Smart cards, access cards or what are commonly known as ID cards (identification cards) are used for a wide variety of reasons. Originally used simply for door access, or even access through turnstiles, access cards are now typically connected to a computer and therefore much more can be done with them – this is why they are now often called smart cards.

One application of a smart identification card, or smart access card is to monitor attendance at a place of work. In the old days, paper punch cards were used to clock-in and clock-out again, including at lunch and mid-morning breaks. With the advent of smart cards, this is now done electronically. Complicated systems will relay the user’s time of arrival to the back office computers and this can even be used to work out monthly payments and so on. Computerised smart card systems can therefore be used to analyse staff attendance and even flexi time completely automatically.

Another use of smart cards is in the control of access to restricted areas. Rooms that used to be controlled by a simple key system are now often controlled with a smart card. This card is typically swiped through a reader, or held against a sensing point, before the door will open. Even higher security can be achieved with an access code combined with the smart card. The security achieved with this dual approach is much higher than a simple key system because even if the smart card is stolen or duplicated (just like a key could be in the past) access still cannot be achieved.

Another addition that is often made along with smart access cards is the application of a CCTV system, or closed circuit television systems. With the advent of digital hard disc recording, a trigger from an access point can activate the recorder for a pre-determined length of time. A timestamped record of the access is the ultimate in high security because there is definitive proof of the person who entered a restricted area. Because of the high availability of digital hard disc storage, many hundreds of hours of recordings can be kept at a very low cost of ownership.

The advent of radio technology such as radio frequency identification (RFID) has yet again revolutionised the application of access cards. These days it is not even necessary to remove an access card from your wallet to do what would once have required a key. The radio technology means that a passive access card (that is, one without a battery) can be used to uniquely identify the owner, and the features such as the granting of access or time keeping functionality can be done without the user even lifting a finger. Add to this an automatic door opening system and the world of the future has arrived!

So, where is the world of smart card technology heading next? It is of course not possible to second guess what the developers are going to come up with next, but it is fair to say that the use of radio technologies will only increase in the future. Already, RFID technology is used in the passports of many countries. Car manufacturers are sure to be close behind in an attempt to improve the security aspects of their cars, and of course to gain an edge on their competitors. It is possible to assume that very soon a car will be able to use radio technology or contact-less smart cards to unlock the doors, possibly also with an automatic door opening mechanism, and that if you sit in the drivers seat it will automatically start up the engine ready for you to drive away.

The days of mechanical swipe cards are now well and truly passed, and modern technologies continue to advance in the field of access cards.

Access, Applications, Cards, Current, Future

Lock Picking Services

Lock picking is a method to open a lock even without the accompanying key. It is the art of unlocking by manipulating and analyzing the components of the lock device.

Locks are devices that secure cabinets, objects, rooms, buildings and other storage facilities. The standard ones are easy to open when used with a bolt cutter, hydraulic jack, drill or bump key. The tools used for lock picking are commonly different for all types of lock. Sometimes, there are improvisations of various locks and items such as a pick. The 32-piece sets and nine-piece sets are equipped with a pick gun.

The torsion wrench or torque wrench is one equipment that can be used. Torsion wrenches are shaped like the letter L and are available in different sizes. The warded pick is a type of equipment used for opening warded locks. It is normally designed to generalize and to confirm the shape more easily than the actual key used to open the lock.

Picking a lock is a skill learned with some practice and following the right steps. It involves many different methods. Some are easy to learn while some would require constant practice to be perfected. It varies from basic pin-by-pin method to a more advanced method such as ripping and racking.

Lock Boxes

Lock boxes are security devices used for locking up lids, chests and doors. These are made from genuine and durable metals. These materials are simply hard to destroy and last for a long time. It is designed to provide tough security for your house or properties. It come in a variety of selections. An example is the combination lockbox. Most lock boxes contain storage parts and separate compartments for the lock box wires and its other parts.

Other Lock Boxes Available in the Market

Avanti Guardian Dial Combination Lockbox

These are innovative locking devices that can be safely hung in your house, business, cabinet, doorknob, external house light, fence and other facilities. It features an opening method using 26 letters of the alphabet, giving you a wide permutation for codes to manage the security of the property protected. The rubber boot protects it from metal rusting. The price is about 26 US dollars.

Shur Lok Security Key Lock Box

This type of lock box is the most convenient and safest storage available in the market. It has an all-metal key storage lock box design that can be safe to hang in your gate, doorknob, bike and other objects or facilities you want to protect. This lock box can secure more than 10,000 possible combinations. The regular price of the Shur Lok Security Key Lock Box is about 24.95 US dollars.

Supra Push Button Portable Lock Box

This device is easier to access whether you use its MSL key boxes or not. This lock box is safe to hang in your pipe, railing, fence and doorknob as well as on other protected objects or properties.

The push button lock box offers solutions for unscheduled access by cleaning personnel, emergency access to elderly household, by children after school as well as by household services or repair maintenance personnel. Combination codes are easy and quick to change after service visits for added security. The price of this lock box ranges from 27 up to 30 US dollars

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Current, Lock, Lockboxes, Market, Picking, Services