Organisations in both public and private sectors are upgrading legacy systems in favour of advanced smart ID card solutions that support contactless authentication, biometric features, and integration with access control platforms. For security leaders attending the Total Security Summit, choosing the right smart ID card system requires careful consideration of technology, infrastructure compatibility, and supplier reliability. Here’s what to prioritise when selecting a solution…
- Evaluate the Technology Options
Today’s smart ID cards come in several formats, each with unique features and security levels:
Contactless (RFID/NFC): These cards offer fast, tap-and-go access using embedded chips that communicate with readers via radio waves. Ideal for high-traffic environments, they’re widely supported and easy to deploy.
Biometric-enabled cards: Equipped with fingerprint sensors or facial recognition data, these cards offer a higher level of identity assurance. Some models store biometric data directly on the card’s chip, enabling two-factor authentication without relying on external databases, critical for privacy-conscious or high-security environments.
Dual-interface cards: These combine contactless and contact capabilities for flexibility, often used in sectors with mixed legacy systems or secure print applications.
The right choice depends on your organisation’s security needs, user volume, and IT maturity. While contactless is sufficient for most commercial offices, critical infrastructure sites or healthcare facilities may require biometric or multi-authentication cards.
- Ensure Seamless Integration with Access Control Systems
Your smart ID card system must integrate with existing physical access control systems (PACS), visitor management platforms, and potentially IT networks for logical access. Evaluate whether the vendor offers open architecture compatibility or supports widely used protocols like OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol), which enhances encryption and interoperability.
For organisations with multi-site or hybrid environments, ensure the system can manage identities centrally, sync in real time, and support access customisation across different roles or zones.
- Prioritise Data Security and Privacy
Smart cards store sensitive credentials. Choose systems with AES encryption, secure key storage, and the ability to comply with regulations like GDPR and industry-specific security standards. If biometric data is included, ensure it’s stored and managed locally where possible, minimising data transfer and breach risk.
- Vendor Evaluation Criteria
When selecting a smart ID card partner, assess:
- Experience in your sector (e.g., education, corporate, government)
- Proven integration with your existing access infrastructure
- Support for lifecycle management, including card issuance, revocation, and replacement
- Aftercare and support services, including training and troubleshooting
Are you searching for Smart ID Card solutions for your organisation? The Total Security Summit can help!
Photo by David Fintz on Unsplash
