ELATEC GmbH - Experts & Thought Leaders

ELATEC, a pioneering manufacturer of access technologies, specialising in RFID readers and credentials, has released its latest software development toolkit, TWN4 DevPack 5.07. The new version delivers faster performance, stronger security and greater flexibility for configuring and managing RFID readers, enabling flexible and future-proof access solutions.  Future-ready authentication solutions “With every DevPack release, our goal is to make life easier for developers, system integrators and end users,” said Tobias Rasche, Global Head of Product Management of ELATEC GmbH. “Version 5.07 takes another big step forward by combining deeper diagnostics, broader mobile credential support and open-standard interoperability, all in one powerful package. With this evolution, our DevPack is now more than a development toolkit—it’s a comprehensive framework for building secure, flexible, and future-ready authentication solutions.”  Future-proof mobile and security capabilities  DevPack 5.07 expands ELATEC’s support for modern mobile ecosystems, giving developers more ways to deliver seamless, secure, and flexible authentication experiences. Built-in integration for Orange PackID, Transact and AccessGrid eliminates extra setup steps, simplifying deployment of mobile ID solutions for campuses, workplaces and customer loyalty programs. New Bluetooth® capabilities enable developers to create fully customised mobile ID experiences and integrate ELATEC readers effortlessly into existing apps and ecosystems.  The release also introduces support for PKOC (Public Key Open Credential): an open, vendor-neutral standard that aligns perfectly with ELATEC’s agnostic reader philosophy. PKOC gives customers maximum freedom of choice and stronger protection through asymmetric cryptography, creating a more resilient foundation for future-ready access systems.  Additional enhancements Additional enhancements include a new API for MIFARE DESFire EV2/EV3 cards, giving developers greater flexibility in advanced security and feature integration. The PIN-after-card option enables two-factor authentication (2FA) with a well-defined authentication process in physical access (PAC) environments. It is designed for use with wall readers featuring keypads, such as the Secustos. Together, these updates simplify mobile credential deployment while raising the bar for security and interoperability across diverse applications.   Smarter tools for development and configuration  DevPack 5.07 gives developers and integrators faster insight into reader performance, greater control over configuration and dramatically shorter update cycles. The result: quicker rollouts, easier troubleshooting and lower maintenance costs across even the most complex deployments.  Key advancements include:  Enhanced Tracer diagnostics: Deeper transponder analysis and broader technology support—including HID DESFire EV3 and SEOS—enable faster, more accurate troubleshooting and performance validation.  Compact OSDP configuration updates: The new configuration update cuts time for updates over OSDP by a factor of 10 or greater, minimizes bandwidth requirements and reduces downtime.   Wiegand configuration via AppBlaster: Expanded options for Secustos and TWN4 Palon readers simplify migration from legacy Wiegand to secure OSDP systems.  These improvements make DevPack 5.07 a more powerful, efficient toolkit for building and managing RFID systems from setup through long-term maintenance.  ELATEC’s continued investment “The new DevPack gives our partners the freedom to innovate within a secure, open and future-ready framework,” said Gerhard Burits, CEO of ELATEC GmbH. “It’s a perfect example of our philosophy: simplify what’s complex, protect what matters and prepare for what’s next.”  The TWN4 DevPack 5.07 release represents ELATEC’s continued investment in flexibility, interoperability and developer empowerment, making it easier than ever to design and maintain secure, scalable RFID and mobile access solutions across industries.

The Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA) hosted a well-attended cocktail reception and live demonstration during ISC West 2025 to unveil its latest advancement: the PKOC 3.0 specification, an exciting solution for secure, open credentialing in physical access control systems. Jason Ouellette, Chairman of the PSIA and Corporate VP of Innovation and Technical Partnerships at ELATEC, led the presentation. He shared an overview of PKOC’s progress, key developments in the 3.0 release, and demonstrated a range of interoperable devices—including readers, cards, and mobile applications, built on the freely available, non-proprietary PKOC specification. Broad industry collaboration This year’s demonstration highlighted broad industry collaboration, with support and technologies provided by PSIA member companies including: ELATEC, EMSI, INID Readers USA, Johnson Controls, Kastle Systems, Last Lock, rf IDEAS, Sentry Enterprises, Taglio, and Universal Smart Card.  There is a growing list of manufacturers actively supporting the PKOC specification, but these 10 companies showcased products at the event, highlighting its interoperability and real-world applications. Deloitte’s own proof-of-concept The project features PKOC certificates working seamlessly across readers, physical cards, and mobile devices At the reception, Jeff Longo, Director of Software Development at Kastle Systems, announced that the company will officially make the PKOC card its standard card offering—further solidifying its commitment to open, secure, and interoperable access control solutions. Keith Kelly, Chief Security Officer at Deloitte Canada, shared insights from Deloitte’s own proof-of-concept implementation of PKOC at its Toronto office. The project features PKOC credentials functioning seamlessly across readers, physical cards, and mobile devices. Kelly emphasised that PKOC represents “a new generation of access control,” aligned with Deloitte’s priorities around open, flexible, and secure credentialing. Simplicity, security, and scalability David Bunzel, Executive Director of the PSIA, noted, “PKOC is widely recognised as one of the most exciting solutions for secure credentials. Because it is based on an open specification, it is cost-effective—but just as important, it is secure and highly flexible.” Unlike many legacy credential technologies, PKOC is completely open source, with no fees, royalties, or membership requirements. Its simplicity, security, and scalability are fuelling growing interest across integrators, manufacturers, and enterprise users.

ELATEC, a pioneering global provider of user authentication and identification solutions, is beginning 2025 with a significant step forward in its global expansion strategy: the launch of its new office in Dubai. Operating under the name ELATEC Middle East Trading FZE, this new location will serve as a dedicated hub to support the company’s growing customer base and partners across the Middle East. The operations, led by Managing Director Carsten Hoersch, are set to drive innovative, secure, and tailored access control solutions in the region. A strategic milestone in the Middle East Gerhard Burits, CEO of the ELATEC Group, emphasised the strategic importance of this expansion: “Our new presence in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) demonstrates our commitment to strengthening relationships with regional partners and addressing market-specific needs." "This move aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide secure, flexible, and future-ready solutions. The Dubai office is a vital addition to our global network and will act as a springboard for further growth in this dynamic region.” Rapid development and innovation ELATEC’s new office shows the company’s pledge to identification technologies The Middle East is a region of rapid development and innovation, and ELATEC’s new office demonstrates the company’s commitment to identification technologies that empower customers to deliver advanced solutions to their markets. With the launch of ELATEC Middle East Trading FZE, the company aims to foster closer collaboration with OEMs, system integrators, distributors, and other local stakeholders. This local presence allows ELATEC to address specific market demands and offer enhanced customer support and faster response times. Driving localised solutions and collaboration Carsten Hoersch, Managing Director of ELATEC Middle East Trading FZE, shared his vision for the new office: “Establishing a local hub in the United Arab Emirates enables us to work hand-in-hand with our partners and customers, developing innovative solutions that add real value to their businesses." "Our focus is on building trust, delivering top-tier support, and driving advancements in secure and seamless access technology tailored to the region’s unique requirements.”

In logistics hubs, production facilities and distribution centres, the access control system is invisible—until it isn't. For decades, the 125 kHz card has been the workhorse of industrial credentialing: inexpensive, reliable and universally understood. It does exactly what it has always done. That consistency has served many organisations well, even as security needs and credential From authentication to smart buildings, gain expert insights about unified access. The same card technology that opened the warehouse gate in 2005 is opening it today. And while operations teams have upgraded conveyors, ERP systems and warehouse management platforms, the front door has often remained on technology selected for an earlier era. Major operational event Why? It is rarely about a lack of awareness. More often, organisations are balancing cost, time and operational risk. In a facility that never stops, a full systemwide upgrade can feel less like a routine project and more like a major operational event. The path forward is continuous modernisation: deploying an agile access layer that adapts to new security requirements and credential technologies over time, rather than replacing everything at once. Universal reader technology makes that possible, without