The Key Card Entry System is very similar to the Key Fob Entry System with some differences. It be turned into an ID card for visual identification and electronic authentication. Cards can also be swiped or scanned in places where fobs are typically only used as proximity readers.

1. Key card
Key cards can come in a variety of formats, but the most common are smart cards or proxy cards.

2. Smart card
Smart cards are a proprietary format designed to have a higher level of security than traditional proxy cards. Smart cards are more difficult to “clone” or crack than proxy cards. Since a smart card is only designed to communicate with a very specific card reader, it does not allow the transfer of an old card from an old entry system to a new one.

In the context of credentials, the term “smart card” generally refers to a high-frequency RFID card that transmits data using near field communication. NFC technology operates at 13.56 MHz and is commonly found in contactless payment systems. They still use passive inductive power, but smart cards have a larger storage capacity than 125kHz cards, so they can encrypt data in addition to storing it. Therefore, they are more secure and not as easy to duplicate as the old proxy cards. Smart card door locks also typically have a smaller working radius than traditional RFID access control systems, up to about 4 inches.

3. Proxy card
Many access control administrators choose proximity cards in mixed-use buildings that use traditional hardware or in mixed-use buildings where cardholders may have credentials for other doors, usually in proximity format. The convenience of the redundant nature of proxy cards from one system to another makes them an easy choice when high security is not required.

Contactless credentials typically use radio frequency identification to transmit data stored on microchips. The Prox card communicates with the reader using a low frequency of 125 kHz. The card can be actively powered by a small lithium battery or, more commonly, passively by a card reader, which continuously emits a short-range radio signal. When the card is close enough, the card’s coil antenna stores enough energy to send the ID on the chip to the waiting reader. Prox cards are proprietary, so there is no established standard or compatibility between manufacturers. They are also easily copied or rewritten, although you must be within the card’s read radius (about 1 foot) to do so.

4. Wiegand Card
Some of the first key cards developed for key card systems were Wiegand cards, named after their inventor. In the 1970s, John R. Wiegand discovered that specially annealed wires made of iron, cobalt, and vanadium would suddenly change polarity when passed through a sufficiently strong magnetic field. A nearby sensor coil will receive rapid changes in high-voltage pulses, which can be converted into data if multiple wires pass through the field. Wiegand key cards use two short parallel Wiegand wires to store binary data with magnetic polarity. When the card is pulled through the card reader, the wire is recorded as a 1 and the blank spot is recorded as a 0. The unique Wiegand number is then sent to the controller for verification.

– If you are running a small business, add gift cards to your business is always a good choice, there are some reasons that why it is.

1 Branding: In this age, anything that makes your name or logo popular is good for your business. You can sell your merchandise and send customers out of the house with personalized shopping bags, and the same can be done with your own unique gift cards.

2 Spending lift: Research shows that most gift card users spend more on the card than the total amount. According to First Data’s 18th Annual Prepaid Consumer Insights Study, the average U.S. consumer paying with a gift card spends $59 more than the value of the gift card. The confidence that at least a portion of their purchase has been covered may spur customers to buy more than they originally intended. Best of all, the gift card has already been purchased, so you can still earn that profit if it is not used or if there is a small balance left on the card.

3 Improve cash flow: Many businesses have been hit financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. Doors were forced to close. One way some businesses make a living is by selling gift cards which can be used for online purchases or saved for future use. Having a gift card program now allows your business to do the same when sales slow or emergencies arise.

4 Repeat Business: Once you’ve set up your gift card, it’s easy to run marketing or promotions to attract new customers or gain repeat business. Having someone buy a gift card and give it to a friend or family member who may not have been inclined to visit your store before is a great benefit. It’s also another way to give customers extra credit for their next purchase after they use the gift card.

5 Ease of use: Whether you’re going directly through a POS system or dealing with a company, setting up or purchasing a gift card is usually a simple process. It can be as quick and easy as activating an e-gift card with the click of a few buttons, or you can order a physical card with your design and company name. If you don’t currently have a gift card feature, chances are customers have asked about it at some point. It’s nice to have this option available for the least amount of time and money.

Welcome customize your own gift cards and buy wholesale of them for business here in CXJ Card Factory! We have much experience in any kinds of card manufacturing and selling for 19+ years.

Why gift cards are better than typical gifts?

1. Mainstream preferred:

People are trending to use gift cards as a way instead of giving gifts. For companies, giving gifts no longer has to guess the preferences of customers, relatives, friends or employees. A gift card allows the recipient to choose the right product from variety of gifts, completely avoiding the cost and unpredictable embarrassment when sending gifts.

Gift cards that are convenient for both gift givers and recipients have become one of the most popular “commodities” in gift market. Gift cards bring considerable convenience in the communication between relatives and friends, companies and customers or employees.

2. Flexible use:

The recipient can transfer the gift card to others, and can appoint the gift to be delivered to a convenient place at a convenient time.

3. Convenient to carry:

You don’t need to carry large bags or small bags, and you don’t even need to consider who to give it to. You only need to give the gift card to the person in charge of the relevant unit, and they will decide how to distribute it.

Other gift card advantages

Easy gift giving

Gifts no longer need to use large or small packages, only a light card. And recipients can choose home delivery or customized packaging, etc.

Freedom to choose

Gift recipients can freely choose gifts in their own selection. Different from the traditional way of giving gifts, the choice of gifts is completely left to the recipient.

Exquisite and attractive

Gift cards made from PVC, plastic or even metal are very exquisite and attractive. A good looking card is always a nice choice to simplify some complex steps of things.