Reordering prox cards for your access control system may seem like a simple task, but ensuring you order the right cards is essential for maintaining the security and functionality of your system. To make sure your new prox cards are fully compatible with your current setup, there are several key details you’ll need to gather. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before placing your reorder.

1. Card Style & Material

The first step in reordering prox cards is selecting the right card style and material. Prox cards come in a variety of options, each suited to different needs and preferences. Some of the most common card styles include:

• Clamshell Cards: Durable and commonly used in various access control systems, these cards are easy to handle and provide a reliable solution.
• Printable Prox Cards: These cards allow you to print custom designs and information, making them ideal for businesses looking to add logos or employee names to the cards.
• Cards with Magnetic Stripes: In addition to proximity access, these cards also feature a magnetic stripe for use with card readers that require it.
• Key Fobs: These small, portable devices are popular for mobile access control, especially in environments where carrying a card might not be ideal.
• Adhesive Tags: These are versatile tags that can be attached to various surfaces, such as vehicles or equipment, for easy tracking and access control.

Choosing the right style depends on your access control needs and the preferences of your organization. Be sure to confirm with your security provider which card type is most compatible with your system.

2. Card Format

Every prox card system uses a specific format to identify cards and their corresponding access privileges. The most common format used is the 26-bit format (H10301), but specialized systems might require different formats, such as 32-bit or 34-bit.

Before you reorder, check your current card’s format. You can usually find this information printed on the box of your last order or by accessing the settings of your existing access control system. If you're unsure of your format, it's important to confirm this with your system administrator to ensure compatibility.

3. Card Range & Sequence Number

Each prox card is assigned a unique sequence number. This helps your access control system keep track of cards and ensures that each one can be accurately identified. When you reorder, you’ll need to provide the sequence range for your new cards.

For example, if your system has already used cards numbered from 1 to 250, the next set of cards will start at 251. This prevents any overlap or confusion between cards. You can find this information printed on your previous card order’s packaging, or you can look up the range in your access control system’s settings.

4. Facility Code

The facility code is a unique identifier for your organization’s location or facility. This number typically falls between 0 and 255 and is used to associate your prox cards with a specific location. Most businesses use a single facility code for their entire organization, but larger systems may use multiple codes for different departments or branches.

Just like the format and sequence range, your facility code should be printed on the packaging of your last prox card order. If you can't find it, you can check your system's settings or consult with your security provider for assistance.

5. Bit Length

The bit length of a prox card refers to the number of bits used in the card’s ID number. The most common bit length is 26-bit, which provides over 68,000 unique IDs. However, if your system uses a different bit length, such as 32-bit or 34-bit, it's crucial to know this information when reordering.

The bit length will affect the number of cards your system can handle, so knowing this detail helps ensure that the new cards are compatible with your existing infrastructure.

6. Quantity of Cards Needed

Finally, when reordering prox cards, you’ll need to determine how many cards you require. This is an important consideration, especially if you're anticipating growth in your organization or access needs. It’s always a good idea to order a few extra cards to cover for future expansions or replacements.

When placing your order, you’ll need to specify the quantity, so be sure to take an accurate inventory of your current cards to avoid running short.

Contact us today

Reordering prox cards is a straightforward process, but ensuring compatibility with your existing access control system requires attention to detail. By confirming the correct card style, format, card range, facility code, bit length, and quantity, you can ensure a seamless integration of your new cards with your current system.

If you're unsure about any of the details, don’t hesitate to contact us to your access control provider for assistance. Properly ordering prox cards is essential for maintaining the security and functionality of your system, so make sure you have all the necessary information before placing your next order.