A “card reader” is a contactless device that uses NFC/RFID technology to authenticate users, control access, or connect with various systems.
What is a card reader? NFC / RFID / MIFARE / Proximity
It reads radio-frequency signals from cards/tags to identify users or send data to a computer/controller. Ideal for fast, secure, touch-free workflows.
✓ Supports 125 kHz (Proximity) and 13.56 MHz (NFC/ISO14443/ISO15693)
✓ Simple Plug & Play via USB / RS-232 / Ethernet
✓ Works with MIFARE (Classic/Ultralight/Plus/DESFire) and Proximity cards
✓ Keyboard Wedge/HID output for instant use with software
Where can it be used?
Perfect for organizations and retail: identity verification, door control, loyalty points, and self-service kiosks.
— Access control/parking gates and time attendance
— Loyalty/membership at checkout or self-service kiosks
— Integrates with ERP/HR/Access Control software for logging and permission checks
SUPPORTED CARD TYPES
Which card types are supported? (Supported Card Types)
Covers popular cards/tags across Proximity 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz (NFC/MIFARE). Choose what fits your application.
125 kHz
Proximity 125 kHz (HID/EM)
Common in door access systems. Fast reads, easy to use, widely adopted.
MIFARE
MIFARE Classic / Ultralight
13.56 MHz for membership, parking, and e-ticketing.
SECURE
MIFARE DESFire / Plus
High security, encrypted data, supports multiple applications.
NFC / ISO
NFC (ISO14443 A/B) & ISO15693
Supports NFC tags and longer-range cards (e.g., ICODE), depending on reader model.
MAIN USE CASES
What are the main applications? (NFC / RFID / MIFARE / Proximity)
Popular scenarios: door access & time attendance • parking/gate entry • self-service kiosks • membership/loyalty • education/libraries • events & ticketing
Door Access / Time Attendance
Tap a card to unlock doors and log work hours. Integrates with Access Control and HR systems.
Parking / Gate Entry
Works with barriers and parking systems to identify cardholders for entry and exit.
Self-Service Kiosks
Authenticate before service. Take a queue, verify entitlements, or redeem benefits easily.
Example use cases: Access Control • Parking • Kiosk • Membership
Membership / Loyalty (CRM)
Connect to POS/CRM. Tap to earn and redeem points quickly.
Education / Library / Events
Student/staff cards for borrowing/returns, event registration, and ticket checks.
Works with your existing systems
Supports Keyboard Wedge/HID/SDK to feed data into ERP, HR, and Access Control.
Differences Between Card Technologies (NFC vs RFID vs Mifare vs Proximity)
NFC
RFID
VS
Highlights
NFC is simple—just tap at short range. Ideal for smartphones and tap-to-pay transactions.
Pros
Supported by most smartphones
Stronger security with encryption
Great for payments and access control
Limitations
Short read distance (≤ 10 cm)
Hardware can cost more than some RFID options
Highlights
RFID uses radio waves to read at longer distances and can read many tags at once—popular in warehousing and logistics.
Pros
Longer read range (meters)
Reads multiple tags simultaneously
Saves time in inventory operations
Limitations
Reader hardware can be expensive
Susceptible to radio interference
Mifare
Proximity
VS
Highlights
Mifare is widely used for public transportation and access control. Based on ISO14443 with strong security.
Pros
Widely adopted; compatible with many readers
Multiple variants with encryption support
Ideal for fare cards and key cards
Limitations
Older versions can be cloned
Requires compatible readers
Highlights
Proximity cards at 125 kHz are commonly used for building door access.
Pros
Low cost and easy to use
Readers are widely available
Limitations
Lower security; typically lacks encryption
Best suited to basic access control
Use Cases
Real-World Examples NFC / RFID / MIFARE / Proximity
NFC
Contactless Payment
NFC readers work with credit/debit cards and smartphones. Tap to pay instantly—shorter queues and better customer experience.
Use Case: Convenience stores, cafés, supermarkets
Logistics & Inventory (No Line-of-Sight Required)
Attach RFID tags to parcels/products to scan through boxes/pallets in bulk, reducing manual counts and errors.
Use Case: Warehouses, distribution centers, commercial transport
RFID
MIFARE
Access Control
MIFARE cards include memory and strong security, suitable for managing permissions for rooms/floors/buildings and integrating with lifts/turnstiles.
Use Case: Offices, universities, hotels/condominiums
Time Attendance
Proximity 125 kHz cards are simple and durable. Tap to record time instantly—ideal for fast, cost-effective operations.
Use Case: Factories, offices, government/hospitals
Proximity
Warranty & After-Sales
Warranty & After-Sales Service
POSPAK Service Center covers all your needs
Coverage: Manufacturer’s warranty covering parts and labor
Repair/Claims: Local service center with loaner units to reduce downtime
Software & Licenses: Assistance with installation, updates, and related software
HID's Proximity and FlexSmart® MIFARE contactless smart card combines smart card technology with the benefits of HID's proven proximity smart card technology. The contactless proximity smart card can be used for diverse applications such as access control, cashless vending, public transportation, event ticketing, customer loyalty and photo ID cards. Securely separated sectors enable multiple applications and support future growth. Different keys can protect read/write operations to build key hierarchies in the system.
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