Even where the only function of electronic access control is granting or denying access to a room or area, there can be advantages over the use of keys. Consider, for example, the complexity of using keys to to selectively control access to just a dozen rooms or areas at a facility. Changes to a specific area's access level can be quickly accomplished through the system management software. Cards and Readers There are a variety of different card technologies on the market today. Some are better suited to higher security applications, with others providing significant cost advantages for the large user.
Magnetic stripe is still the most commonly used technology.
A standard card's stripe contains space for up to three separate tracks, although only one track is typically used for electronic access control. This means that one card can be used for different purposes, such as electronic access control and debit systems, each utilizing a different track on the card. Encoding equipment may be purchased by the end user to allow the stripes to be coded at the user's facility, if desired. Barium ferrite is an older magnetic card technology that encodes cards by placing pieces of the material within the card during manufacture. The pattern created determines the code, which is read and decoded by the system.