The Functionality of Smart Card Reader

Understanding the functionality of smart card reader is crucial for security system, business and identity proof.

The Definition of Smart Card Reader.

A smart card is a type of chip card that contains a built-in computer chip that can either be a memory or microprocessor type. Its two main functions is to store and transact data. 

The data is stored and processed within the card’s chip. It is also can be transacted via a smart card reader, which is part of its computing system.

Today, industries that are equipped with smart cards varied across many key applications. It includes healthcare, banking, entertainment and transportation. 

 

Applications of smart card

In the beginning, smart card was introduced as a stored value tool for payphones to prevent theft.

As technology advances, smart cards evolve into many forms. From visiting libraries, buying groceries, attending movies and taking a bus ride, smart cards have been influential in many parts of our daily life.

 

Benefits of smart card

Smart card provides plenty of advantages to people. It improves the convenience and security of any transaction. The data stored are highly secured without interference.

That is the reason why smart card systems are more reliable than other machine-readable cards, such as barcode and magnetic stripe. 

Additionally, the smart card also contributes to vital components of system security for data exchange.

Regardless of the type of virtual network, the data exchange is secured against security threats, ranging from careless storage of user passwords to highly sophisticated system hacks. 

Besides, multifunction cards are applied to manage a variety of data. It can manage network system access and stored value as well as data.

Nowadays, people are using smart cards of various daily tasks, which include:

 

• Stored value

A smart card can be used to store value, especially for loyalty programs that provide an incentive to customers. Stored value is more convenient and safer than cash.

Smart card application helps to locate and track all the data. It varies widely for numerous applications, such as transportation, parking, gaming, retail and entertainment. 

 

• Securing assets

A smart card can ensure high security for services and equipment by restricting access to only authorized users. It can act as keys to certain areas or places.

It is very applicable for rooms that contain valuable assets and sensitive equipment to use a smart card as it provides access only for the smart card holder. 

 

• Physical access

It is prevalent that companies and universities provide identity cards for their employees and students.

These smart cards act as multifunction cards that incorporate identity with access privileges. Sometimes, it also store financial values for payments in locations such as cafeterias and shops.

By using the identity cards, these individuals are also granted access to certain data, equipment and departments according to their status in the organizations. 

 

• E-commerce

Online shopping made easy with the use of a smart card. It helps to secure and store information for purchasing without too much hassle.

Smart card carries personal information that can be accessed with a mouse click instead of filling out forms.

Moreover, smart card is also able to manage and control expenditures with automatic limits and reporting.

 

• Bank-issued smart cards 

Visa, MasterCard and American Express are three well known bank-issued smart cards available today. These cards provide highly secured transactions through improved security.

Two-factor authentication ensures protections of data and value stored.

 

Smart card readers 

As it names implies, smart cards operate and communicate with smart card readers to obtain card information and perform a transaction.

When the smart card and the smart card reader come in contact, it identifies each other by sending and receiving information.

If the information exchanged does not match, no further processing takes place. 

There are two types of smart card readers:

 

• Contact 

A contact smart card reader requires a physical connection to the cards. The contact is made by inserting the card into the reader.

This is the most common reader type for applications like identity card and stored value.

 

• Contactless 

A contactless smart card reader works with a radio frequency that communicates when the card comes close to the reader.

This type of reader is designed for payment, physical access control and transportation applications. Just a tap and you are good to go.

 

T1040i from Tricubes

The T1040i handheld mobile computer is the latest high-performance mobile handheld computer from Tricubes which comes with a built-in MyKad Reader & Biometrics verification technology. 

It is the latest, user-friendly handheld mobile computer that comes with an optical biometric finger scanner. It is designed to be shockproof, splash and dust resistant to endure various environment usages. 

Tricubes have more than 20 years of experience in servicing and maintaining a range of hardware equipment and peripherals for customers in different industries.

With a proven track record in Enterprise System Software Development and Maintenance, Tricubes provides only the most reliable information technology products and solutions with value-added services like project management, systems integration and application development.

If you have questions and enquiries about smart card readers that cater to your organization’s needs, contact us today.