Introduction to HID Readers and Credentials
When it comes to setting up or expanding an access control system, choosing the right HID readers and credentials is essential. Whether you're outfitting a new facility, upgrading from legacy systems, or scaling your access solution, the ordering process can be confusing. Between part numbers, card technologies, formats, and proprietary encoding, a wrong choice could mean system incompatibility or costly replacements.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential considerations and steps when ordering HID readers and credentials - from choosing the right formats and technologies to understanding card configurations and placing an accurate order.
Groove Identification Solutions Inc. is an Authorized HID Global Solution Provider based in Canada. We help organizations across healthcare, government, education, and manufacturing make smart and secure decisions when ordering HID products.
Table of Contents
What Are HID Readers and Credentials?
Common HID Technologies Explained
How to Choose the Right HID Reader
HID Credential Types and Formats
How to Find Your Card Format
Key Details Needed to Place an Order
Ordering Custom or Proprietary Cards
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
Where to Order HID Products in Canada
Final Thoughts
1. What Are HID Readers and Credentials?
HID Readers and Credentials
HID readers are hardware devices installed near doors, gates, or secure access points. They read digital information stored on HID credentials such as cards, key fobs, or mobile devices to grant or deny access based on permissions.
Together, readers and credentials form the backbone of an electronic access control system. HID products are used by thousands of organizations worldwide because of their reliability, scalability, and integration options with major systems.
2. Common HID Technologies Explained
HID Global manufactures a range of secure technologies. Here are the most widely used:
Proximity (Prox): 125kHz, legacy technology. Simple, low-cost, widely supported.
iCLASS SE: 13.56MHz, supports encryption and secure identity objects (SIO).
HID Mobile Access: Uses smartphones via BLE/NFC.
Seos: Advanced credential technology supporting mobile, multi-application, and high-security needs.
MIFARE and DESFire EV2/EV3: Often used in education and transit; supported by HID readers that accept third-party formats.
Depending on your organization’s requirements, HID Readers and Credentials must support matching technologies.
3. How to Choose the Right HID Reader
When selecting HID readers, consider the following:
Technology Compatibility: Match the reader to your credential technology (Prox, iCLASS, Seos, etc.).
Form Factor: Mullion, wall-mount, keypads, or mobile-ready options.
Environment: Indoor, outdoor, weatherproof, vandal-resistant.
Security Level: Standard Prox readers are basic; Seos/iCLASS readers offer enhanced encryption and authentication.
Popular HID Readers:
At Groove, we help customers choose the right HID reader based on their environment, security goals, and card technology.
HID Signo Series Readers4. HID Credential Types and Formats
HID credentials come in many forms:
Each credential must match your access control system’s card format and technology type.
Common HID Card Families:
ProxCard II (1326): Basic 125kHz proximity card.
ISOProx II (1386): Printable Prox card.
iCLASS SE (IClass SEOS, IClass SR): Secure 13.56MHz cards.
HID Mobile Access Seos: Phone-based credentials.
5. How to Find Your Card Format
Card formats are critical—they determine how the card communicates with your access control system.
Most common formats:
26-bit Wiegand (Open Format)
Corporate 1000 (HID proprietary format)
If you’re unsure of your format, we recommend:
Contacting your system integrator.
Looking at a label on the card or reader.
Sending a sample to Groove for analysis.
Groove Identification Solutions can help you identify your format free of charge.
6. Key Details Needed to Place an Order
Here’s what you need to place an accurate order for HID credentials:
Card Part Number (e.g., 1386LGGMN)
Technology (Prox, iCLASS, Seos, MIFARE)
Format (26-bit, 37-bit, Corporate 1000, etc.)
Facility Code (e.g., 100)
Card Number Range (e.g., 10001–10100)
Printing Requirements (Blank, pre-printed, encoded)
Slot Punch Options (Vertical, horizontal, none)
Each card order is custom-built at the HID Global factory and typically cannot be returned, so accuracy is key.
7. Ordering Custom or Proprietary Cards
If your facility uses a Corporate 1000 or other proprietary format, Groove can help ensure the correct configuration is ordered.
You may need:
Signed authorization forms to verify encoding rights.
Serial number ranges to avoid overlaps.
Access to the original encoding profile from HID or your integrator.
Proprietary formats may require a 2–3 week lead time, but they offer benefits like secure duplication control and traceability.
8. Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
Don't assume card format from card appearance: Two identical-looking cards can have completely different encoding.
Avoid overlapping card numbers: Duplicate card numbers can create serious access issues.
Always order extra cards: Reorders with low quantities can be expensive or delayed.
Work with an Authorized HID Partner: Only HID Solution Providers like Groove can access full support, updated formats, and factory authorization.
9. Where to Order HID Products in Canada
Groove Identification Solutions Inc. is a leading Canadian provider of HID access control products. We specialize in:
HID card readers
HID credentials (Prox, iCLASS, Seos, MIFARE, etc.)
HID Mobile Access licensing
Proprietary formats like Corporate 1000, Kantech, Keyscan, Cansec, and RBH
Visitor and contractor management solutions
Why Choose Groove?
Authorized HID Solution Provider
In-house format verification
Free consultation
Canadian warehousing for fast delivery
Friendly customer support
We ship to all provinces across Canada and help organizations reduce card and reader costs without sacrificing quality or security.
10. Final Thoughts
Ordering HID readers and credentials is not just about selecting a part number. It’s about ensuring every component matches your system’s specifications—technology, format, and function. Misorders can be costly and delay critical security upgrades.
By understanding the process and working with an authorized partner like Groove Identification Solutions, your team can streamline ordering, avoid compatibility issues, and get the support needed to maintain a secure access control system.
Need Help with Your HID Order?
Contact Groove Identification Solutions Inc. today for a free consultation or quote. Whether you're reordering Prox cards, switching to mobile credentials, or building a new facility’s access control infrastructure, we’ve got you covered.
Contact Us:
Phone: 1-888-940-3645
Email: info@groovebadges.com
Website: https://groovebadges.com
Address: 29 Centennial Rd. Unit 3, Orangeville, Ontario, Canada L9W 1R1
