The smart badges market has been projected to reach a value of $50 billion in the next 10 years due to increasing demand for better access control.

The same secure chip technology that’s been rolled out in the banking world for ATM and credit card transactions is sweeping across sectors throughout the American economy.

These rugged smart card access control readers feature stainless steel construction, epoxy encapsulated electronics, audiovisual feedback, and a modern low-profile design, which helps reduce the cost of repairs and replacement due to vandalism and harsh environments.

Enterprises currently using proximity card readers, as well as those using smart card readers, can now add biometric authorization to their verification process without having to implement biometric readers.

While the system is indeed better protecting patient information, enabling students to access dormitories and laundry rooms, and even presents the possibility of connecting with point of sale systems across both the university and hospital campuses, one measurable impact of swapping technologies is the reduction in maintenance. 

Target Corp will speed up a program to implement the use of chip-enabled smart cards to protect against cyber theft.

 For enterprises considering higher level and more integrated physical and logical security, identity and access management solutions through smart cards or more sophisticated credentialing, keep your head out of the technology razzle-dazzle. 

New smart-card machines will be removed out of all Calgary Transit 1,000 city buses and 160 LRT pay machines after repeated glitches and delays.

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies and the CBORD Group are in the midst of an access control trial at Villanova University in Pennsylvania involving NFC and smart phones.