Equipment Comparisons
Access Control systems exist to control who is allowed to enter a door or gate. Before opening a vehicle gate, the system must first identify the vehicle to determine if it should be allowed in. Keypads, swipe cards, transmitters, prox cards, and barcodes can all be used to identify the vehicle that is entering, but how do these devices compare with each other?
These different technologies can be separated into two basic groups, Manual Vehicle Identification and Automatic Vehicle Identification.
Manual Vehicle Identification
In this category the driver of the vehicle is required to perform some physical action that identifies the vehicle to the Access Control system.
Keypads require a driver to stop, roll down a window and enter an access code on a pad. These systems are inconvenient when it is raining or snowing and easily compromised by people giving out security codes to friends, relatives, vendors, etc. Also, vehicle traffic will back up at a gate since it takes around 30 to 60 seconds per vehicle to key in the entry code.
Swipe Cards require a driver to stop, roll down the window and swipe a card through a slot. These systems are inconvenient when it is raining or snowing and cards are easily lost or can be loaned to acquaintances. New technology advances make it easy for people to duplicate swipe cards and give them to friends and relatives. As with keypads, vehicle traffic will back up at the gate since it takes around 15 to 30 seconds per vehicle to swipe the card.
Access Control Transmitters (or "remote clickers" ) are physically similar to garage door openers. To open the gate, the driver presses a button on the unit. The advantage here is that most systems have a long range, so the gate can be opened while the vehicle is moving and traffic does not back up. The transmitters cost between $15 - $35 each, are relatively easy to lose and can be loaned to friends or family. Duplicate transmitters are easy to acquire, and batteries will have to be replaced periodically.
Automatic Vehicle Identification
When using equipment in this category the vehicle driver does not have to do anything special for the access system to operate. As the vehicle approaches the gate it is identified automatically, with no action from the driver. These are known as "hands free" systems.
Prox Cards (or RF-ID Tags) are miniature radio tags attached to the vehicle. As the vehicle approaches the gate, a radio signal is used to read the vehicle ID tag. The main disadvantages of this system are the cost of the tags and problems reading due to radio frequency interference. Prox cards are designed to mount inside most vehicles, but some luxury vehicle models actually block the radio signal and require the tag to be mounted on the outside.
Barcode Readers use barcode ID decals on the vehicle for identification. As the vehicle passes the barcode reader, it detects the decal and reads the ID code which identifies the vehicle. Vehicles can move past the BAI reader at a distance of up to six feet traveling at up to 25mph. For use on large vehicles, such as big rigs or delivery trucks, special decals are available with a range of up to 12 feet.
Points To Consider
Barcode systems are not affected by problems experienced by RF-ID systems, such as radio interference or low battery life. Many RF-ID tags are portable and can be lost or loaned to friends or relatives. Once properly attached to the vehicle window barcode decals will not be lost or loaned unless the entire vehicle is lost or loaned. Despite many rumors stating that barcodes can be easily copied, BAI readers absolutely will not read photocopies or photographs of barcodes.
BAI barcode decals come in 56 different colors, which is useful for color coordinating or color coded parking areas, etc. For a less obvious look our black-on-black decal is very popular.
New System Costs
When considering a vehicle identification system remember that there can be a large difference in the initial cost of the system depending on what equipment is used. For the comparison here the RF-ID system must match the capabilities of the BA-220 DualBeam Barcode Reader, which has a 6 foot reading distance and offers "hands free" operation. With this in mind, consider this example of a new site installation for 1000 vehicles and two gated entrances. Prices are approximate based on manufacturer MSRP.
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BAI barcode system: |
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2 Readers and mounting hardware |
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$14,500 |
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1,000 decals |
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$3,210 |
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Total cost: |
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$17,710 |
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RF system: |
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2 RF base units |
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$2,500 |
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1,000 RF tags |
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$33,000 |
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Total Cost: |
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$35,500 |
Note that for the barcode reader system the majority of the cost is for the BA-220 DualBeam Barcode Readers. Once installed, these readers are expected to operate continually during the life of the system. They represent an investment in capital equipment rather than disposable items. The decal cost represents disposable items - when decals are removed from vehicles or replaced they will be discarded.
In the RF-ID system these costs are reversed. The RF-ID readers represent a very small part of the system cost, while the disposable RF-ID tags make up the majority of the price.
Ongoing System Maintenance and Replacement Costs
Installation cost is just the beginning. As people utilize the system there will be lost RF tags and damaged barcode decals that must be replaced. While we cannot predict exactly how many decals will be replaced over a 5 year period it would be safe to assume that 30% of the barcode decals will need to be replaced as people sell or trade in their old vehicles for new ones:
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BAI barcode system: |
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300 Replacement decals |
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$933 |
With the RF-ID tags the cost estimate is largely influenced by how long the internal battery will last. Some RF-ID tags are rated for 3 year battery life, while others are rated for 5 years. If you were using the 3 year tags you would have to buy new tags for everyone by the 5 year mark, so we will also use the 5 year rated tags in our comparison. As with the barcode system, we will assume that 30% of the 5 year tags will need replacement during the first 5 years the system operates.
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RF system: |
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1,000 Replacement 3 year RF tags |
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$33,000 |
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300 Replacement 5 year RF tags |
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$9,900 |
As this comparison shows, the barcode system will have significantly lower installation and maintenance costs for the first 5 years of operation. As more time passes, costs for the barcode system will remain far below that of the RF-ID system due to the expense of the disposable RF-ID tags.
These costs are intended for equipment purchase comparison only and do not address all of the costs involved in a site installation.