RFID Keyfob Benefits For Your Business

RFID key fobs allow building tenants to track entry and exit to help manage staff, keep records of visitors and evaluate employee mobility. They can also help prevent theft of company property.

This article is for business owners and building managers who want to upgrade their entry systems with RFID technology. Learn how RFID key fobs work and what to consider when choosing the right duplicator for your needs.

Authentication

A key fob provides a convenient and secure method for authentication. Instead of entering a username and password to log into a system or device, employees simply scan their key fob. This allows them to keep their hands free, is easier for older and bigger-handed staff to use (especially with large gloves), and offers higher levels of security.

Fobs communicate via RFID, which works similarly to the barcode system but with electromagnetic fields. A fob contains a microchip that transmits radio frequencies that are translated back into identifying information by the RFID reader. The reader checks the identifier with its governing database to verify the user’s access level and then grants or denies access.

However, it’s important to note that while the technology behind key fobs makes them more secure than traditional keys, they are not foolproof. Malign actors are constantly developing tools to hack into these systems. For example, they’ve been known to create a relay attack that can trick an RFID security system into unlocking a car or activating the engine.

Fortunately, modern RFID fobs have been built with high-level security in mind. A typical fob will contain a LF 125KHz chip that uses a single-frequency for communication. This type of chip is only readable with an RFID scanner that supports this frequency. Additionally, these tags are not reusable, which helps prevent the spread of malware.

Access Control

The technology behind RFID makes it ideal for access control systems. RFID systems can easily manage and monitor who enters the building, which rooms they use and when they leave the facility. This allows businesses to better control security and prevent theft.

For example, a company could give a key fob to employees who work in the back storage room so that only those people can get into that area of the store. The key fob communicates with a reader, which then translates the frequencies on the tag into identifying data. Paper Card The reader checks this data with the governing control panel to see whether or not that person has the permissions to be there.

Unlike passwords, which can be stolen or guessed by malicious actors (like hackers), the RFID Keyfob unique data on each fob is virtually impossible to replicate or spoof. However, it is important to remember that just as people figured out how to crack traditional locks, malign actors are constantly finding new tools to breach RFID security.

To prevent the potential for security breaches, set up a clear and easy process for employees to report lost or misplaced key fobs. This will help ensure that only the right people have access to sensitive areas and that all lost fobs are deactivated quickly. If you have a programmable access control system, make sure that the RFID modules can read both a card’s PAC ID and Serial Number, not just one.

Time and Attendance

Counting employee time manually can be inaccurate, inefficient and expensive. Some employees cheat the system by having friends punch them in or out, and others work honest hours but end up with errors on their paychecks. Using an RFID smart attendance system eliminates these issues by using a single credential to verify employee presence and automate time tracking.

With an RFID proximity card reader, employees clock in and out by touching their tag to a time-tracking machine or mobile app. The data is automatically sent to an administrator, eliminating human error and reducing payroll costs. This solution can also be used for access control and to streamline local, state and federal compliance with workplace regulations.

RFID key fobs are inexpensive, allowing employers to distribute them freely to employees (less than 30 cents each for the tags and less than $30 each for the computer reader). They also provide a more convenient method of sign-in/sign-out than swipe cards or scanning. Additionally, the tags are less likely to be “shared with buddies” and hang on a keychain.

Research indicates that students who regularly attend class have higher academic performance and better grades than those who skip classes or arrive late to class. An RFID smart attendance system can help to improve the educational experience by making it easy for students to prove their attendance, thus avoiding the inaccuracies and inefficiencies of a traditional time-card based system.

Asset Tracking

Asset tracking is a critical business process that requires accurate, up to the minute data. From laptops to construction tools and high-value equipment, tracking these items can be difficult without the right tools. Using traditional methods like bar code scanners, it can take hours to complete a simple scan and the results are often prone to human error. RFID tracking systems eliminate these issues by enabling the instant scanning and identification of tagged assets. This allows companies to monitor utilisation levels and inventory in real-time. Additionally, it helps eliminate lost or misplaced items and can provide a papertrail to help with insurance claims.

Passive RFID tags emit electromagnetic signals that can be detected by the RFID reader. They are available in a variety of colours and shapes and can be programmed to work with the specific needs of your organisation.

EZOfficeInventory is a leading provider of RFID asset tracking technology that allows businesses to track and monitor their assets with ease. By automating the asset tracking process, it frees up teams of employees to focus on more important tasks that can improve productivity and the bottom line. The system can also be used to manage employee performance by capturing key metrics like time taken for tasks, workflow and more. This data can then be analysed and acted upon to ensure better efficiency across the business.