The 37-bit S10401 card format, also called PointGuard MDI, is a popular choice in AMAG's Symmetry access control systems. While it is a staple for many AMAG installations, its flexibility and compatibility with HID proximity readers make it a solid option for other systems too. If this format is on your radar, stick around to learn more about its technical details, key benefits, and real-world applications. 

What is the 37-bit S10401 card format?

The 37-bit S10401 card format is a standardized data structure used for encoding information on proximity cards. Here's a breakdown: 

●     Facility Code: Acts as a site or organization identifier, with values ranging from 0 to 63. This differentiates systems across organizations or locations, so cards from one facility cannot interfere with another. The most commonly assigned facility code is 9, but any valid value can be used based on the organization's requirements. 

●     Card Number: Provides a unique identifier for individual users within a given facility code. It supports values from 1 to 536,870,911, enabling the system to accommodate millions of unique cards. 

●     Proximity Technology: Operates on a 125 kHz frequency, utilizing well-established proximity technology to enable contactless communication. When the card is brought near a compatible reader, it transmits its encoded data wirelessly through low-frequency electromagnetic fields.

Key benefits of the S10401 format

There’s a reason the S10401 format is a popular choice in access control systems – it delivers a balance of reliability, scalability, and security that meets the needs of many organizations: 

●     Uses the 125 kHz proximity technology, a trusted standard in access control systems. 

●     Cost-effective without compromising on quality. Its long history of use across industries shows it’s a solution that organizations trust for reliable, no-nonsense security. 

●     Fully compatible with HID proximity readers and many AMAG Symmetry readers. This reduces operational friction, allowing for smooth integration with existing systems and future expansions. 

●     With card numbers ranging from 1 to over 536 million, this format is built to handle operations of any size. 

●     Supports sequential internal and external numbering which makes card issuance and tracking straightforward. Administrators can quickly assign new cards, replace lost ones, or conduct audits with minimal effort. 

●     Facility codes and unique card numbers provide each card with a distinct identity, minimizing duplication and unauthorized access, making the format ideal for secure, scalable access control.

5 Applications of the S10401 format

1. Corporate offices and campuses

S10401 can be used to secure office buildings, parking facilities, and restricted areas such as data centers or executive suites. Large organizations with multiple locations benefit from assigning distinct facility codes to each site, ensuring employees and contractors can only access authorized buildings. 

The scalability of the card numbering system supports dynamic workforces, simplifying access management for full-time employees, contractors, and visitors.

2. Government facilities

The PointGuard MDI format is suitable for securing government facilities, including administrative offices, law enforcement facilities, and other critical infrastructure. Facility codes enable clear separation of access levels across departments or locations, reducing the risk of unauthorized entry.

3. Educational institutions

Schools, colleges, and universities use the S10401 format to efficiently manage access across sprawling campuses. Universities and colleges can issue cards to thousands of students, faculty, and staff, with permissions tailored to specific areas such as dormitories, classrooms, libraries, and laboratories. 

For events and conferences, temporary cards can be quickly issued, allowing secure yet flexible access for guests or participants.

4. Healthcare

In healthcare facilities, the S10401 format helps safeguard sensitive areas like operating rooms, medication storage, and administrative offices. With its ability to issue temporary cards, hospitals can respond to emergencies or periods of high patient volume by granting secure access to temporary staff without compromising overall security. It also helps healthcare organizations maintain compliance with regulations like HIPAA by restricting access to patient records and critical areas.

5. Industry

Industrial sites, including factories, warehouses, and distribution centers, also benefit from the format’s robust capabilities. By limiting access to areas with heavy machinery or hazardous materials, the system enhances workplace safety. Additionally, its scalability allows for efficient management of large workforces, including contractors and logistics personnel, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter specific zones.

Compatible AMAG readers

If you’re thinking about using the S10401 format, there’s a range of AMAG Symmetry readers that work perfectly with it. These readers come in different configurations, some with keypads for added security, so you can choose what fits your setup best. Here’s a quick look at the compatible readers:

Turn to AuthorizID for S40101 cards and fobs

When paired with AMAG’s versatile reader options or any other compatible HID reader, the 37-bit S40101 format enables organizations to build secure, scalable, and future-ready access control systems. 

If you are looking for S10401 credentials, AuthorizID can provide compatible clamshell cards and key fobs. Whether you need a small batch or larger quantities, you can purchase in lots of up to 200, making it easy to scale your access control system as your business grows. 

If you’re not sure our products are the right fit for your system? Give us a call at (970) 682-0765 or email us at support@authoriz-id.com – to request a free sample to test compatibility.