the “Big Bang” shutdown. Why legacy systems can benefit from modernisation The 125 kHz card (also named proximity, prox or low-frequency) helped set a practical standard for convenience and broad compatibility, but many organisations are now evaluating where its security model can be improved by newer options: Increased cryptographic protection. Traditional low-frequency credentials transmit a fixed identifier, which can make them harder to align with today’s expectations for encrypted and dynamic authentication. Increased credential validation. Traditional proximity systems do not provide the kind of mutual authentication or challenge‑response mechanisms that are increasingly common in newer credential platforms. Better protection from duplication/cloning. Because the credential model is comparatively simple, 125 kHz cards present fewer barriers to duplication or cloning than modern encrypted credentials which are inherently designed to better distinguish authorised users from copied identifies. An opportunity to secure the full path. Many legacy deployments also rely on Wiegand communication between reader and controller, creating a strong case for modernisation to encrypted, supervised protocols that help protect credential data in transit. Keeping the interoperability benefit of Prox. Newer open standard provides the same interoperability benefits while addressing improved security. The opportunity for the front door At the same time, security teams face an expanding threat landscape and compliance requirements A traditional access control upgrade is not just a technology swap. It means new readers at every door, new credentials issued to every employee and contractor, platform reconfiguration and installation labor across a facility that cannot afford to stop. Against that backdrop, the rational choice is often to do nothing. At the same time, security teams face an expanding threat landscape and compliance requirements that increasingly demand encrypted credentials. And with Apple Wallet corporate badges and BLE mobile credentials moving into the mainstream, employees and contractors will soon expect to use their phone as their badge, at least as an option if not the primary means of credential presentation. Four specific friction points keep organisations locked in place long after they know they should move. The logistical bottleneck - Replacing a proximity-based system has traditionally meant doing everything at once: new readers, new credentials, new platform configuration, every employee and contractor rebadged before the cutover date. For a site running 24/7 with extensive staff and rotating contractors, that isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a logistical nightmare requiring a hard shutdown. The rebadging event alone, coordinating hundreds or thousands of people through a credential transition on a fixed timeline, can consume weeks of HR and security operations bandwidth. The Credential Soup - Most logistics organisations are not running one clean credential population. They are running three or four: legacy prox for permanent staff, a different format inherited from an acquisition, a contractor badge system managed by a third party, a mobile pilot that never fully rolled out. None of them talk to each other, and no single reader handles all of them. Frozen Infrastructure - Static readers support only the credential formats they shipped with or have limited format support for updates. When a new vulnerability is disclosed or a new mobile standard is released, the hardware has no path to adapt. The only option is physical replacement, which means another capital project, more installation labour, and the same shutdown risk all over again. The Cyber-Physical Gap - IT departments run zero-trust architectures and encrypt everything on the network. Then the same organisation unlocks its server room with a Wiegand-protocol reader transmitting credentials in plain text. The IT security perimeter ends at the network edge. The physical front door is a different conversation entirely, and often nobody's budget. The way forward: Continuous modernisation of access credentials A continuous modernisation plan is both easier and more cost-effective than a one-time “rip-and-replace” event The answer to the Big Bang problem is not a better-planned Big Bang. It is a fundamentally different approach to access infrastructure that treats modernisation as an ongoing capability rather than a one-time event. A continuous modernisation plan is both easier and more cost-effective than a one-time “rip-and-replace” event. It significantly lowers the labour and logistical costs of rebadging the entire organisation at once and eliminates the need for forced downtime entirely. Instead, organisations upgrade incrementally (by site, by department, or as credentials expire), keeping operations running and spreading costs over time. And with future-proof universal reader technology, the reader stops being a fixed asset and becomes a platform that continues to evolve as needs change. Start with a universal infrastructure The foundation of continuous modernisation is a universal reader that can handle whatever credentials are already in the building (legacy proximity, modern smart cards, mobile credentials) while remaining ready for whatever comes next. As access technologies continue to evolve, support for additional credential formats and security approaches can be added through firmware updates rather than hardware replacement, ensuring a secure and future-proof access system. The burden can further be eased by the use of a universal credential that can support existing formats along with new formats, enabling the credentials to work on existing readers as well as new readers. Let old and new credentials coexist Legacy 125 kHz cards continue to function in parallel until the organisation is ready to retire them With a multi-technology reader in place, the rebadging process becomes a rolling transition rather than a synchronised event. New employees get modern credentials from day one. Existing staff transition as badges are