Temporary Credential Cost - MiFARE Cards vs Paper Badges
There are two factors that determine the cost of a temporary credential; Reuse and Days of Use
Credential Reuse
- MiFare Cards are reusable such that the more you reuse them the less expensive they are as a media
- Paper Badge are typically used only once
MiFARE Reuse --> | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
MiFare Credential Cost based on Reuse | $0.44 | $0.22 | $0.15 | $0.11 | $0.09 |
Paper Badge Credential Cost | $0.10 | $0.20 | $0.30 | $0.40 | $0.50 |
- If a MiFARE Credential is reused only Once (50% recovery rate) the media costs the same as a paper badge
- Every time a MiFARE Credential is reused more than once it then costs significantly less than a paper badge
- Commercial Office Buildings typically see 50% - 80% recovery rates for MiFARE Credentials
- MiFARE Credentials are typically significantly less expensive than Paper Badges because of their reuse
- Recovery rates are a function of building layout, building policy, and Security Officer and tenant training
Strategies used to recover MiFARE Credentials include:
1. Security Officers asking for the credentials upon departure
2. Tenants collecting and returning the credentials
3. Baskets/bins to collect the credentials upon exit
Days of Use
For guests, contractors or vendors that need a credential for an extended period of time, a MiFARE Credential is a more durable media that doesn't need to be reissued
Days of Use | 5 |
MiFARE Credential - use MiFARE card for the duration | $0.44 |
Paper Badge Cost - new badge each day | $0.50 |
Other Benefits of MiFARE Credentials
- MiFARE credentials use proximity card readers and don't require the installation of a barcode/QR code reader
- MiFARE credentials use proximity technology that is easier to use than barcode/QR codes
- MiFARE credentials are more difficult to replicate than barcodes/QR codes
- With the use of a Person Reader, guests can self-check in
The Downside of MiFARE Credentials and Paper Badges
- Guests need to be given a MiFARE Credential or Paper Badge and so it requires a stop at a Security Desk or Post
- It is not a frictionless credential and it consumes staff time