Card Reader Access Control: Fast, Familiar, Flexible
Card-based access remains the simplest way to secure busy buildings. Cards and fobs are quick to use, easy to issue, and widely understood. With Synergy Access, card readers give you central control over doors, users, and access rules, without slowing people down or overcomplicating entry.
The reality today
Traditional Keys are a security nightmare - easy to copy, impossible to track, and expensive to replace when lost. But access still needs to be fast enough for busy entrances and simple enough for everyone to use. Visitors need temporary access. Leavers need an instant lockout. And you need to know who’s in the building at any given time.
The Solution
Card reader access control from Synel replaces keys with centrally managed credentials. Cards and fobs are issued, restricted, and revoked instantly, access rules are enforced consistently across every door, and every entry is logged automatically, giving you control without friction.
Fast and Familiar
Tap and go. Everyone understands card access. No training required, no queues at the door.
Instant Control
Disable lost cards instantly. Changes push to all readers in real-time.
One Card Does Everything
Same card for doors, clocking, catering, and printing. One credential, all systems.
Cost Effective
Lower per-door cost than biometric. Scales economically from small offices to multi-site estates.
Key Features
Everything you need, built in.
How Access Control Works
Secure your site with a straightforward setup and ongoing management.
Issue Card
Card or fob encoded with unique ID. Photo ID printed if required.
Assign Groups
Card assigned to security groups defining which doors and time zones are permitted.
Tap Reader
User taps card on reader at door.
Verify
System checks group membership and time zone in milliseconds.
Log Access
Door unlocks if authorised. Event logged with user, door, and timestamp.
Suprema XPass 2
Outdoor compact RFID reader with dual-frequency support, mobile access via NFC/BLE, IP67/IK08 rated
Ideal for:
- Outdoor access points requiring weatherproof RFID
- Perimeter security with mobile access requirements
- Multi-format card environments (EM, MIFARE, DESFire, FeliCa)
- Sites needing vandal-resistant IP67/IK08 rated hardware
- Distributed access control systems via OSDP
UK installation & support by Synel engineers
Built for Your Sector
About Card Reader Access Control
Card access is the most widely deployed door security method—fast, familiar, and cost-effective. Synergy Access works with all major card technologies: Mifare, Proximity, HID, and HID iClass. One tap and you're through. The same card can control building access, clock you in for T&A, pay for lunch, and release print jobs.
Supported Card Technologies
Synergy Access supports Mifare (13.56MHz), Proximity (125KHz), HID, and HID iClass. If you have existing access control credentials, chances are they'll work. Standard ISO cards or key fobs - whatever suits your workforce and environment.
Security Groups and Time Zones
Assign cards to security groups controlling which doors they can open. Add time zone restrictions—contractors access only during working hours, cleaners only after 6pm, staff only on their scheduled days. Create unlimited groups and assign users to multiple groups as needed.
Anti-Passback
Prevent card sharing with anti-passback—the same credential can't be used twice to enter without first exiting. Configure it active during specific times, certain days, or permanently. Essential for accurate occupancy counts and preventing tailgating.
Instant Card Cancellation
When a card is lost or an employee leaves, disable it immediately from the central system. Changes push to all readers in real-time—no walking around reprogramming individual doors. The lost card becomes useless instantly, security gap closed.
One Card, Multiple Uses
The same card that opens doors can clock employees in for Time & Attendance, pay for meals in cashless catering, and authenticate at printers. One credential across all systems reduces cost and simplifies the employee experience.
Visitor and Temporary Cards
Issue temporary cards to visitors and contractors with automatic expiry. Define exactly which doors they can access and when. No need to collect cards on departure, they simply stop working at the scheduled time.
Card Printing Service
Synel offers a full card printing service, pre-printed with your branding, individual numbering, and access credentials encoded. Or we supply printers and blank cards for you to produce on-site. Complete end-to-end card management.
Mix with Biometrics
Use cards for general access and upgrade to biometrics for high-security areas. Synergy Access manages both from the same platform. Or combine card and biometric for multi-factor authentication where maximum security is required.
918
Pupils
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Security Perimeters
““Synel are an outstanding company to work with. The installation team were excellent throughout the project: hard-working, straightforward to deal with, and quick to understand our requirements. We have ended up with a great solution that we plan to expand upon as our needs develop.”
Joe Matthews
IT Systems Manager, City of London School
See how City of London School transformed their operations with Synel.
Related Access Control Solutions
Explore more solutions that work together.
Door Entry Systems
Centralised door control with real-time visibility across single or multi-site estates.
Card Clocking Systems
Flexible card-based clocking that works alongside access control and biometrics.
Biometric Access Control
Secure access using fingerprint or facial recognition, not cards or keys.
Access Control FAQs
Common questions about access control answered.
What card technologies does Synel support?
Synel readers support all major card technologies: Mifare (13.56MHz), Proximity (125KHz), HID and HID iClass. Credentials can be standard ISO cards or key fobs.
If you have existing access control credentials, they will likely work with Synergy terminals.
The same card can be used for door access, time and attendance clocking, cashless catering and print release. One credential across all systems.
Can employees use the same credential for both time & attendance and door access?
Yes. Synel's integrated platform allows a single credential to work across multiple systems. Whether employees use a card, fob, fingerprint or facial recognition, the same credential can be used to clock in and gain door access at the same time.
This means one system and one enrolment process, reducing complexity and lowering overall cost. It also creates a simpler, more consistent experience for employees.
If enabled, the same credential can also be used for cashless catering and secure print release.
What is access control?
Access control systems manage who can enter your premises, specific buildings or restricted areas.
They use credentials such as cards, PINs or biometrics to verify identity and grant or deny entry, while maintaining a complete audit trail of all access events.
See card access in action
Book a demo to see how Synel can streamline your operations and deliver measurable ROI.
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