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PennCard to Move to Contactless Technology |
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April 2, 2013,
Volume 59, No. 27 |
The University of Pennsylvania has announced that it is introducing new contactless technology that will transition from the magnetic stripe currently used on the PennCard, the University’s identification card, to a contactless chip. A contactless card has an embedded chip and antenna which transmits the Penn ID when it is held within a few inches of the card reader.
This technology will offer a number of benefits to the Penn community including:
- Improved security of access & card technology on campus;
- Faster transaction speed eases access;
- The ability to integrate the PennCard for use in other systems; and
- Enhanced operational efficiency by standardizing card technology.
In addition, the transition to contactless allows Penn to better position itself for future developments and applications in card technology such as integration with SEPTA’s plans for its new payment technology.
The contactless technology will be piloted in the new Krishna P. Singh Center for Nanotechnology, which is scheduled to open in fall 2013. Following that opening, the transition will occur in a phased manner to best meet operational requirements and reduce financial impact. Cards and readers will also have dual technology for some period of time.
The contactless project is jointly sponsored by the Business Services Division, Division of Public Safety, and Information Systems & Computing. Please address any questions about the project to penncard@exchange.upenn.edu
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Almanac -
April 2, 2013, Volume 59, No. 27
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