renewed or departments are prioritised. Legacy 125 kHz cards continue to function in parallel until the organisation is ready to retire them. Eventually, 125 kHz support or insecure credential support can be switched off, cleanly and deliberately, via a remote firmware update. That means no forced downtime, and no mass confusion at the turnstiles. This applies equally to secure migration to either modern symmetric credentials (such as HID Seos or LEAF) or emerging asymmetric credentials (such as PKOC, Aliro or LEAF Verified). Secure the whole chain, not just the card Upgrading credentials without addressing the communication layer is only half the job. Moving from Wiegand to OSDP Secure Channel (a bidirectional, AES-128 encrypted protocol) closes the replay attack vulnerability and adds tamper detection between reader and controller. Modern credentials and a secure communication layer together protect the entire authentication chain, from the card or smartphone all the way to the access control platform. This becomes critical when the reader is handling the decryption of a secure credential and then communicating to the panel in clear text. OSDP encrypts this last step of communication, while also offering industry best practices for managing reader devices. Choose infrastructure that doesn't choose for you Interoperability is not just a convenience feature. It is a strategic asset Interoperability is not just a convenience feature. It is a strategic asset. A facility running universal reader infrastructure compatible with most transponder technologies and credential formats (physical and mobile) is insulated from vendor lock-in and the next credential transition. Universal readers also act as merger-and-acquisition insurance: when a company acquires a facility running a different badge system or a contractor arrives with an unfamiliar card format, existing readers can be configured to accept the new credentials from day one. As access technologies and credential standards continue to evolve, organisations with adaptable reader infrastructure will absorb that shift as a firmware update. Those without it will face another capital project. A market in motion: beyond legacy credentials Emerging open standards (which reduce vendor dependency) and widely adopted proprietary platforms are both moving the market toward stronger cryptography. These credentials can be delivered on physical smart cards, mobile devices or both. Organisations selecting reader infrastructure today should ensure it is prepared to support this transition without requiring a hardware swap. Several initiatives are gaining significant traction: LEAF Identity: An interoperable credential framework built on strong symmetric encryption, already deployed across a meaningful number of installations and a proven replacement path for legacy proximity systems LEAF Verified: A next‑generation physical access credential platform built on NXP’s MIFARE DUOX that uses public‑key cryptography to eliminate traditional shared key management and enable interoperable, vendor‑neutral access control. PKOC (Public Key Open Credential): An open, vendor-agnostic credential specification from the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance using asymmetric public key cryptography, in which the private key never leaves the device and a derivative of the public key is the credential Aliro: An open mobile-first credential standard released in February 2026 by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the organisation behind the Matter smart home standard. Backed by Apple, Google, Samsung, and 220+ industry members providing native wallet, offline device support and mailbox features on top of asymmetric public key cryptography. HID Seos: A widely deployed proprietary credential platform that continues to drive responsible, large-scale secure symmetric-based encrypted deployments across small to enterprise environments for both card and mobile deployment, including wallet. Security that scales The same principles apply equally to a single site or a logistics operator running 5,000 employees The same principles apply equally to a single site or a logistics operator running 5,000 employees across a dozen sites. Because no single cutover date is required, a large organisation can sequence the migration by site, by department or by credential expiry cycle. The operational risk that makes a traditional upgrade unthinkable at scale becomes manageable when the transition is invisible to the people walking through the doors. The pressure to act is reaching a tipping point. Apple Wallet corporate badges and BLE mobile credentials are arriving in earnest in 2026, as well as asymmetric smart card options. These technologies are rapidly moving from isolated pilots into mainstream enterprise deployment across logistics, manufacturing and production environments. Evolve security infrastructure Organisations that have already invested in universal reader and credential infrastructure that is firmware-updateable and mobile-ready will absorb that shift without a second thought. Those that haven't will face another rip-and-replace decision just as the mobile credential wave hits. Organisations that have already invested in universal reader and credential infrastructure Continuous modernisation is not a one-time project. It is a permanent capability: the ability to evolve security infrastructure at the organisation's own pace, without forced downtime, without mass rebadging events, and without being held hostage to the next credential transition. Organisations that build that capability today are not just solving a security problem. They are future-proofing the way their facilities move. Universal access from ELATEC ELATEC's TWN4 universal readers are built on an agnostic design strategy: multi-technology, multi-frequency, and software-configurable, so organisations are not locked into a single credential technology or vendor. Key capabilities across the TWN4 family: Support for 100+ physical and mobile credentials and 60+ transponder technologies RFID, NFC, and BLE in a single reader platform Software-configurable via the ELATEC DevPack: credential formats, encryption settings, and security protocols can be updated remotely without hardware replacement Supports backward and forward compatibility as new standards emerge Available in a range of form factors for door access, desktop enrollment, OEM integration, and industrial applications

