What is HID 37 Bit?

Access control systems are crucial for businesses as they play a vital role in ensuring the security and safety of the premises, employees, assets, and sensitive information. These systems provide a way to manage who has access to certain areas within a facility, restrict unauthorized entry, monitor employee movements, and track visitor activities. One of the most critical components of these systems is the card format, which determines how data is encoded and read. Among the various formats available, the HID 37 bit proximity cards have gained prominence due to their enhanced security features and flexibility. 

How HID 37 Bit Works? 

HID 37-bit format operates using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. The term “37 bit” refers to the data structure encoded on the proximity card, where 37 individual bits are used to store information that uniquely identifies the cardholder. This information is divided into several sections, typically including:

• A facility code 
• A card number
• An additional checksum bit for data integrity verification 

When a card is presented to an HID reader, the reader emits a low-frequency electromagnetic field that powers the card’s embedded microchip and antenna. This interaction triggers the microchip to transmit its stored 37-bit data back to the reader through radio waves. The reader then decodes this data and forwards it to the access control system, which verifies the information against its database to determine whether to grant or deny access.

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Bit Structure of HID 37 Bits Format 

The structure of the 37 bits is crucial to its functionality. Why? Because a portion of the bits is allocated to the facility code, which is a unique identifier for the specific location or organization while the remaining bits are used for the individual card number. The facility code ensures that cards from different sites do not interfere with each other, ultimately boosting security and organizational efficiency. Plus, the unique card number provides a distinct identity to each cardholder, which enables precise access control and tracking. The structure also allows for a vast number of unique combinations. This significantly reduces the likelihood of:

• Duplication 
• Unauthorized access

Additionally, the use of a checksum bit in some implementations helps ensure the data’s integrity during transmission, as it leads the system to detect and correct errors that may occur. This robust design makes the HID 37-bit format a reliable and secure option for modern access control systems.

Primary Applications of HID 37-Bit Format 

The HID 37-bit format is a versatile and secure option for businesses, making it suitable for an extensive range of applications across various sectors. Its upgraded security features, large numbering capacity, and flexibility in bit allocation are particularly beneficial in environments that demand stringent access control measures and scalability. Here are some key applications of the HID 37-bit format:

• Corporate Security

Large corporations with multiple locations and a significant number of employees require robust access control systems to manage and secure numerous access points efficiently. The HID 37-bit format allows organizations to issue unique access cards to each employee to determine that only authorized personnel can enter specific areas. The corporations also become able to manage access across different sites seamlessly due to the facility code feature, as it offers a unified security solution that can be centrally managed.

• Educational Institutions

Universities and colleges face unique challenges in handling access to several campus buildings, dormitories, libraries, and other facilities. HID access control cards give the safety needed to deal with diverse access requirements of:

• Students
• Faculty
• Staff

By assigning unique card numbers and facility codes, educational institutions can easily control access to specific areas, track usage, and enhance campus security. Additionally, the large numbering capacity guarantees that the system can accommodate the high volume of users typically found in educational settings.

• Government Facilities

The HID prox II cards provide the necessary security features to ensure that only authorized individuals can access restricted areas. Its ability to support a large number of unique card numbers makes it reliable for government agencies with extensive personnel. Moreover, the format’s compatibility with existing HID readers and systems results in streamlined integration into established security infrastructures, which gradually improves overall security without requiring extensive system overhauls.

• Healthcare

Hospitals and healthcare facilities necessitate strict access control measures to protect patient data and secure sensitive areas such as:

• Pharmacies
• Operating rooms
• Laboratories

Thus, healthcare institutions can issue different access cards to medical staff to make sure that only personnel can enter specific areas. The format’s customizable bit allocation makes it easy to manage access for a diverse workforce, including doctors, nurses, administrative staff, and support personnel.

6 Simple Steps to Implement HID 37-Bit Format

• Assess Your Security Needs

First of all, evaluate the number of access points and estimate the volume of users to identify your specific security requirements for different areas within the facility. Side by side, plan for future scalability to ensure the system can grow with your organization.

• Select Compatible Hardware

The next step is to choose HID readers and control panels that support the 37-bit format. You must verify that your existing infrastructure is compatible to avoid unnecessary upgrades and make sure that the selected hardware meets your current and future security needs.

• Program the HID 37 Bit Cards

Use HID’s card programming tools to encode the facility code and unique card number on each card. Next, customize the bit allocation to fit your organizational structure while balancing the facility code and individual card numbers.

• Configure the Access Control System

Now, set up the access control system to recognize and authenticate the 37-bit cards and define access permissions for each cardholder, specifying which doors or areas they can access.

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• Test the System Thoroughly

Conduct comprehensive testing to examine the system functions correctly and resolve any issues or bugs before full deployment to guarantee a smooth launch.

• Deploy and Train Users

Finally, you can distribute the programmed cards to all users. We suggest providing training sessions to educate users on how to use the new system effectively. Also, regularly update the system software and manage card replacements as needed.

Wrap Up 

If you integrate this new technological security feature into your corporation’s access control system, you can improve your overall security infrastructure and protect your physical spaces effectively. The ability of HID access control cards to accommodate a large number of unique card numbers makes it an ideal tool for creating a safe workplace. 

Looking for proximity card vendors? Well, it’s time to get rid of your worries and let our professionals at Bristol ID Technologies assist you. We have a vast array of products, including high-end HID prox II cards that promise to protect your business assets.