Proximity (prox) cards are a vital element in modern security systems, providing controlled access to buildings and secured areas. However, the effectiveness of these cards is not just in their ability to open doors but also in how the facility codes and card ranges are structured. A common but critical mistake involves choosing poorly optimized codes, particularly those starting with 0 or 1. Here’s a deep dive into best practices for setting up prox cards to ensure a smooth, secure, and scalable system.

1. Avoid Facility Codes and Card Numbers That Start With 0 or 1

While it may seem trivial, avoiding facility codes and card ranges that start with 0 or 1 can prevent multiple issues in the future. Here’s why:

• Compatibility Issues: Some access control systems may not properly handle facility codes or card numbers that begin with 0, causing processing errors or failure in recognizing the card. This is especially prevalent in systems where leading zeros are automatically truncated or skipped.
• Risk of Duplication: Starting a facility code or card range with 1 increases the chance of duplication with existing systems, especially if you're adding onto an established access control system. Many systems default to lower numbers like 1, so choosing a number higher up in the range minimizes the chance of overlap with other facilities or organizations using the same card manufacturer.

2. Choosing the Right Facility Code

The facility code is essentially an identifier that groups cards issued for a specific organization or site. Picking the right facility code ensures your cards can be easily tracked and differentiated from others. Here’s how to manage it:

• Keep It Unique: Ensure that your facility code is unique, not only within your organization but also across any partners or nearby facilities that may have similar systems. Cross-referencing with your prox card provider can help you avoid selecting codes that are already in use.
• Use a Randomized, Larger Number: Consider choosing a number in the middle or upper part of the available range. For instance, instead of starting at 1 or 10, opt for a number like 300 or 500. This approach reduces the risk of conflict with other facility codes and provides room for future expansion.
• Document It: Keep thorough records of all facility codes and card ranges issued. Documenting this information will save time and avoid confusion when adding new cards or managing the access control system.

3. Structuring the Card Range

The card number range is another critical aspect to consider when setting up your prox cards. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Avoid Small Ranges: Avoid starting your card range with very small numbers (like 0001 or 00010). Many systems have preset ranges that may clash with low card numbers. By using a higher starting number, you’ll ensure that the card is processed correctly and avoid potential overlaps with other installations.
• Leave Space for Growth: If your organization is growing or expects to expand its employee base, leave space between card numbers to allow for the addition of new cards without the need for restructuring the range. For example, if your current range starts at 100, avoid filling up all the cards sequentially. Leave gaps to insert future cards or special cards (e.g., for contractors or temporary workers) into the system without overlapping with permanent staff.
• Consider Future Expansion: Anticipate potential future expansions of your system when defining the card range. You may not need 100,000 cards today, but it’s wise to set up your system so it can accommodate that number without reconfiguring everything later.

4. Testing and Validation

Before deploying a large batch of prox cards, make sure to test a small set in the actual environment where they’ll be used. This testing process will help catch any errors related to facility codes, card ranges, or hardware incompatibility before it becomes a more costly issue.

• Test Across Multiple Readers: Ensure that the prox cards work across all the readers in your system. Even if one reader works, other readers might interpret the facility code or card number differently, especially in larger systems with varied hardware.
• Validate the Data Format: Make sure your access control system correctly reads and records the data from the prox card, particularly the facility code and card number. Some systems may truncate numbers if the format isn’t properly configured.

5. Security Considerations

Optimizing your facility codes and card ranges also ties directly into enhancing the overall security of your system. Here are some additional security tips:

• Avoid Sequential Assignment: Assigning card numbers sequentially (e.g., 1001, 1002, 1003) can be a security risk. It makes it easier for malicious actors to guess valid card numbers. Instead, consider a more randomized assignment of numbers within your range.
• Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of your card database to identify any potential duplicates or inactive cards that may pose a security risk. Revoking unused or lost cards quickly ensures that your system stays secure.

6. Consult with Your Vendor

Lastly, if you’re unsure about what facility code or card range is best for your system, consult with your prox card vendor. Many manufacturers and access control providers have experience managing these details across a wide range of systems and can offer advice on choosing codes that minimize risk and maximize efficiency.

Contact us today

By avoiding facility codes and card ranges that start with 0 or 1, you’re not just improving the technical performance of your access control system—you’re setting up a more secure, scalable, and future-proof system. Always prioritize testing, documentation, and security in your prox card management to maintain an efficient and safe facility. Contact us today for more information or questions on prox cards.