Radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers play an important role in both physical access control (PAC) and logical access for devices and data. With the right reader, it’s possible to create a unified access system that works with any RFID or smartphone technology.
Building a Unified Access Solution
Imagine being able to access everything you need across a building or campus with the same ID card or mobile credential—from building entry to all the amenities, devices and assets inside. A unified access system makes this possible. With unified access, employees, tenants and guests have secure and convenient access to everything they need—and nothing they are not authorized to access.
A unified access solution encompasses both physical and digital/logical access. This can include:
- Secure locations: Interior and exterior doors, turnstiles and gates, and elevator systems.
- Devices and physical assets:Computers, printers and specialized assets such as medical devices, production machinery or laboratory equipment.
- Business systems: Single Sign-On (SSO) to business systems and applications, including secure printing.
- Building amenities: Workstations, conference rooms, exercise facilities, smart lockers, cafeterias, vending machines and more.
Implementing a unified access system offers numerous advantages for both end users and system managers.
- Users can access multiple areas and services with a single credential, eliminating the need for multiple cards, keys or passwords. This reduces friction and increases user satisfaction.
- Consolidating all access applications under one system reduces administrative burdens and cuts down on maintenance and update costs.
- Integrating physical and digital access controls enables consistent security policies across all access points, improving monitoring, reporting, and response to security threats.
- A unified access system is scalable, allowing easy expansion and adaptation to new requirements and ensuring long-term relevance and effectiveness.
How Does an RFID Reader Work?
A Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) reader uses radio waves to communicate with an RFID tag, which is a small device containing a microchip and an antenna. An RFID tag may be embedded in a plastic card (like an employee ID card) or a physical token such as a key fob. Each RFID card or tag stores a unique data set—such as a number—that serves to identify the card and, by extension, the person carrying it. When the tag is in close proximity with the reader, the reader transmits a radio signal to interrogate the tag.
There are more than 60 RFID transponder technologies in use globally, including high-frequency (13,56 MHz) and low-frequency (125-134 kHz) tags. The RFID reader must be specifically configured to read the desired transponder technology.
Some RFID readers are also able to communicate with smartphones using Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) or Near-Field Communication (NFC). A mobile credential acts as an RFID tag emulator for access applications.
It All Starts with the Right Reader
Building a unified access system starts with selecting the right RFID reader. For maximum flexibility and future-proofing, you need a universal RFID reader that supports all existing transponder technologies along with emerging smartphone-based credentialing systems.
A universal reader allows installers, system integrators and multitenant building managers to support all the transponder technologies already in use by tenant or client companies, simplifying adoption. You can even accommodate multiple technologies across the same building or campus and add new technologies as needs change.
When looking for a universal reader, be sure to consider:
- Supported technologies: Does it support all of the transponder technologies in use by your client base? Does it support mobile credentials on the smartphone?
- Compatibility: Is the reader compatible with existing software and security systems? How easy is it for the reader to integrate into hardware and devices?
- Software capabilities: Does the reader have a software development kit to support customization (e.g., reader behavior/user response, encryption, supported transponder technologies, back-end integration)?
- Upgrade capabilities: How easy is it to update the reader—for example, to apply security patches, add new technologies, or change reader behavior? Does the reader support remote upgrades?
- Service and support:What kind of training is available for installers, integrators and end users? Is the product backed by a robust warranty and after-sales support?
Universal Readers from ELATEC
ELATEC is the undisputed leader in unified access solutions. Our TWN4 MultiTech readers are a truly universal access solution, with support for XNUMX+ RFID transponder technologies (HF/LF) along with NFC/BLE smartphone credentials. That means you can support whatever technologies you or your clients are using now and be prepared for the future. ELATEC’s universal RFID readers are: more than 60 RFID transponder technologies (HF/LF), along with NFC/BLE credentials for smartphones. That means you can support any technology you or your customers are currently using and be prepared for the future. ELATEC's universal RFID readers:
- Available in a variety of form factors (with or without housing) for use in both physical and logical access applications.
- Easy to integrate using common industry standards such as OSDP and Wiegand.
- Suitable for high-security access applications, with support for modern encryption standards (including ECC) and multifactor authentication (MFA).
- Certified for use all over the world.
With the powerful software development kit (devpack) you can configure your reader to your precise specifications, including encryption standards, user feedback, transponder technologies and more. And if your needs change, the readers are easy to reconfigure via remote update or contactless config card.
Our markets
- Office/Commercial
- Education/University
- Healthcare/Hospital
- Industry/Manufacturing
- Fitness
- Games
- E-Mobility/EV Charging
- Bike/Car Share
- Fleet Management
- Vending/Kiosk
When you work with ELATEC, you can count on the best service and support in the industry. We offer extensive consultation services and training for installers, integrators and end customers. Our experts will work with you every step of the way to help you design the perfect access solution and customize your reader to your exact specifications. You can also count on extensive after-sales support and warranty protection.
With ELATEC readers, unified access is easy. One reader supports everything you need, making scaling your system and adding new access applications simple. And with our experts by your side, you can rest assured that you’ll have an optimal access solution. Work with access experts.
