What Technology Do Swipe Cards Use?

If you own a business, it’s a good idea to consider safeguarding your property with a secure swipe card access control system. Controlling who enters and exits your building is one of the most effective ways to keep your premises safe. 

If you’re curious about swipe cards but unsure how they work, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll discuss what happens when you swipe or tap that card and how a robust control system can improve the security of your business. Ready to learn more? Let’s get started. 

What is Swipe Card Access Control? 

Swipe card access control systems are everywhere. Think of when you enter a hotel room, swipe in to access the gym or use a card to enter a secure carpark. The primary purpose of a swipe card is to control access into a building or room, serving as an additional layer of protection. 

The process is quite simple. A person presents the swipe card to the reader, which detects the credentials on the card. The card reader then sends this information to a control panel, which either accepts or denies the request for entry. If accepted, the access is logged in the system, and the door opens. If denied access, the door remains closed, and the event is still logged in the system, which sends a signal to the security team to follow up. 

When using swipe cards, various technologies can be employed. With so many options on the market today, it can feel overwhelming to narrow down which one to go with. At Dankosec, our team will guide you through the process. After understanding your business and your security requirements, we’ll go over all the options with you in detail, helping you choose the best swipe card access control system for your business. 

How The System Works  

Now that you understand what swipe cards are and how they are used, we’ll cover in a bit more detail how the actual system works. Swipe card access control systems are the security systems that enable you to manage and monitor individuals and vehicles entering and exiting your premises. They can also integrate with other existing systems on your property, such as intrusion detection or a security camera system, which gives you full control over your site. 

You can also customise and configure the system to suit your needs, which is one major advantage. For example, you might only want swipe card access after business hours, allowing open access into your facility during the day. On the other hand, you can also block general access to staff after hours for extra security.

The Technology Behind Swipe Cards 

There are several types of swipe cards available to help keep your business secure. Understanding the different technologies behind each type is key to making an informed decision about which system best suits your needs. While some cards utilise physical swiping, others offer contactless access. Here are four common technologies powering various swipe card access control systems. 

• Smart & Remote Management 

Modern swipe card systems go the extra mile in granting access. With today’s technology, you can easily monitor the movement of people within your facility with just a few simple clicks, all from your smartphone. 

For example, if your site manager left their key pass at home or in their car, you can easily grant them access. Or perhaps you’re not on site when an important delivery is being dropped off. Simply open the gate for the driver from your phone. Some systems can also integrate virtual cards within mobile phones, removing the need for physical cards and allowing them to be issued or revoked instantly. This type of remote access functionality is a great option for larger, multi-site facilities that require strict control over restricted areas. 

• Radio Frequency Identification Cards (RFID) 

A popular choice for contactless access, RFID cards use clever radio wave technology to communicate with a system reader. Each card is made with a small antenna and chip that is embedded within the design. Unlike physical cards, RFID cards don’t require direct contact to be read, making them faster and more convenient in high-traffic areas. There are also different levels of frequency to choose from, including low-frequency, high-frequency or ultra-high frequency. The higher frequencies provide a more enhanced security and functionality. 

• Chip-Based Smart Cards

These clever cards can store and process data securely within the card itself, providing an impressive layer of protection against duplicate cards or unauthorised access. They are more commonly used in high-security environments and can integrate with modern building management systems. Smart cards are a useful security option for businesses that require a robust security infrastructure. 

• Smart Readers 

These innovative devices are a further extension of swipe card access control systems. They can be set up to work with contactless smart cards, with the option to be embedded in either a small credit-card-size card, a key fob, a watch or anything else you choose. These readers are equipped with biometric integration, utilising retina and fingerprint detection, which allows users to unlock doors with their smartphones or wearable devices. They can be easily configured and are a great future-proof option for businesses wanting to upgrade to a modern access control system. 

Protect Your Business Premises Today

Secure peace of mind and safeguard your site with DankoSec. We can install a robust swipe card access control system to help you better manage access around your property. 

Whether you own a small or large business, it’s always a good idea to consider improving your security measures to not only protect your assets but also provide your employees with a safe place to work. Get in touch with our friendly team today, and we can help you choose the right access control system for your business to meet all your security requirements.