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Temporary Credential Cost - MiFARE Cards vs Paper Badges

There are two factors that determine the cost of a temporary credential; Reuse and Days of Use

Credential Reuse​
  • MiFare Cards are reusable such that the more you reuse them the less expensive they are as a media
  • Paper Badge are typically used only once
MiFARE Reuse -->01234
MiFare Credential Cost based on Reuse$0.44$0.22$0.15$0.11$0.09
Paper Badge Credential Cost$0.10$0.20$0.30$0.40$0.50
  • If a MiFARE Credential is reused only Once (50% recovery rate) the media costs the same as a paper badge
  • Every time a MiFARE Credential is reused more than once it then costs significantly less than a paper badge
  • Commercial Office Buildings typically see 50% - 80% recovery rates for MiFARE Credentials
  • MiFARE Credentials are typically significantly less expensive than Paper Badges because of their reuse
  • Recovery rates are a function of building layout, building policy, and Security Officer and tenant training

Strategies used to recover MiFARE Credentials include:

  1. Security Officers asking for the credentials upon departure

  2. Tenants collecting and returning the credentials

  3. Baskets/bins to collect the credentials upon exit

Days of Use​

For guests, contractors or vendors that need a credential for an extended period of time, a MiFARE Credential is a more durable media that doesn't need to be reissued

Days of Use5
MiFARE Credential - use MiFARE card for the duration$0.44
Paper Badge Cost - new badge each day$0.50
Other Benefits of MiFARE Credentials​
  • MiFARE credentials use proximity card readers and don't require the installation of a barcode/QR code reader
  • MiFARE credentials use proximity technology that is easier to use than barcode/QR codes
  • MiFARE credentials are more difficult to replicate than barcodes/QR codes
  • With the use of a Person Reader, guests can self-check in
The Downside of MiFARE Credentials and Paper Badges​
  • Guests need to be given a MiFARE Credential or Paper Badge and so it requires a stop at a Security Desk or Post
  • It is not a frictionless credential and it consumes staff time