RF IDeas, Inc. - Experts & Thought Leaders

rf IDEAS, a global manufacturer of RFID credential readers, announces that its WAVE ID® readers support Gallagher Employee Badge in Apple Wallet, expanding the range of credential technologies supported across its flexible, interoperable reader platform. With this support, organisations can use a Gallagher Employee Badge in Apple Wallet credential across both physical and logical access. The same credential can unlock a Gallagher access-controlled door and verify identity at rf IDEAS WAVE ID® readers for applications such as single sign-on, secure print, and visitor management. Enabling seamless integration Designed for broad compatibility, WAVE ID readers securely read and authenticate credential data from Apple Wallet directly to downstream applications, enabling seamless integration across systems without requiring changes to existing infrastructure. Built on NXP® MIFARE DESFire® technology, Gallagher credentials leverage secure, shareable keys that can be provisioned once and extended to trusted third-party devices like rf IDEAS readers. This allows organisations to deploy a single mobile credential across multiple systems and reader environments without reissuance. Evolving credential technologies “Organisations are looking for flexible, secure ways to support multiple credential types across their environments,” said rf IDEAS President, David Cottingham. “With support for Gallagher Employee Badge in Apple Wallet, WAVE ID readers continue to give customers the freedom to deploy mobile credentials to support a more secure and digital-first future.” Gallagher Security Product Manager, Tyson Barnett says, “Identity is managed centrally but verified at the edge. That requires interoperable credentials that can be read everywhere. Our partnership with rf IDEAS reflects our vision for that future.” This enhancement reinforces rf IDEAS’ commitment to delivering highly configurable, future-ready readers that adapt to evolving credential technologies, giving organisations greater flexibility as they modernise authentication. WAVE ID® readers supporting Gallagher Employee Badge in Apple Wallet are available now.

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.

Doordeck, a cloud-based access control software company, has joined the Board of the PSIA. The company has an innovative product that enables smartphone NFC keyless entry for buildings, regardless of which access control system is installed. The company, based in London, England, was established in 2015, and its products and services have been integrated into buildings throughout the world. It is a subsidiary of Sentry Interactive of Austin, Texas. “Our company is very excited to be joining the PSIA, considering its objective to put interoperability first,” said Marwan Kathayer, Head of Product & Co-Founder of Doordeck. “This aligns perfectly with our mission to provide mobile access software that is easy to integrate into disparate security ecosystems.” PSIA’s PKOC specification Doordeck’s SDK and open APIs allow for interoperability with major access control system works Doordeck’s SDK and open APIs allow for interoperability with major access control system manufacturers, third-party building management and tenant experience applications. The Doordeck software also has the capability to bridge disparate systems within a building or across a portfolio under the one centralised platform. David Bunzel, PSIA Executive Director, shared, “Doordeck is part of a growing number of companies looking to disrupt the access control industry. They recognise that the PSIA’s PKOC specification, with its asymmetric encryption, is superior to many legacy products which continue to rely on symmetric encryption technology. PKOC also offers an NFC card option to support applications where this technology continues to be utilised.”  Understanding of PKOC Smart cards, featuring this specification are already available in commercial products The Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA) and a number of its partner companies will be present at the GSX show in September of 2024. For a better understanding of PKOC, the PSIA has added an Explainer Video to its site. This video is less than a minute and demonstrates how the PSIA’s PKOC specification works and will disrupt the access control market. The PSIA approved its PKOC NFC Card Specification in December of 2023. Smart cards, featuring this specification are already available in commercial products. PKOC is featured in products from ELATEC, Kastle Systems, INID, JCI, Last Lock, rf IDEAS, SAFR Scan (RealNetworks), Sentry Enterprises, and Taglio Demand for PACS interoperability The PSIA has been active in developing and promoting open specifications that support interoperability in the physical and logical security industries. Industry publication, Security Technology Executive, declares interoperability “The Next Great Phase of Physical Access Control.” SecurityInfoWatch.com expounds on the predicted demand for PACS interoperability by saying, “Open protocols, standards and industry-accepted conformant products that focus on unbridled interoperability between manufacturers and vendors will be critical as advanced technology, such as analytics and ancillary devices, enter the realm of physical security and access control.”