Magnetic Stripe Card Readers
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Magnetic Stripe Card Readers
Magnetic stripe card readers have revolutionized business efficiency. From use in credit card machines to door key technology to a number of security devices, magnetic stripes serve in a variety of functions, ultimately saving money over long term use. Magnetic stripe technology has been implemented into identification cards, such as state issued drivers licenses, greatly assisting in travel, as well as quick and easy government-based transactions.
The use of magnetic stripe card readers in a business environment may allow employees to focus more on customer service, and developing lasting business relationships, rather than requiring great amounts of attention on a transaction. Magnetic swipe technology is now available in all-in-one set-ups, allowing for everything from transactions to ATM capability.
Computer systems and software have become more equipped to easily include card reading technology. This is true for the traditional retailer, Internet based business or even an independent contractor able to run a credit card transaction through a modern mobile device. Taking advantage of such technology allows for more business opportunity.
If you are interested in the possibilities available through magnetic card swipe technology, you may wish to consider the resources available, listed to the left. Business.com has compiled a list of quality service providers which are easily accessible with a simple click.
Magnetic Stripe Card Readers Key Terms
Increase your retailing speed by understanding magnetic stripe card readers key termsBy Tara McClendon, Freelance Writer/Editor, Tara McClendon Magnetic stripe card readers allow you to accept a variety of payment cards, from credit cards and debit cards to loyalty cards. You can also use magnetic stripe cards to ensure the security of items when you use employee ID badges equipped with a magnetic data strip. To identify the best magnetic stripe card readers for your business, you may want to consider key terms associated with the readers. These terms incorporate varying aspects of the technology used to electronically pass information from a card to a reader.
Reading head
The reading head, sometimes called an access point, is the part on a magnetic stripe card reader that translates, or reads, the encoded information from the magnetic stripe, commonly known as magstripe.
Try: ZBA provides photos of different reading heads and includes information on the programming features for each type.
Point of sale, POS
A point of sale system is used to complete sales transactions. Many businesses opt to use a POS system with a magnetic card stripe reader included in the cash register, but some still use a separate card reader that interfaces with the register.
Try: View the ST8300 Series at POS for Less to see a POS system with an integrated magnetic stripe card reader.
Coercivity
Magnetic card stripes rely on coercivity to determine the endurance of the magstripe. Most card manufactures will refer to their cards as high-coercivity, meaning it's difficult to damage or erase the data, or low-coercivity, meaning it's easy to damage the magstripe.
Try: Ace Copper Concepts provides a brief description of coercivity. The International Card Manufacturers Association has an article detailing coercivity.
ISO cards
Access points for different applications can read different types of information. An ISO card is a specific type of card that meets security standards established by the ISO to ensure the safety of the data on the card.
Try: Cardlogix offers an overview of the ISO standards used in magstripe cards.
Data density
The data density, measured in bits per inch (BPI), refers to the amount of data a magstripe can hold.
Try: Browse the chart provided by DGA Houston to see data density for common magstripe cards.
Track
A track, which is invisible to the eye, is the area in which a company embeds the data on a magstripe. Cards can have single, dual or triple tracks. The ISO regulates the type of information a company can use in certain tracks.
Try: Acme Technologies offers an in-depth look at the tracks used on magstripes.
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