By James Kelly on February 3rd, 2020
Struggling to identify your card sequence? Unsure what your facility code is? Identifying the cards your contactless smart cards and proximity cards is vital when you need to order a fresh batch.
We’ve taken a look at five ways to identify your cards easily. If you’re having trouble finding the correct information, here’s what you can do:
Let’s start with the simple stuff. It’s always worth checking for any physical markings or logos on the card that can help you identify the brand.
Markings can help you work out:
There are usually a number of markings on an access control card. On clamshell cards that are not printed on with an ID card printer, it should be quite easy. However, if your cards are printed on to provide photographic identification, this might be more difficult.
Some suppliers hope that you’ll simply get back in touch with them instead of taking your business elsewhere which could be costing you more money than if you were able to simply purchase cards online. So, we’ve helped you out and put together five top tips for identifying your access control or RFID cards.
If you can’t figure out what you need from your existing cards, you can always have a look at the label on the packaging it originally came in – as long as you remembered to keep it!
This will clarify things and tell you exactly the type of card you have, as well as the format, codes and range number.
If you’re responsible for the creation and distribution of the cards yourself, it’s likely you’ll have more to work with than just the cards. Have you got a card reader you can refer to?
This can identify the make of your cards at a minimum. If you use key fobs, they carry markings just like the cards do.
If all else fails, take a look in your email archive or records: the type of your cards will be specified on previous invoices and orders.
At the very least, this should tell you the manufacturer and card format.
If none of the above steps have successfully guided you in identifying your ID card, here at Smart Card Store we off a free card test.
Our free format testing service is a quick process carried out by our IT department who can format test near enough any type of card.
All we ask is for you to download, complete and print off the format testing form and place your completed form and a sample card into an envelope and return it to our address below:
Proximity Card Test
The Smart Card Store Ltd
E3 Knoll Business Centre
Old Shoreham Road, Hove, BN3 7GS
When we have received your envelope containing the card and have completed the test, we then will send you back a report of the access control card you have sent us.
This should help you finalise the identification process of your ID card. Our access control guides section includes helpful tips on encoding, programming and buying the correct products.
If you need further assistance identifying a product or need one-to-one advice, give Smartcard Store a call on the number below.
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Our team have more than 25 years of industry knowledge and are happy to help. We're available Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.