A Milestone for Convenience and Sustainability

So. Picture a campus where the plastic access card is a quaint memory, where the burden of recurring license fees for entry systems is lifted from university budgets. A distant future? Perhaps for some. Others probably ask, ‘Haven’t we lingered in the past long enough? With the recent integration of EXRead card readers and EMV technology, this vision is not just feasible; it’s already unfolding.

University access systems have long been reliant on plastic cards, which, despite their availability, come with a host of issues. These cards are frequently lost or damaged, they represent a significant ongoing expense, and their environmental impact is far from negligible.

Magnus Lundberg, International Business Development Director, at SystemHouse Solutions, the company behind EXRead, articulates a concern echoed across campuses:

“Every new term, universities are swamped with plastic that needs to be managed and eventually, disposed of. It’s an operational headache and an ecological concern we can no longer afford to ignore.”

Is EMV and NFC About to Turn Every Phone into a Digital Key?

The remedy, Lundberg proposes, is found in almost everyone’s phone already. EMV technology—widely recognized in the realm of contactless payments—offers a no-license, seamless alternative that transforms smartphones into secure access devices.

NFC, or Near Field Communication, is the magic behind the concept, enabling devices to communicate over short distances, turning a student’s mobile phone into a digital key to the university’s many doors.

Ján Mátik, TAM, at SystemHouse Solutions, the company behind EXRead, shares insights on the shift in university preferences:

“There’s a movement towards autonomy and adaptability in university systems. Proprietary systems are giving way to open standards like EMV, which not only cut down expenses but also give universities more freedom and flexibility.”

The Case for Phone-based EMV Access
• Plastic Cards: Incurs costs per unit, non-biodegradable, susceptible to loss and theft, liable to be shared, requires physical handling and distribution.
• Phone Access with EMV: No recurring costs, environmentally friendly, inherently personal and secure, digitally distributed and managed.

The Elusive Future-Proof Access Solution?

EXRead card readers are not just EMV-compatible; they’re designed to be as flexible and adaptable as the needs of the institutions they serve. This ensures that any future technological advancements can be integrated with minimal fuss and financial outlay.

“Adopting EXRead and EMV isn’t just a smart move for the present—it’s a strategic investment in the technological agility of a university,” Matík emphasizes, “It helps universities unlock the benefits of digital access technology, sidestepping the limitations of Bluetooth and proprietary systems.”

In-Depth Exploration

The transition to EXRead card readers and EMV does more than just simplify access. It opens doors to a range of possibilities. With EMV, the need for physical card production, distribution, and disposal is eliminated. The impact on sustainability is not negligible, reducing waste and the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing, transporting and replacing plastic cards.

“The security benefits,” Mátik explains “are compelling. Lost or stolen phones are generally protected by biometric locks or passcodes, making unauthorized access much less likely compared to the vulnerability of a lost plastic card.”

Me Tarzan, You Jane:
Introducing the EMV and Native Wallet Power Duo

Accessing secure areas with mobile phones often means downloading a specific app from the card reader’s manufacturer. Yet, with the native wallet — a universal feature pre-installed on phones — the extra hassle of additional apps becomes a thing of the past. Using the native wallet with EMV leverages the payment cards already on the phone, offering a cost-free alternative to licensed wallets, such as Apple and Android. And, lo and behold, the student doesn’t even need an internet connection for it to work. How great is that?

Paving the Way for a Phased Approach

Real-world applications of EMV technology in universities could yield significant results. The shift to phone-based access can not only reduce costs but also increase student satisfaction.

“Students love the convenience. They no longer have to worry about forgetting or losing their access cards,” says Magnus Lundberg.

Yet for universities, juggling the enrollment of 20,000 to 30,000 students, and managing hundreds, sometimes thousands, of card readers, a simultaneous overhaul of the entire system just isn’t feasible.

“Using a phased approach,” Lundberg continues, “universities can prioritize the upgrade in critical areas like laboratories and computer rooms. The EXRead readers are built on the OSDP protocol, which means they integrate with existing access systems. Subsequently, the university can expand mobile access to new spaces and facilities, advancing at a pace that suits their needs and capacity.”

Moreover, the EXRead technology doesn’t just stop at EMV; it also supports other key standards like MIFARE Classic/Plus, DESFire EV1, EV2, and EV3, as well as CIV, in addition to legacy systems—which can be deactivated if desired. Additionally, each reader can simultaneously operate all these systems, allowing universities to tailor access options and security levels for each specific doorway according to their unique requirements.

Envisioning the Future of University Access Control

As universities stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, the path forward is clear. By embracing mobile-based access via EMV, they can achieve cost savings, enhance security, and contribute to environmental sustainability. The future isn’t just knocking; it’s already in the palm of our hands. Literally. It’s high time for educational institutions to unlock the potential of this technology and step confidently into a smarter, greener and more cost-efficient future.