Collaboration among manufacturers in the physical security industry can result in systems that are easier to install for integrators and that provide a better customer experience for end users. Illustrating the point is the recent collaboration among a turnstile technology company, a supplier of short-range wireless readers/writers, and a biometric business focused on ‘frictionless’ access control.  “The more manufacturers collaborate with each other, the more benefits for end users,” says Steve Caroselli, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Orion Entrance Control. Better collaboration means a better user experience We look for opportunities to collaborate and make sure the experience is above and beyond" Steve Caroselli adds, “Better collaboration means a better user experience. We look for opportunities to collaborate and make sure the experience is above and beyond.” Orion’s collaboration with ELATEC RFID Systems and SAFR touchless biometrics by RealNetworks Inc. highlights the advantages of manufacturers working together to ensure technologies operate smoothly in the real world. Taking ownership of the customer experience When Orion Entrance Control provides a SpeedGate swing-glass optical turnstile, they take full ownership of the customer’s experience. That means ensuring the turnstile application operates as it should, regardless of which component of the broader system might be at fault. To the customer experience, a card reader that doesn’t work is the equivalent of a turnstile that doesn’t work. Which component is at fault is irrelevant, and in fact, invisible, to the overall customer experience. Importance of dependable operation of turnstiles As the most visible element in many access control systems, dependable operation of turnstiles reflects positively on the manufacturer and on the entire system. Orion tests various third-party components with their turnstiles To ensure an optimum customer experience, Orion tests various third-party components with their turnstiles, in order to ensure flawless operation before a turnstile is delivered to a customer. Customers buying an Orion turnstile send the card readers they want to use to Orion’s corporate headquarters in Laconia, New Hampshire, USA, where Orion engineers ensure seamless operation. Ensuring optimum customer experience All readers are designed to be bolted to the wall rather than installed inside a turnstile In addition to scenario-based testing, readers are placed inside the turnstile for a streamline appearance, which can be a challenge given the variety of sizes and types of readers a customer might choose. All readers are designed to be bolted to the wall rather than installed inside a turnstile, which complicates adaptation efforts. In short, historically for Orion, ensuring the optimum customer experience involved extra time and effort, although obviously it was worth it. Providing flexibility for any environment Seeking to simplify the process, Orion has found an alternative to using many different types and models of card readers for its turnstiles. Deploying an RFID reader/writer from ELATEC provides flexibility to operate in a variety of card and reader environments, including almost all 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz contactless technologies. The product is compatible with low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF), near field communication (NFC) or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals. An integrated BLE module supports mobile ID and authentication solutions. There is an integrated antenna for LF and HF to ensure excellent contactless performance. ‘Universal’ configuration of the ELATEC reader hardware Using applicable firmware, the ‘universal’ configuration of the ELATEC reader hardware is compatible with any card system. It works with all the access control protocols, including SEOS, OSDP and other open protocols. “We can stock an open SKU and flash the firmware as per the customer requirement,” says Steve Caroselli. The small form factor (around 1 1/2 inches square) of the ELATEC module lends itself to easy installation inside the turnstile housing. Easy availability of the ELATEC readers helps Orion continue to serve customers, despite recent disruptions in the supply chain. And, ELATEC’s reader hardware has earned global certifications that enable Orion to use their products for customers around the world. Testing to ensure smooth operation ELATEC was responsive at every stage as the relationship evolved, providing sample equipment for testing Before embracing the ELATEC reader module, Orion tested it for several months to ensure compatibility with its turnstiles. ELATEC was responsive at every stage as the relationship evolved, providing sample equipment for testing and working closely with the Orion team. Everyone in the ELATEC sales and engineering team, right up the company’s C-suite, worked to support Orion during the testing phase. In the end, in addition to other advantages, ELATEC’s detection speed and read range compares favorably to competing technologies. “We move really fast as an organisation, so we are looking for other organisations that move very fast,” says Steve Caroselli, adding “We met with ELATEC one week and had the equipment for testing the next week. We like to work with companies that move fast, and they are culturally aligned with how we do business.” Orion turnstiles with ELATEC TWN4 Palon Compact panel The Orion turnstiles incorporate an ELATEC TWN4 Palon Compact panel, a versatile panel-mount reader designed for integration into third-party products and devices. It supports enhanced interfaces, especially RS-485, and reflects the advantages and integrated tool support of the ELATEC TWN4 family. Orion