Proximity Card Upgrades: Boost Office Security Without Overhauling Your System

Many companies find upgrading access control systems a hassle. It costs a lot of money and may also affect employees’ normal work clocking in. However, there is a way to improve security without a complete transformation. Upgrade to a proximity card and improve system security while keeping other settings intact. Next, I will explain why upgrading to proximity cards is a smart and affordable way to upgrade your access control system, allowing you to upgrade your access control system easily and conveniently.

What Is a Proximity Card and How Do They Work

Proximity cards are access cards that use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to communicate with a card reader. Unlike traditional magnetic stripe or contact-based cards, proximity cards do not require physical contact to authenticate the user. The card needs to be near the reader to transmit the data.

These cards are embedded with microchips that communicate wirelessly, offering a highly secure and efficient way to grant access. With a built-in security protocol, proximity cards are much harder to duplicate than traditional cards, making them a reliable choice for modern access control systems.

The Real Benefits of Upgrading to Proximity Cards

Proximity cards offer stronger encryption and authentication processes and are less likely to be copied or cloned than magnetic stripe or contact cards. This is especially important for protecting high-risk areas within an enterprise. Second, because proximity cards do not require physical contact with the reader, users can gain access faster. This speeds up the entry process, improves efficiency, and reduces waiting time. Proximity cards are compatible with most modern access control systems and can be easily updated as technology evolves. This flexibility means you don’t have to replace your entire system when upgrading your access control system.

Compatible with multiple access control systems

One major advantage of upgrading to proximity cards is that many existing access control systems are already compatible with them. You don’t need to replace your entire infrastructure to make the switch—most systems that use older technology, like magnetic stripe or contact cards, can easily be adapted to support proximity cards with minimal effort.

This compatibility is because many access control readers today already support RFID technology. This means you can replace your existing access cards with proximity cards that match the same frequency and chip format.

How to check if your system is compatible

The first step in upgrading your access control system with proximity cards is determining if your current system is compatible. First, you need to check your current cards to determine the technology used by your current access control cards. Common card types include magnetic stripe cards, contact cards, and RFID cards. Then check the card reader’s specifications and look at the card reader’s specifications to see if it supports RFID or proximity card formats, such as TK4100, EM4100, or HID. Once you have checked, you need to perform a simple test. You can use a sample proximity card from a reliable supplier to test compatibility and see if your card reader can successfully read it. If you are unsure about compatibility, we offer a free compatibility test kit to help you evaluate whether your system supports proximity cards without any risk.

Choosing the Right Proximity Card for Your System

Once you’ve confirmed that your system is ready for an upgrade, the next step is choosing the right proximity card for your specific needs. Several formats and chip types include TK4100, EM4100, T5577, and HID.

It’s important to choose a card that matches the frequency and format of your existing system to ensure seamless compatibility. Our 125 kHz proximity cards support 95% of the most common reader formats today, including TK4100, EM4200, HID, and more. They are designed for quick, plug-and-play installation with zero learning curve, making upgrading your access control system easier.

Upgrading Without Downtime

One of the biggest concerns with upgrading access control systems is the potential downtime. However, the transition can be smooth and nearly seamless with proximity cards.

You don’t have to replace all your cards simultaneously—this can be done in phases. Start by replacing the cards for key personnel or specific areas and gradually roll out the new cards throughout your organization. This approach ensures that your access control system remains fully operational during the upgrade process.

Our 125 kHz proximity cards are designed to work with over 95% of existing readers so that you can upgrade without major disruptions to your operations.

Proximity cards allow you to upgrade your security system more smoothly

A strong security system doesn’t always require a complete reset. In many cases, the most effective upgrade is the simplest, such as replacing outdated access control cards with modern proximity cards. This change will not interrupt your workflow but will significantly impact system performance. If your system supports formats such as TK4100, EM4100 or HID, you can improve your security level by changing the card. Contact us to customize a plan if you consider upgrading your access control system.