Generally, when we think of radio frequency identification, we imagine inlays, tags, or EAS systems. However, there is one type of such system that is very prevalent today, and not a lot of people realize it. These are the RFID cards.
Today, we will discuss everything a user or business should know about these cards, before investing in them.
What Are RFID PVC Cards?
As the name suggests, these are cards that have radio frequency identification capabilities. These cards can be used for multiple applications and function by wireless communication of data using radio waves.
How Do RFID PVC Cards Work?
These cards consist of a Dry RFID Inlay, sandwiched between two layers of PVC. These cards generally only work on NFC (Near-Field Communication) basis, as a measure of security. Once a card is inside the NFC zone of a reader, the antennas on the inlay reflect the signal using backscattering. The antenna inside the reader receives these backscattered signals and the reader then converts it into a readable format and sends it to the database/computer.
Applications of RFID PVC Card
Many industries utilize RF smart cards for a variety of purposes. So, here we will discuss the most common application of these cards.
Employee ID Card
Businesses can use these smart cards to effectively identify and track employee movement in and out of the company ground. These cards help establish an accurate and automated attendance system.
Access Cards
Within an organization or institution, there are areas with different levels of access clearance. In such situations, to grant only authorized person access to these areas, companies can program said cards with access to the reader in the area. This also helps monitor the movement in and out of the secure area and helps in identifying who entered and when in case of emergencies like theft.
Debit/Credit Cards
Almost all credit/debit cards nowadays have a Wi-Fi symbol on them, if you’ve seen it, it means that the card has contactless capabilities. These cards have an inlay inside them. It allows users to conduct transactions without having to put in the code. This makes card operations more efficient and streamlined.
Gift/Points Cards
You may have seen many retail stores or even pharmacies offer cards to their customers for their reward point schemes. These cards allow the stores to keep track of the reward point the customer has earned and also allow the customer to conduct transactions with those reward points.
Public Transportation
If you’ve ever traveled by metro or the subway, then you know how exactly RFID cards play a role in public transportation. These cards can be programmed with travel amounts and time of coupling. Users can use these cards to get access to the transportation system, and avoid buying tickets, every time they travel.
Benefits of Integrating RFID PVC Card
Now that you know the applications and working of these cards, let’s have a look at the benefits of using RFID pvc cards.
Automation
The biggest benefit of these cards is that they automate a lot of time-consuming and unproductive tasks. For example, manned personnel for attendance in offices doesn't generate any profits, adds to the cost, and can be bribed. In the case of public transportation, it saves time by preventing you from standing in long lines to buy tickets.
Efficient & Accurate
Using smart cards for employees provides a very accurate identification and tracking system. Unlike manual entries, RFID cards are programmed with specific information, that allows the system to monitor every employee inside the premises.
Security Optimization
As mentioned above, these cards allow facilities to set up automatic access control and tracking systems. Meaning that the system can identify the movement of personnel going in and out, and inside the facility. It also only provides access to users with the correct level of authorization.
How to Set Up an RFID Smartcard System?
To set up any radio frequency identification systems you need three things, an RFID Tag, Reader, and Antenna. In the case of NFC readers, the antenna is usually integrated inside the reader. The reader needs to be present at the access point, billing station, etc, and connected to the computer.
Now, depending on the application, this reader may or may not have both reading and writing capabilities.
Tips to Make RFID PVC Card Safer
Unauthorized reads from a phishing device/RF reader can result in thieves communicating and using our cards for their purposes, like transactions, etc. To prevent such things from happening, the best solution is to get an RFID-resistant wallet or bag.
These items are just normal bags/cases/wallets with a mesh of copper wire woven on the inside. These meshes act like a Faraday cage, absorbing and reflecting radio signals before they reach the card.
Conclusion
Radio Frequency Identification Cards offer amazing optimization in day-to-day tasks as mentioned above. They provide better accuracy and safety measures than manual operations. They also improve the speed of daily working of an organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can RFID PVC Card be hacked?
Ans - Since these cards only operate on a near-field communication basis, any attempt to hack must be done within 10 centimeters from the card surface. This doesn’t mean that it is impossible, just very difficult. Users can also use RFID-blocking wallets and holders, to make this system even more secure.
Q2. How does an RFID PVC Card card work?
Ans - An RFID card has a passive inlay inside it. This inlay allows the card to communicate information to the reader using inductive coupling, when inside the near-field of the reader.
Q3. How data is stored in an RFID PVC Card?
Ans - These cards have a Dry Inlay sandwiched between the card layers. An inlay consists of an antenna and a microchip, that is capable of storing data, like any type of flash memory.
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