HID Prox readers (legacy 125 kHz)
Classic HID Prox readers are still found on thousands of doors across Chicago. They are simple, reliable and work with older 125 kHz cards and fobs – often the starting point for a gradual upgrade plan.
Brand profile · Access control · Secure identity
HID Global readers, credentials & controllers for access control
HID Global is a U.S.-based manufacturer of secure identity and physical access control technologies. Founded in 1991 (originally as Hughes Identification Devices) and now part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, HID is known worldwide for its HID Prox, iCLASS, Seos and Signo product families, plus multi-technology readers and controllers that secure offices, campuses, hospitals and multifamily communities.
On Chicago North Shore we use HID when a project needs reliable readers and credentials, long-term card format support and a clear migration path from legacy badges to secure smart cards and mobile access – without ripping out the entire system in one step.
Quick facts about HID Global
- Founded: 1991, California, USA
- Headquarters: Austin, Texas, USA
- Parent company: ASSA ABLOY Group
- Main product lines: HID Prox, iCLASS, Seos, Signo, multi-tech readers, Aero / Mercury controllers
- Focus: secure identity, physical access control and standards-based credentials for enterprise and commercial buildings
Where we use HID
- Office buildings and corporate campuses that need long-term, standards-based access control
- Multifamily and HOA communities with existing HID Prox cards and fobs
- Hospitals, clinics and professional suites with mixed staff and visitor flows
- Data rooms, IDF closets and high-value mechanical spaces that require stronger credential security
- Projects that must migrate gradually from legacy badges to Seos smart cards or mobile access across multiple buildings
Why installers & IT teams rely on HID (10 reasons)
- Large ecosystem and vendor-neutral approach. HID readers and controllers integrate with many access control software platforms, so buildings are not locked into a single vendor forever.
- Proven reliability in the field. HID Prox and iCLASS readers have been installed in millions of doors worldwide and are known for surviving tough weather and daily use.
- Smooth migration from legacy cards. Multi-technology readers can read old Prox badges and new Seos or iCLASS cards at the same time, allowing staged upgrades instead of a single big-bang replacement.
- Strong credential security. Modern Seos and iCLASS credentials use encryption and diversified keys, making them much harder to clone than traditional 125 kHz Prox cards.
- Wide choice of form factors. Cards, fobs, tags, mobile IDs and wearables cover almost any use case from parking gates to secure labs.
- Support for industry standards. HID’s Mercury-based controllers and OSDP-compatible readers align with open standards adopted by many enterprise access platforms.
- Global partner network. Integrators, locksmiths and security installers across the world are familiar with HID, which simplifies long-term support for multi-site clients.
- Flexible security policies. Card technology, bit formats and key management can be tailored to the risk profile of each site or tenant.
- Good documentation and tools. Data sheets, configuration guides and test cards help engineers and installers commission systems correctly.
- Future-ready mobile access. HID Mobile Access and Seos let organisations roll out phone-based credentials while keeping compatibility with existing physical badges.
Popular HID products & how we use them
HID has built a portfolio that ranges from legacy Prox cards to modern Seos smart credentials and open controllers. These are some of the models we frequently see and deploy in real projects:
HID Signo readers
Signo is HID’s modern reader family that supports multiple technologies in one device – Prox, iCLASS, Seos and mobile credentials. They offer sleek industrial design, OSDP connectivity and strong security features for new and retrofit projects.
HID iCLASS & Seos smart credentials
iCLASS and Seos cards and fobs provide encrypted, diversified credentials that are much harder to clone than legacy Prox badges. Seos also powers Mobile IDs so tenants can use phones alongside plastic cards.
Multi-technology readers (RP-20 and others)
Readers such as the HID RP-20 can simultaneously read older Prox cards and newer smart credentials. This is extremely useful in multi-building sites where not all doors can be upgraded at once.
Mercury-based and Aero controllers
HID Mercury and Aero controllers act as the intelligence behind the doors, integrating with many access control platforms. Open hardware means clients can change management software in the future while keeping the controller and card infrastructure in place.
HID Mobile Access
HID Mobile Access lets authorised users open doors with their smartphone or smartwatch. For many buildings this is an attractive way to reduce card printing, especially for staff who already carry a corporate phone.
In our equipment catalog we highlight HID readers and credentials that fit well with the access control platforms we deploy on Chicago North Shore, and we can propose compatible alternatives for existing systems.
How we use HID in Chicago North Shore access control projects
HID rarely lives on its own – it is usually part of a wider access control system. In real buildings we often combine HID with platforms such as Brivo, Paxton, enterprise on-prem systems and custom integrations. A typical design might include:
- HID Signo or RP-20 readers at perimeter doors, garages and sensitive interior doors.
- Smart Seos or iCLASS cards for staff, with Prox compatibility kept for older doors during transition.
- Mercury-based panels integrated with cloud or on-prem access software.
- OSDP wiring and encrypted reader communication for higher-security areas.
- Mobile credentials for selected users (property managers, maintenance, security).
This approach lets us deliver enterprise-grade identity and door security while still respecting real-world budgets, timelines and existing hardware.
Experienced HID installers & migration planning
Our team actively follows HID documentation, reference designs and partner training materials. We have hands-on experience with:
- Replacing legacy Prox readers with multi-tech Signo units
- Re-carding buildings with new smart credentials and phased roll-outs
- Integrating HID readers with cloud platforms like Brivo and other controllers
- Auditing mixed estates where multiple generations of HID readers coexist
If your building already uses HID, we can audit, stabilise and document the existing system and then design a realistic migration path that matches your risk profile and budget.
HID & 7DVR.com – common questions
Do you only install HID access control?
No. HID mainly provides readers, credentials and controllers. We integrate them with different access control platforms depending on what fits the building best – cloud, on-prem or hybrid.
Can you work with our existing HID Prox cards?
Yes. We can keep legacy Prox cards running while we roll out new smart cards or mobile IDs using multi-technology readers. This reduces disruption and card replacement costs.
Is it worth upgrading from Prox to Seos or iCLASS?
In most commercial and multifamily environments the answer is yes. Modern smart credentials offer better protection against cloning and can support mobile access, which improves both security and convenience.
Can you integrate HID with other security systems we have?
Absolutely. We design networks where HID readers and controllers coexist with video surveillance, intercoms and visitor management, often over segmented VLANs and Ubiquiti-based networking.
Do you provide free estimates for HID-based projects?
Yes. We offer free estimates for new projects and 50% off the first service visit for new service clients within our service area when we are called to troubleshoot an existing system.
Can you help us plan a long-term migration strategy?
We can map your current card formats, reader types and controllers, then propose a staged migration plan that upgrades high-risk doors first and spreads costs over time.