller size and cheaper price. The passive tag must be ‘powered up’ by the RFID reader before it can transmit data. On the other hand, active tags are used to secure access control and in toll booth payment systems. The active tags have a special protective casing and an onboard power supply which allows them to transmit data at all times.
RFID Smart Labels
Smart labels differ from tags in the sense that they incorporate both RFID and barcode technologies. Made out of an adhesive label that is embedded with an RFID tag inlay. Smart labels can be encoded and printed on-demand using desktop label printers, compared to RFID tags that take much longer to set up and require advanced equipment.
RFID Applications
RFID technology can be used in almost every industry. From asset tracking, controlling access to authorised areas, supply chain management and more. Implementing this technology solution to your workplace or industry could prevent unwanted entry and other critical security measures. Common uses for RFID technology include: identity management, inventory management, asset and equipment tracking, vehicle tracking, customer service, improved visibility and distribution within a supply chain, cargo and supply logistics and more.
Contact Us – Windmill Computing
Windmill Computing are specialists in ID card printer systems with 25 years of experience. We pride ourselves on our customer care and after-sale services, such as our card printer cleaning, repair, and support. If you are looking for more advice or have any questions regarding an ID card printer system or identification cards in general, get in touch with our helpful team on 0800 294 5890, or submit a contact form here.