is implementing SAFR SCAN biometric technology using hardware and software from RealNetworks Inc. “The selection of ELATEC products allows Orion to provide their customers and partners with a flexible RFID reader solution that supports numerous credential options and virtually all transponder technologies,” said Paul Massey, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ELATEC, Inc., adding “This is especially valuable in multi-tenet, multi-credential environments.” Orion works with all the various stakeholders – architects, consultants, integrators, and end users – to ensure total satisfaction with an installation. Biometric technology for ‘frictionless’ access control Orion is also implementing SAFR SCAN biometric technology into their turnstiles using hardware and software from RealNetworks Inc. The facial recognition reader technology, designed for mainstream commercial access control, provides a ‘frictionless’ experience, and allows users to pass through turnstiles at a walk. The system can authenticate up to 30 individuals per minute with 99.9% accuracy, despite varied lighting conditions. SAFR’s system provides a good user experience Orion designed a mounting system to incorporate the biometric reader into their turnstile design Orion designed a mounting system to incorporate the biometric reader into their turnstile design. SAFR’s system provides a good user experience, when it comes to enrollment. On each turnstile, the SAFR technology can operate separate from the ELATEC reader or in conjunction with it for multi-factor authentication in higher-security applications. Innovation for new applications A broad approach to the customer experience reflects Orion’s positioning as a technology company, in addition to being a manufacturer of turnstiles. Their Infinity software is the ecosystem ‘nerve centre’ platform to ensure operation and connected through a single ‘pane of glass.’ The need to protect more entrances beyond the lobby led Orion to develop its recently patented DoorGuard, a LIDAR-based solution that detects each person who passes through a doorway and prevents tailgating (like a turnstile) for applications, such as stairway doors, perimeter doors, data centres, IDF closets, etc. The software mimics the advantages of a turnstile to monitor access control and occupancy. Removing friction during installation and beyond Orion’s Constellation is a presence detection system that uses UWB (ultra-wideband) radar to sense where people are in a building for emergency response and building utilisation applications.  “One of our core values is to remove friction and make customers’ lives easier,” says Steve Caroselli, adding “Our people-first philosophy is: What can we do to make your life better? We want to be systematic, and everything must be repeatable in terms of how we react and interact with customers.”

The smartphone is an integral part of our daily routines. The communication and entertainment device of yesteryear has become a serious player with which we increasingly handle sensitive processes, such as payment transactions. BLE or NFC authentication At the supermarket checkout, more and more customers are pulling out their smartphones instead of their wallets. Apple Pay, Google Pay, or specific banking apps make it possible: to hold the smartphone in front of the reader of the checkout system, and the transaction is completed without contact. In technological terms, either Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) or Near Field Communication (NFC) is used to complete the authentication and authorise the payment process. Benefits of smartphone authentication Issuing cards, taking them back, blocking and replacing lost cards all is no longer necessary Smartphone authorisations are also becoming increasingly popular for access solutions. The advantages are obvious. Users do not need an additional medium to gain access to the building or data. For the IT department, the switch is just as convenient. Issuing cards, taking them back, and blocking and replacing lost cards are no longer necessary, saving time and money. Card systems  However, card systems are still irreplaceable in some cases. For example, in manufacturing environments where smartphones are often prohibited. Country-specific regulations also play a role: not everywhere is the professional use of private cell phones permitted. In Germany, for example, data protection is an obstacle; on the other hand, not every employee automatically has a company cell phone. Card or smartphone? The question "card or smartphone?" is not necessarily a matter of choice. There is much to be said for hybrid use, especially since the card and smartphone share numerous strengths: both are suitable for building access and for secure data access, and both can be used for applications such as secure printing and for time and attendance systems, to name just a few examples. This is also the reason that a hybrid system using both media is an excellent solution for many companies. Technological transition The transition from card to smartphone often raises concerns in companies at the beginning As with any technological transition, the transition from card to smartphone often raises concerns in companies at the beginning. After all, seamless security must be maintained at all times, and productivity should not suffer due to technological innovations for example, because users suddenly have difficulty accessing the data and programs they need for their daily work. In addition, deployment scenarios are very individual from industry to industry and organisation to organisation, and a wealth of questions must be clarified in advance. Flexible universal readers ELATEC is at the user's side as an experienced partner and with the appropriate systems, including software. With its universal readers, for example, users remain flexible and can handle cards and smartphones in parallel operation. This "soft migration" is often the best way: take a relaxed approach and see how mobile access authorisations are accepted in an organisation and how they work for user-specific purposes.