OMNIKEY Embeddable Readers: The often forgotten part of the OMNIKEY family

OMNIKEY desktop readers are commonplace in many work environments and you may use them regularly. They’re a family of smart card readers that work with a wide range of card types and technologies. Technologies like; iCLASS Seos®, HID Prox®, iCLASS SE®, MIFARE®; and with some reader models, NFC and Bluetooth for mobile devices. 

Depending on the reader, you can read and write to contact, contactless and dual interface credentials.

On a basic level they sit on a desk and plug into computer, and a smart card is presented to (or inserted into) them. If the user is successfully authenticated they are given access to the application or resource they require. Essentially securing the world of IT and controlling access to critical applications, files and resources.

Designed and manufactured by HID® Global, these clever devices are capable of both reading and writing data to smart cards and a wealth of other credentials, such as; RFID key fobs, RFID wristbands, RFID tags, RFID labels and more.

Their applications are extensive, but ultimately these readers allow only a user with a valid credential to be authenticated and access the resources they need. 

So, we’ve covered OMNIKEY desktop readers. What are OMNIKEY embedded readers and what are their benefits? 

OMNIKEY embedded readers are often underrated or forgotten about. Perhaps it’s because OMNIKEY desktop readers are more well-known? Perhaps it’s a lack of knowledge on what they can be used for? 

One thing is for sure, these readers certainly shouldn’t be passed by – they have the potential to transform security and identity verification in a huge range of industries. 

Why is this? Well, can you imagine a desktop reader attached to the side of a piece of construction equipment – it would be knocked off equipment in no time. How about attached to some surgical equipment? It’s not like you can pop it through the sterilisation process surgical equipment requires. 

Broadly, OMNIKEY embeddable readers offer the same technology as desktop readers, allowing for authentication before a resource can be accessed, but with one massive benefit - they can be embedded into almost any electronic equipment; affording a wealth of benefits.

This means that OEM’s can integrate them into their equipment, so they are enclosed and protected from accidental damage or tampering.

Ultimately, these readers offer the end user a completely integrated security solution, that’s secure, won’t be damaged and negates the need to retrofit security devices. 

So, why wouldn’t you safe guard critical equipment and data? We believe all OEM’s should offer this technology on equipment that should only be accessed by authorised, or qualified professionals. It’s a win-win too, the device users get the latest cutting edge security built into their devices and OEM’s stand out from the crowd by offering the latest in authentication.

We’ve got to the bottom of what these devices are used and the benefits they offer, so let’s explore where they are used in more detail

As we’ve explained, OMNIKEY embeddable readers can be used for a whole host of applications and typically authenticate the identity of the user before they can access resources, or take an action. It may be providing access to a building, proving identity, making a payment or even enabling the use of machinery. 

Let’s explore some of the key industries they’re used in and how they are used. 

Medical devices: Safe guarding patients, by ensuring only qualified professionals use critical equipment 

Let’s picture a scenario. 

You’re running a hospital and only qualified staff are trained to use certain pieces of medical equipment. You have thousands of medical devices and you need to ensure that only qualified people can access and operate them, ultimately protecting your patients.

OMNIKEY embedded reader boards enable medical device manufacturers to build-in secure authentication solutions. This means medical devices can only be used when a qualified member of staff presents their credential to access the equipment. These could be anything from an x-ray machine, to a surgical appliance. They also provide traceability, as you know who did the x-ray or procedure.

Crucially for medical devices, the authentication happens within just seconds; the user presents their card, it is verified and the device can be accessed without delay.

Construction Equipment: Access only for qualified operators

You’re a site manager and give these instructions to your workers. 

“Only operate construction equipment if you’re qualified to do so.”

The site workers then to decide they will do it their way…

“Let’s not wait for John to move the excavator, we can have this done in no time”.

We all know this could end in disaster and responsibility is on management if something goes wrong - OMNIKEY Embeddable readers prevents this! 

Construction sites are full of dangerous pieces of equipment and restricting their use to only trained operators is crucial. This includes equipment like cranes, diggers & excavators; all of which require experience and training.

OMNIKEY reader boards enable construction equipment manufacturers to embed secure authentication into their equipment. Requiring users to present a valid credential before the machinery can be turned on.

Vending Machines

This one we all know. You go to a vending or coffee machine and pay with a contactless card. Under the contactless symbol, where you tap to pay, lies an embedded reader – it could even be an OMNIKEY reader.

OMNIKEY embeddable readers can be integrated into the design of vending machines allowing the users to make cashless payments using contactless cards. It could be linked to an external payment system (debit or credit card), or an in-house system that charges to the company or employee. 

These can be used in a whole host of vending machines, providing hot and cold drinks, sweets, sandwiches and increasingly in farm shops where you can buy a range of local produce.

