RFID Keyfob Uses in Business
A key fob is an efficient way to simplify security checks and give employees easy access to the building. It can also help to improve employee morale by giving them independence from having to ask a receptionist to let them in.
Yes, it is possible to clone RFID key fobs, but it requires technical knowledge and an RFID reader. For this reason, it’s important to train your employees on how to use their fobs properly.
Access Control
Modern access control systems utilize RFID, which is an intelligent barcode system that communicates with a reader via radio frequency. When residents, staff or other authorized persons hold their fob in front of an RFID reader, the reader recognizes the fob and signals whether the door should open. The entire process happens instantly, and there is no need for a person to physically turn the key.
The security of the RFID keyfob also comes from the fact that it’s impossible to duplicate. Fobs have a unique code encoded into them by the manufacturer. This means that the fob can only be read by a device that has been programmed to recognize that specific code. The system can also verify that the user’s identity is correct by comparing that information to an authorized list of users, making it more difficult for hackers to gain unauthorized access.
In addition, many modern RFID systems allow for remote access management through a mobile app or secure online portal. This allows property managers and security RFID Keyfob teams to monitor, approve or deny access from anywhere, even if they’re not on-site. This simplifies the security check process and frees up time for security professionals to focus on other aspects of their job. It also makes it easier for tenants to grant access to cleaning crews, dog walkers, and babysitters.
Time & Attendance
For businesses with a centralized time tracking system, RFID can be used to clock employees in and out using non-contact technology. Rather than having employees swipe a card or key fob at the machine, they simply need to hold their badge in front of the reader to register attendance and punches. This reduces the need for human contact and minimizes employee disruption, especially when switching shifts or closing the business.
Because there’s no swiping involved, this clocking process is much faster than other systems, and it eliminates the need for employees to sign in and out on paper. This means fewer errors and more efficiency for your HR team.
RFID is also a popular way to allow guests, fans and customers to pay for food, drink and merchandise at your venue or event without the need for cash. This is typically done by preloading an account with credit which is scanned at the point of sale. This removes the need for staff to handle cash, and guests can leave at any time knowing that they’ve paid for everything they owe.
This payment capability is usually built into an RFID wristband or bracelet, but it can also be integrated into a variety of consumables including lanyards, season tickets and vehicle passes for example. These RFID proximity fobs can also be used for access control, brand amplification and zone management at events.
Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs are a great way to show your customers that you appreciate their business. They provide a meaningful incentive for customers to continue shopping at your store, restaurant, credit card, or airline while helping you collect data on their behavior. There are a variety of loyalty program models, including point-based, referral-based, and tiered.
Some brands may charge a membership fee to incentivize their loyalty program with exclusive, emotional offerings that make it worth the upfront investment for consumers. For example, apparel and outdoor gear company The North Face offers a premium rewards program for customers with a membership fee to help them feel like they’re part of an exclusive group.
Other companies may use discounts or free items to motivate their loyalty program participants. For instance, hair care company Briogeo uses a simple points system where every purchase earns customers three loyalty points toward a discount on their next purchase. By attaching a monetary value to the points, customers can easily visualize how many purchases it will take to earn a discount and stay committed to their brand.
Non-monetary benefits are also effective, and can be structured around the core values of your business. For instance, a social impact program that contact smart card allows riders to round up their ride’s cost to the nearest dollar and donate the change to a charity of their choice is a powerful motivator for Lyft’s customers.
Asset Tracking
In industries that rely on high-value assets to generate revenue (like retail, manufacturing and shipping), it’s critical to ensure their availability. RFID technology enables complete inventory management and tracking with minimal labor and accuracy.
Unlike traditional barcode scanning systems, RFID tags have the ability to transmit data without needing direct contact with a reader. This means they’re well suited for applications where items need to be tracked over long distances and are not accessible, such as warehouses or trucks.
Additionally, incorporating RFID into your asset management system eliminates the need to manually track assets by hand and reduces the risk of human error. It also allows you to see the history and location of a specific item at any point in time, eliminating downtime for maintenance and ensuring a clear paper trail for insurance claims.
For companies in the mining or metal industry, it’s important to keep track of expensive equipment that is prone to theft or damage. RFID technology helps improve access control to specialized equipment and reduces the number of workers needed to maintain or repair it. This also reduces the loss of materials due to theft or damage, while boosting productivity. Moreover, it can cut down on operational costs through reduced maintenance and production losses, while also enabling tax credits by keeping detailed logs of all equipment usage.