An overview of the IDEC KW2D RFID reader and how it simplifies access management on factory floors
Date: 14/01/2025 | By: IDEC HQ
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Manufacturing facilities are also businesses and workplaces. As such, security around sites and equipment must be tightly controlled to prevent unauthorised access and changes by workers or visitors. Traceability – of people and their actions – is essential.
Many companies are looking to radio frequency identification (RFID) systems to efficiently manage individual access rights and data logs.
In this article, we introduce the IDEC KW2D smart RFID reader. It’s an advanced industrial RFID tag reader with strong connectivity and compatibility.
Security challenges in factories: the human element
In some industries, it’s estimated that over 80% of errors, accidents and other security issues at manufacturing sites are caused by humans.
Among the many causes of human errors, unauthorized access is a universal concern. Employees and visitors may enter restricted areas – accidentally, or deliberately.
Factory workers should know the ins and outs of the access management system at their facility. They should be aware of their authorization level and what they can and can’t do.
The KW2D’s smart RFID reader technology, in simple terms
RFID systems use radio waves set to a certain frequency. For the IDEC KW2D, this is 13.56MHz. Many industries use high frequency 13.56MHz RFID readers – the most common application you may be familiar with is contactless payment cards.
RFID readers help to restrict access to areas, machines, and specific controls
With an RFID system, workers who want to operate devices are first checked against an access rights database and authenticated.
A KW2D RFID reader is mounted on the machine, and users must present their ID to gain access. Workers don’t need to remember passwords or use a keyboard – access is granted with one tap.
RFID readers support individual authorization level settings
Any user’s ability to access the system and change settings depends on their authorization level. You can customize and manage employee access using the KW RFID Configurator software.
If a user has authorization, the ‘success’ status is indicated with a green LED and/or buzzer sound. A red LED and/or buzzer sound indicates an ‘error’ – an attempt at unauthorized access.
RFID readers contribute to building digital records of user activities
Work logs and inspection checklists written on paper by hand take more time to record, use more physical storage space, and can be harder to read and understand later.
Instead of holding a clipboard and checking off items on a list, workers can hold their ID card over an RFID reader when each process is complete.
Data entered on a touch panel is linked to the user who entered it, increasing traceability and accountability.
IDEC KW2D key features and advantages
1. Compact design and easy mounting
IDEC provides a wide variety of control panel pushbuttons and switches in the 22mm mounting hole size. The KW2D is also this size, easily and cohesively fitting in with other control panel equipment.
As the KW2D is designed for mounting on metal surfaces, you can install it close to machines, access doors and safety fences. The main unit can be fitted with or without the custom holder. Wiring up to the power supply is quick and simple, thanks to the push-in terminals.
2. Audio/visual alerts
The RFID reader’s smart design includes green, red and white LED status indicator lights that are visible from the front and sides. White is used as the ‘standby’ color. As green and red are respectively recognized as the ‘success’ and ‘error’ colors internationally, the reader’s status can be quickly understood by all users.
The KW2D also comes with an auxiliary buzzer as standard. The same ‘success’ and ‘error’ statuses can be set as audible feedback, with a different sound for each.
The LEDs and buzzer settings are controlled via KW RFID Configurator.
3. IP65/IP67 environmental protection rating
High water, dust and oil resistance levels keep the KW2D’s authentication functions fast and accurate in harsh industrial environments.
The reader can be wiped clean – or washed down with industrial water jets – without affecting the ability to transmit signals and identify tags.
IDEC case studies: customers who benefit from access control using RFID
The IDEC KW2D RFID reader has repeatedly proven itself as a reliable access management solution.
These anonymous case studies come from our international sales teams.
Example 1: machine user traceability
A customer in the factory automation industry needed more reliable data on who had operated machinery and when.
The customer chose the KW2D over competitors after successful product trials. The tests demonstrated how consistently accurate and reliable RFID access control systems can be.
Example 2: preventing accidental operation
A customer in the semiconductor industry was dealing with severe productivity issues caused by unintentional changes. Some workers were unfamiliar with the equipment, so the number of human errors made on the factory floor was unusually high.
In this case, employee education alone didn’t solve the problem. The customer needed an automated access system to eliminate as many opportunities for human error as possible.
A major reason behind the customer’s decision to implement KW2D RFID readers was customization. Using the KW RFID Configurator software, security managers can customize up to 500 tags with up to 255 authorization levels.
Now, only the site manager has the authority to change settings.
RFID readers for higher security and operational efficiency on factory floors
The security benefits of using RFID-based access management in the manufacturing industry are reassuringly comprehensive. Protect your factory against unauthorized access, data leaks, property damage, and human errors – all with one automated system.
The IDEC KW2D RFID reader, access cards, keyfobs and other accessories are on sale globally. Visit the product page to find out more.
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