Credential encoding is one of the most misunderstood topics in access control, yet it is one of the most important. Whether you're managing a multi-tenant building, a secured warehouse, or a commercial facility with hundreds of employees, the way your access cards are encoded directly affects system accuracy, security, and long-term maintainability.
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What Is Credential Encoding?
Credential encoding refers to how information is programmed onto an access card or key fob. This data is what your readers and access control panel use to determine whether a user should be allowed into a door.
Encoding typically includes:
- A format (such as 26-bit, 34-bit, 37-bit, etc.)
- A facility code
- A card (ID) number
- Parity bits or additional data (depending on the format)
When these elements are managed consistently, your system remains clean, accurate, and easy to scale.
How 26-Bit Access Cards Use Facility Codes
The 26-bit access cards facility code is one of the most important parts of a Wiegand credential. In the 26-bit format (H10301), the bit structure generally looks like this:
- 1 leading parity bit
- 8-bit facility code (0–255)
- 16-bit card number (0–65,535)
- 1 trailing parity bit
The facility code groups all cards belonging to your organization. Think of it as a “building ID.” If your facility code changes randomly from batch to batch, your system may end up with duplicate card numbers or conflicting credentials.
This is why proper credential encoding matters—especially for organizations with multiple buildings, multiple sites, or long-term growth plans.
Why Card Numbers Matter
Each card or fob has a unique card number, which your access control software uses to identify a specific user. Well-managed credential numbers help prevent:
- Duplicate credentials
- Unassigned card conflicts
- Failed audits
- Re-issuance confusion
- Time-consuming manual verification
A structured numbering strategy also makes future expansions easier—whether you’re adding a new office in Denver, expanding access control in Boulder, or rolling out hundreds of credentials for a facility in Fort Collins.
Proper Credential Management Saves Real Time (and Money)
Good access control credential management isn’t just about organization—it reduces admin errors, improves onboarding efficiency, and lowers long-term costs. This is critical for growing organizations across Colorado that rely on reliable and scalable access control systems.
Secure It Controls can also help standardize credential encoding across your entire organization—whether you're using 26-bit access cards facility code formats or more advanced configurations.
Professional Installation Across Northern Colorado
Secure It Controls is one of Northern Colorado’s trusted leaders for commercial access control installation, credential provisioning, and long-term system support.
We perform professional installations in:
- Fort Collins
- Loveland
- Greeley
- Longmont
- Boulder
- Brighton
- Denver
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Choosing the Right Partner for Credential Encoding
From new system deployments to full re-issuance of your credential population, the right partner ensures your encoding stays consistent, secure, and scalable.
Secure It Controls provides:
- 26-bit access card encoding
- Custom facility code management
- Multi-site credential standardization
- Access control installations and upgrades
- Support for HID, Schlage, Verkada, Maxxess, Brivo, PDK, Paxton, and more
If your access control system is expanding—or if you're unsure what encoding strategy your organization should adopt—we can help.
Request Free Sample Credentials for Testing
If you want to verify compatibility with your existing system, Secure It Controls offers free sample credentials to test before placing an order.
Free samples to test are available:
Contact us to request a free sample