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ID Zone Learning Center

Find answers to your questions about photo identification and plastic card printing!


The Current State of Access Control ID Card Use

Access control security has never been more important. ID Zone conducted a survey that examined usage trends of proximity cards in organizations representing multiple industries, including:
 
  • Forms of access devices
  • Quantity of access cards issues
  • Purchasing and programming improvements

Most individuals understand the concept behind proximity cards, but how do they really work?

Proximity cards are contactless cards or key fobs you hold momentarily in front of a door reader to gain building access. Cards use RFID (radio frequency ID) - a wireless technology enabling communication with an access control server - and decide whether to allow entry to the user. When printed with visual and/or encoded credential data with an ID card printer, prox cards can double as ID cards, while offering these benefits:

Security – Protecting companies by monitoring and managing physical access and internal departments
Attendance – Data about who is in the building and their arrival time
Durability – Since prox cards don't need to be inserted in a reader, they withstand less wear and tear
Customization – Proximity cards can be personalized and branded
Analytics – Use door access data in reporting or audits

 

Cost of Proximity Cards Identified as the Leading Inconvenience, Followed by Lead or Shipping Time
The study explored common pain points and inconveniences related to access control card purchasing and usage. When responding to the survey question asking which item was the most problematic, the leading answer by a large proportion was the cost of proximity cards.

Respondents that chose price as problematic were mostly purchasers of HID, Kantech and Keri proximity card brands. The second highest reason for concern is lead or shipping time.


Which of the following items are most problematic for you?

How do you normally purchase your access cards / smart cards?
Despite cost of cards being a leading problematic item, respondents tend to order access cards from their current vendor, preferably by phone. This habit to continue purchasing from a current source unveils a large opportunity for proximity card purchasers. Becoming educated of brands and sources that may offer a better price/quality value would help shoppers alleviate their areas of concern.

How many access cards do you issue in a year?
The survey results show a wide range in card issuance numbers, indicating the use of access control cards in small to large organizations and for multiple applications. Overall, 50% of organizations order 100 or more cards per year. Government agencies tend to order higher amounts of access cards with 60% of organizations ordering 100 or more cards per year, followed in order by corporate, healthcare and education. It's not surprising that education institutions trail in the results, since most only issue proximity cards to faculty.




What type of devices do you use to gain access to your organization's building?
Standard PVC proximity cards are the dominant device used to gain access to buildings, followed by key fobs and other less conventional devices at a far distance.



Nearly three-quarters of organizations only uses one type of device and none uses more than three.




ValuProxAs is evident from the survey results, many access control purchasers could benefit from a new proximity card solution. At ID Zone, we stock and program ValuProx proximity cards that are comparable to brands like HID, Keri, Kantech and AWID, which we also carry.

ValuProx cards provide the exact same technology, formats and exceptionally high quality as their name-brand equivalents at quicker turnaround and a more affordable price.

The benefits for our customers are many and include:


The benefits for our customers are many and include:

  • Don’t run out of stock: We program cards in-house rather than ordering from a third party, allowing us to ship in just a few days.
  • Get the best price: ValuProx cards offer savings of as high as 15% from their name-brand equivalents, as well as a Best Price Guarantee.
  • Enjoy easy ordering: Your account manager and the ID Zone website make ordering an easy process for first-time or repeat customers.

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For all of your access control and smart card needs, trust our ID Experts to deliver the right solution for the right price. Call us today at (800) 910-5987!


Have questions or need assistance? Talk with an ID Expert at (800) 910-5987, Chat Live, or email sales@IDZone.com.

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