Managing an event can be a huge task, and it becomes even more difficult when you have to keep track of people coming in and going out. With RFID access control bracelets, you can monitor the attendees and staff members without hassle.
The bracelets use radio frequency identification technology to store and transmit data. They have a microchip and an antenna that help in tracking movement. We discuss everything you need to know about these bracelets and how you can use them for your event.
What is RFID Access Control?
Have you ever been to an event where you were given a bracelet to use for entry? Or maybe you’ve been to a concert where you had to scan your ticket to enter the venue. This is all thanks to RFID access control.
RFID stands for radio-frequency identification. It is a technology that uses electromagnetic fields/ radio waves to identify and/or track objects. The data is stored on a microchip attached to an antenna. It is then read and decoded by an RFID reader.
RFID access control uses this technology to identify people and track their movements. It is often used in events, concerts, and festivals as it is a quick and easy way to keep track of large numbers of people.
One common identification method used is RFID bracelets for events. These bracelets have a unique ID number linked to the attendee’s information. When they scan their bracelet at the entrance, it will pull up their data from the central database/software. If it matches the record, the holder is allowed access.
How RFID Access Control Bracelets Work
As we mentioned before, RFID access control bracelets use radio frequency identification technology. This means they have a microchip and an antenna used to store and transmit data.
The microchip contains the attendee’s data, including emergency contact and name. The antenna is used to send and receive data to and from the RFID reader.
When the attendee first arrives at the event, they are given their bracelet. The staff member will scan their ticket or ID and the information will be stored on the bracelet’s microchip.
As they move around the event, they will scan their bracelet at various checkpoints. This will allow the staff to track their movements and ensure that they are following the event’s rules and regulations.
At the end of the event, they will scan their bracelet one last time as they exit. This will help the staff to know who is still inside the event and who has left.
Components of RFID Access Control Bracelets System?
RFID access control bracelets have a complex system comprising of the following:
- RFID Chips
Also known as RFID transponders, these are chips that store data and can be read by an RFID reader. They come in different types such as active, passive, and semi-passive.
Active chips have their power source and can transmit data over long distances. On the other hand, passive chips rely on the power from the reader to work and have a shorter range.
Semi-passive chips are a combination of both active and passive tags as they have a power source, but it is only used to boost the signal.
- RFID Readers
These are devices that emit radio waves and receive signals from the tags. They are used to read and write data to the tags. The type of reader you need will depend on the application and environment.
Some common readers include handheld/portable RFID readers and fixed RFID readers. Handheld RFID readers are great for scanning people as they enter an event. Fixed RFID readers are often used in locations where security is critical, such as data centers and government buildings.
- RFID Software
This software links the RFID system to other systems such as databases and access control systems. It manages the data being read and written to the tags.
A complete software system comprises a screen interface, middleware, and a database. The screen interface is what the user interacts with. Middleware is used to connect the different parts of the system. The database is used to store all the data that is being collected by the system.
Benefits of RFID Access Control Bracelets
There are many benefits of using RFID access control bracelets for events. Some of the benefits are:
- Quick Admissions
One of the main benefits of using RFID access control bracelets is that it speeds up the admissions process. With traditional methods such as ticketing, attendees would have to queue up and present their tickets one by one.
With RFID, attendees can simply scan their bracelets as they enter the event. This greatly reduces the time it takes to get everyone into the event.
- Reduced Costs
Another benefit of using RFID access control bracelets is that they can help to reduce costs. With traditional methods such as ticketing, you would have to print out tickets for each attendee. This can be quite costly, especially for large events.
With RFID, there is no need to print out tickets. This can save you a lot of money, especially if you are running a large event.
- Improved Security
Another benefit of using RFID access control bracelets is that they can help to improve security. With traditional methods such as ticketing, it is easy for people to forge tickets. This can be a big problem, especially for high-security events.
With RFID, it is much more difficult to forge an RFID bracelet. This means that you can be sure that only people with legitimate bracelets can enter the event. This can help to reduce the chances of security breaches.
- Higher Engagement
Another benefit of using RFID access control bracelets is that they can help to increase engagement. With traditional methods such as ticketing, attendees would simply present their tickets and then be allowed into the event.
With RFID, you can use the data that is collected to engage with attendees before, during, and after the event. This can help create a more personalized experience for attendees and can increase the chances of them returning to future events.
