PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ -- Smart cards are increasingly accepted as the credential of choice for securely authenticating identity, determining appropriate levels of information access and controlling physical access. To further advance the adoption of high security smart card-based physical access control systems (PACS), the Smart Card Alliance today released a tool, "Guide Specification for Architects and Engineers for Smart Card-based PACS Cards and Readers for Non-government PACS."
Created by the Smart Card Alliance Access Control Council, the guide specifications resource helps architects, engineers, consultants, integrators, manufacturers and end users incorporate smart card-based PACS cards and readers into architectural and engineering specifications for facilities.
"This guide makes it easier and more cost effective for organizations to implement stronger physical access control based on smart card technology by providing a template that can be used through every step of the specification, design and procurement process," said Randy Vanderhoof, executive director of the Smart Card Alliance. "It also sets forward clearly defined and industry-validated recommendations surrounding smart cards and PACS, ensuring that the full security benefits are achieved with each implementation."
This guide provides:
• A tool for architects, engineers, consultants, integrators, manufacturers and end users to incorporate smart card-based PACS cards and readers into the architectural and engineering specification.
• Recommendations for the use of secure smart card technology for non-government physical access control applications instead of legacy technology.
• Commentary to the example guide specification to assist in choosing the appropriate technology for the application.
"We are pleased to provide this resource to help organizations more easily incorporate smart cards into their secure physical access systems. The members of the Access Control Council put a significant amount of effort and thought into creating this tool--their contributions will make a notable difference in the way the industry implements smart card-based PACS," said Dave Helbock, chair of the Access Control Council and senior sales engineer of XTec, Inc.
Guide Contributors
Participants involved in the development and review of "Guide Specification for Architects and Engineers for Smart Card-based PACS Cards and Readers for Non-government PACS" included: Advanced Card Systems, Ltd.; Allegion; AMAG Technology, Inc.; Booz Allen Hamilton; CH2M HILL; HID Global; HP Enterprise Services; Identification Technology Partners, Inc.; Identiv; IDmachines; IQ Devices; NXP Semiconductors N.V.; Oberthur Technologies; Quantum Secure (part of HID Global); Roehr Consulting; Secure Mission Solutions; Stanley Security Solutions; Tyco Software House; U.S. Department of State; XTec, Inc.
To download, visit http://www.smartcardalliance.org/publications-guide-specification-for-architects-and-engineers-for-smart-card-based-pacs-cards-and-readers-for-non-government-pacs
For additional information on the use of smart cards for physical access control, visit http://www.smartcardalliance.org/activities-councils-access-control