In the contemporary world, businesses are paying special attention to the management of their premises in terms of security, convenience, and efficiency. Access control systems are a lot more advanced and can now be used in corporate offices, residential complexes, educational institutions and even government facilities. These systems can also be used in public transport terminals, and the need for contemporary technology is only surging. One technology gaining traction are Contactless Card Readers.
Here at Supreme Arc, we understand the importance of providing simple, dependable, and effective security systems. In this article, we are discussing the major benefits that come with the use of contactless card readers as an access control solution and providing the main reasons for their rapid spread across the global business and organizational landscape.
What Are Contactless Card Readers?
With the use of RFID technology, a contactless card reader access control system can confirm a person’s credentials without contact between the card and reader. The user only needs to place their card close to the reader and access is granted, eliminating the need for swiping or inserting cards.
In today’s health conscious world, this approach completely removes the friction, contact, and upkeep that the magnetic stripe or chip based systems are known for. In addition, it offers a smooth, contactless system that is convenient and effortless.
Top Benefits of Using Contactless Card Readers
- Enhanced Security
The major factor that tempts companies to put money into access control systems is security. Contactless card readers offer strong security measures against intruders. Every card comes with a special code making fake copies to be almost impossible.
Moreover, by deploying technological advancements like two factor authentication (card + PIN) or card + fingerprint identification, the device not only confirms that the person is authorized but also prevents any access to the area. Thus, it is suitable for sectors like finance, medical, and administration that are highly dependent on information and asset security for their survival.
- Convenience and Speed
Standard setups usually necessitate the physical handling of the card either by inserting it or swiping it which can be quite a long process in the case when there are many users at the entrance or exit during peak hours.
A contactless card reader making use of a card allows the user to enter the premises without any delay or any hassle. An employee, a visitor or a resident just places the card next to the reader, and access is granted within a second.
Apart from alleviating traffic jams at access points, this also ensures a more pleasant interaction with the users.
- Reduced Wear and Tear
Systems that rely on physical contact are susceptible to wear and tear. The repeated swiping can lead to the appearance of scratches on the cards, the breaking of the magnetic strips and the eventual failure of the readers.
Contactless card readers have no physical contact, so the cards have a longer life, the readers are still in good shape and the money spent on maintenance is significantly reduced.
- Scalability and Flexibility
One of the best advantages of an access control system with a card reader is the ability to expand alongside your company. If it’s a small office or a big enterprise with numerous branches, in any case, you can very well extend card reader based security and merge it with the current security setup without any hassle.
Admins are able to modify the list of authorized personnel by adding and deleting users, limit physical access to certain locations, or even customize different levels of security clearance. The system’s flexibility enables it to accommodate both startups and established companies.
- Improved Hygiene and Safety
The need for touchless technology has become very apparent during the COVID-19 outbreak. Using contactless card readers zeroes out the need for physical interactions hence less transmission of bacteria or viruses are witnessed at the places that have high foot traffic.
Indeed, for companies and organizations that aim to provide safe areas for staff, clients, and visitors, this easy to use touch free solution is a priceless benefit.
- Real Time Monitoring and Reporting
A contemporary contactless card reader access control system is compatible with sophisticated software that enables live monitoring and extensive reports.
Managers are able to know the identities of the people who are granted access to a particular area, the time at which it happened and the duration of the stay. Besides security enhancement, this also facilitates the management of the personnel, the issuing of compliance reports, as well as the immediate reaction to the occurrence of an emergency.
- Cost Effective in the Long Run
The start up cost for contactless card readers might look more than what is needed for a traditional access system but the advantages in a long time span take over the costs.
- Decreased maintenance costs
- Extended lifetime of both cards and readers
- Lower downtime due to less occurrence of technical issues
Moreover, the saved time and increased productivity which comes from the reduced waiting time at the gates also become part of the system’s cost effectiveness.
- Integration with Other Systems
Wide area card readers are able to merge easily with time and attendance networks, visitor management software, monitoring networks, and alarm devices.
To illustrate, the system can simultaneously record the employee’s attendance when the worker uses his access card to gain entry to the office. Such combinations enhance the administration’s efficiency and reduce the use of several separate systems.
- Customizable Access Rights
Different divisions in a company usually need different security levels. By using contactless card readers, the administrators can define the particular access permissions that relate to a certain job, be valid for a certain time, or for a certain location.
For instance:
- The employees of the company in general will be able to enter the office floors only.
- The managers will have access to the secret rooms.
- The technical staff can wire the server room only during the time allocated for maintenance.
Such a kind of customization not only tightens security but also facilitates the easy running of activities.
- Future Ready Technology
Contactless card readers are still very versatile as companies implement IoT enabled security systems. To allow a seamless transition to the emerging technology and security trends, one can easily upgrade them to support not only mobile credentials but also wearables and cloud platforms for access management.
Such a technology is your investment safe and flexible with the later development of technology trends.
Real World Applications of Contactless Card Readers
- Corporate Offices: To make the entrance to the office building, conference rooms, and server rooms safe and secure.
- Residential Complexes: To monitor the flow of residents and visitors in the community in a safer way.
- Healthcare Facilities: To allow access to the hospital wards, laboratories, and other areas that have been closed or isolated.
- Educational Institutions: To help keep campuses safe and manage the movement of students and staff.
- Government and Defense: To prohibit access to the most secure locations by requiring several stages of verification.
Conclusion
The leading benefits of entering a facility with the use of contactless card readers namely from improved safety, cleanliness, to scalability and integration, which make them one of the most intelligent investments that organizations can make today.
Meanwhile, as tech keeps on developing, implementing touchless means will keep your organization ahead in providing safe and efficient access management.
We at Supreme Arc, take pride in providing access control solutions that not just safeguard but also allow businesses to thrive in the era of digital transformation.
