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As access control systems are integrated into our day-to-day activities more and more, it is important to identify their many uses. An example of an access control device that has multiple uses is magnetic stripe proximity cards. Most likely, you are currently using a magnetic stripe proximity card without even realizing it! This article will dive into the many uses and tools that are accessed with the use of magnetic stripe prox cards.
Before diving into the many uses of these prox cards, let’s first understand how they work and what systems they can be used with.
What is a magnetic stripe? You know, that black stripe on the back of your credit or debit card? That is a magnetic stripe! This stripe holds data that can be read when used with a magnetic card reader. For example, when you swipe your credit card at the gas station, the card reader is reading the data on your prox card, which will then allow you to pay for gas.
This technology is commonly known as proximity technology. In some cases, your card may also hold an RFID tag, which would allow you to tap the card on the reader so that the data can be read without having to swipe the card.
Magnetic stripe cards have a large variety of uses. Prox cards can be used for access control systems, point of sales systems, and even some timekeeping systems.
In an access control system, magnetic stripe cards are mainly used for security purposes. For example, your organization may have an access control system that controls the locking of doors, cameras, and general access in and out of the building. In this scenario, each employee would be given a magnetic stripe card that holds their information or data. The data in these prox cards would store common information like name, job title, and so on. Most likely, this data would have an additional layer of security data such as what this employee's access level is. For example, one employee may have access to the whole facility because they are the CEO, while another employee may only have access to the IT department because they are a technical engineer.
Point of sales systems are the most commonly known system for magnetic stripe cards. Card readers at grocery stores, registers, and barcode terminals are all examples of point of sales systems. The magnetic stripe card is most useful for the card reader, in the case of the customer. The store attendee can scan all the groceries and everything in their system for inventory and stock purposes. Once the order is ready to purchase, the attendee will process a payment through the card reader where the customer will swipe their prox card for payment.
Lastly, timekeeping systems are another use for magnetic stripe cards. Magnetic stripe cards will house the same data as the above examples, or however you and your system see fit. In a timekeeping system, your prox card most likely will just house employee data. This allows an employee to clock in and out of work with their magnetic stripe card. The data held in your access control system can then be used to help with payroll and other features as needed.
In summary, magnetic stripe proximity cards are widely used in various systems. These cards, which feature a magnetic stripe on the back, store data that can be read by swiping them through a card reader that is often integrated with a computer system.
These cards are used to manage security and access within buildings, in retail and other transactional environments, and in timekeeping employee situations. Overall, magnetic stripe proximity cards are versatile tools that enhance security, streamline payments, and simplify time management.
