Project Manager - Contactless Card Reader (RFID)Project Manager – Contactless Card Reader (RFID)

The Contactless Card Reader (RFID) feature in IDpack Cloud enables seamless integration of RFID-based authentication and data tracking into your ID card system. Using a Keyboard Wedge (KBW) emulator, the system processes JSON output for efficient data management. This feature is compatible with a wide range of contactless smart card readers and is available with an IDC Professional or IDC Enterprise subscription.

Supported Hardware

IDpack Cloud has been tested with the OMNIKEY 5427CK Gen2 from HID. However, any contactless smart card reader with a KBW emulator should work. In KBW mode, the reader outputs data as keyboard keystrokes based on its configuration.

Readers can be configured to send data in different formats. By default, they push raw HEX values, but for better usability, we format the output into JSON.

Using the OMNIKEY 5×27 CK Reader Management web interface, we configure Card In Event Keystrokes, Prestrokes, Poststrokes, and Card Out Event Keystrokes to generate structured JSON output like this: 

{
    "type": "MIFARE Classic",
    "csn": "525148402"
}
 HID OMNIKEY 5427 CK Reader

How IDpack Cloud Handles RFID Data

  • The JSON output from the reader is saved in the idc_rfid_json field.
  • The type (Card Type) and csn (Card Serial Number) are stored in their respective fields: idc_rfid_cardtype and idc_rfid_csn.
  • The csn field acts as a unique search key in Producer. When scanning a card, if a matching csn is found in the records, the system will automatically display the associated record.

Reader Configuration for JSON Output

Below are the required settings to format the OMNIKEY 5427CK Gen2 output into JSON. The process may vary slightly for other reader models.

OMNIKEY 5427 CK Reader Management - Card Type

Enable only the card types you are using (e.g., MIFARE Classic and Generic ISO14443A) to optimize response time.

OMNIKEY 5427 CK Reader Management

Follow these configuration steps to set up your OMNIKEY reader:

  • Keyboard Wedge Settings
    • Enable Keyboard Wedge
    • Disable Boot Interface
    • Set Card Out Event Keystrokes to }[ENTER]
    • Disable prestrokes and poststrokes for errors
  • Card Data Selection
    • Select only the card types required (e.g., MIFARE Classic).
    • Enable CSN (or PACS if CSN is unavailable).
  • Output Formatting
    • String Format: Select DEC (Decimal) or HEX based on your needs.
    • Card In Event Keystrokes: [LED_BUZZ]{"type": "MIFARE Classic",
    • Prestrokes for CSN: "csn": "
    • Poststrokes for CSN: "
  • System Config
    • Click Apply Changes
    • Wait 5 seconds
    • Click Reboot System

Testing the Reader

To verify that the reader is properly configured, follow these steps:

  1. Use the System Console tab → Debug section in the OMNIKEY web interface.
  2. Open Notepad and scan a card. The output should appear as structured JSON.
  3. Copy the output and validate it using JSONLint.
  4. Test with the IDpack Cloud RFID Test Page. If the correct data appears, the reader is successfully configured.

Using RFID in IDpack Cloud

Enabling RFID for a Project

  1. Open your project in Project Manager.
  2. Set Contactless Card Reader to Yes and save.
  3. Open the project in Producer and scan a card.
  4. The system will capture the csn and associate it with the selected record.

Note: You do not need to manually add RFID fields to the Field Definition in Project Manager. IDpack Cloud automatically handles this when RFID is enabled.

Reading RFID Cards in Producer

To look up records using RFID:

  1. Open Producer and go to the Records List tab.
  2. Scan an RFID card.
  3. If the csn matches an existing record, the system will automatically display the record.

The Contactless Card Reader feature in IDpack Cloud allows seamless RFID integration, providing secure and efficient card authentication for access control, tracking, and identification purposes.