IT Devices: Keeping confidential data protected

You may have used OMNIKEY readers in your IT and not even realised. A great example where you may have seen them used is when you visit your doctors or a hospital consultant. Your healthcare professional has to have their ID card inserted into a reader in their keyboard before they can access your medical records. Helping protect you and your data. 

The sector doesn’t matter though, essentially OMNIKEY readers can be used to verify the identity of a person attempting to access any computer, tablet, server or IT device. It can be used for a host of applications including; device, application or file access.

This allows the devices to be shipped with smart card reading technology and authentication solutions built-in, meaning there’s no need to add desktop readers that take up space, later on.

Lift Access: Security in offices, apartment buildings and more

OMNIKEY embeddable reader boards enable lift manufacturers to integrate secure access control solutions into their lifts. This means lift installers and operators can enable a variety of access benefits for users, securing individual floors or limiting access to lifts all together. 

It allows lifts to be shipped from manufacturers with the latest cutting-edge security technology, eliminating the need for retrofitting and giving them the edge on competition.

Secure Print

Need to make sure your print isn’t seen by anyone? Want to ensure confidentiality? How about keeping an eye on how much print is being done and what’s actually being printed?

OMNIKEY embeddable readers can be integrated into printers to enable a range of secure print solutions. The OMNIKEY embeddable reader is integrated into the design of copiers and printers by manufacturers, enabling secure ‘out of the box’ print solutions for users. 

The benefits here can be seen in large office environments, printers with embedded readers can be used for a whole host of applications including secure print and print management. Secure print requires the user to present their card before the documents can be printed, meaning confidential documents never end up in the wrong hands. 

Print management solutions allow print quotas to be set up for users, helping to keep print costs down or print can be charged directly to users or departments.

For printer manufacturers looking to offer their consumers an added layer of security, OMNIKEY embeddable readers are the way to go.

Now, let’s get more technical and explore the OMNIKEY embeddable reader range 

Now we’ve covered what OMNIKEY embeddable readers are, and how they’re used, let’s explore the range available; their features and the benefits they each bring. 

OMNIKEY 3121 Reader Board

The OMNIKEY 3121 reader board is a high performance, USB, contact smart card reader board. It is compliant with all industry standards, compatible with virtually any contact smart card and operating system. It’s well suited for a wide variety of contact smart card applications. You can check out all the features and benefits, along with device specifications by downloading the datasheet here.

OMNIKEY 5122 Reader Board

The OMNIKEY 5122 reader board is a dual-interface PC-linked reader board that reads and writes to virtually any contact smart card, and 13.56MHz contactless smart cards. The dual interface feature, implemented on a small PCB means that it allows support for both contact and contactless cards in the end-user environment. The reader supports contactless smart cards with up to 424 kbps in ISO 14443 transmission mode. For a more detailed look at the OMNIKEY 5122 features and specs, take a look at the datasheet here.

OMNIKEY 5127CK Mini Reader Board

The OMNIKEY 5127 CK Mini is compact dual-frequency contactless reader ideal for use in space-constrained designs. It’s designed for system integrators seeking simple integration and development of readers using standard interfaces such as CCID, UART or Keyboard Wedge. It also offers an industrial housed option – a rugged case providing protection in the embedded environment. So it’s great for applications such as construction, where there may be more impact or high levels of dust. Read more about the features and benefits – download the reader datasheet here.

OMNIKEY 5127 Reader Core

The OMNIKEY 5127 reader core is the smallest of the OMNIKEY embeddable readers. Its tiny footprint makes it ideal for embedding into space constrained areas and battery powered devices. It can be used for a wide range of applications and markets. It is commonly used in tablets, PCs and notebooks, keyboards, displays, monitors and more. You can find more information on the OMNIKEY 5127 in the datasheet here.

OMNIKEY MIFARE Easy Reader Boards

THE MIFARE Easy Reader board family is a secure and convenient way for device manufacturers to integrate secure cashless payment solutions into their devices. Featuring read/write technology, they are deigned to be integrated into compact terminal or mobile units. These reader boards are typically used in applications including Automatic Fare Collection (AFC), vending machines, validators, card printers, mobile solutions and various other cashless payment devices. The benefits and specifications of this reader can be found by downloading the datasheet here.

OMNIKEY Multi-ISO Smart Card Module & Reader Boards

The family of 13.56MHz OMNIKEY Multi-ISO Reader Boards are designed to meet the requirements of both secure personal identity verification (PIV) and supply chain management applications including access control, Automatic Fare Collection (AFC), ticketing, vending and mobile solutions. The Multi- ISO Embedded Reader Platform one of the broadest ranges of transmission protocols and transponder ICs available on the market. Take a look at the data sheet for these reader boards here.

No matter what industry you’re in, we can advise you on the best solution for your needs.

Our specialists are here to help with any questions you have on embedding OMNIKEY technology into your equipment. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help.