Key Questions to Ask Yourself when Choosing a Reader Technology

What Level of Security do You Need?

Different access control technologies provide different levels of security. Combining proximity technology with biometrics yields the highest level of security by adding an extra layer of ID verification. You can also use either of these independently or opt for other types of readers that offer a less expensive yet viable alternative for medium and low level security.

Where Will the Reader be Used?

Heavy traffic requires a technology that can process authorization data quickly. A proximity reader takes less than half a second whereas a biometric reader requires up to two seconds and is better suited to less busy situations. Environmental factors can also affect your readers. Proximity readers are the most impervious to the elements; biometric readers, being the most sensitive, should be used exclusively indoors.

Will the Reader Grow with Your Organization?

You may find it more efficient and cost effective to continue using your current technology throughout your operation as it grows. Multiple technology cards offer the option of combining old with new, letting you retain existing bar code, Wiegand, or mag stripe functions while adopting another type of access control like proximity technology.