A smart card, chip card, or integrated circuit card (ICC), is in any pocket-sized card with embedded integrated circuits which can process data. This implies that it can receive input which is processed — by way of the ICC applications — and delivered as an output. There are two broad categories of ICCs. Memory cards contain only non-volatile memory storage components, and perhaps some specific security logic. Microprocessor cards contain volatile memory and microprocessor components. The card is made of plastic, generally PVC, but sometimes ABS. The card may embed a hologram to avoid counterfeiting. Using smartcards also is a form of strong security authentication for single sign-on within large companies and organizations.

Contact smart cards have a contact area, comprising several gold-plated contact pads, that is about 1cm square. When inserted into a reader, the chip makes contact with electrical connectors that can read information from the chip and write information back.

• the physical shape
• the positions and shapes of the electrical connectors
• the electrical characteristics
• the communications protocols, that includes the format of the commands sent to the card and the responses returned by the card.
• robustness of the card
• the functionality

The cards do not contain batteries; energy is supplied by the card reader.

A second type is the contactless smart card, in which the chip communicates with the card reader through RFID induction technology (at data rates of 106 to 848 kbit/s). These cards require only close proximity to an antenna to complete transaction. They are often used when transactions must be processed quickly or hands-free, such as on mass transit systems, where smart cards can be used without even removing them from a wallet.

Pantomina has a portfolio of software application repository that can be re-purposed to meet software needs of a diverse set of small and medium businesses. The repository is a an outcome of developing database applications that include the following:

	QTRAX - An Electronic Queue Management System, redefines customer care to a highly customer centric concept. QueTrax tunes up your waiting area...		BIOTK - Is custom time recording software that will verify the actual employee showed-up at work whose identity will be verified through fingerprints and RFID cards (contact and contact less).
	TRUCKSTAR - A software to help you manage the information needs of your Trucking and Forwarding services...		SIMACS - Provides the management of the facility or building the means of monitoring and controlling of the events in various access points...
	BIZTRAX - Provides the management of the facility or building the means of monitoring and controlling of the events in various access points of the vicinity...		HRIS - The custom software to help you manage and track the personnel information..

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders.

An RFID tag is an object that can be applied to or incorporated into a product, animal, or person for the purpose of identification using radio waves. Some tags can be read from several meters away and beyond the line of sight of the reader.

Most RFID tags contain at least two parts. One is an integrated circuit for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating a (RF) signal, and other specialized functions. The second is an antenna for receiving and transmitting the signal. A technology called chipless RFID allows for discrete identification of tags without an integrated circuit, thereby allowing tags to be printed directly onto assets at a lower cost than traditional tags.

What are we offering?

• Smart Card-based Access Control & Security System (In/Out)
• Asset Management System (Asset Tracking)
• Smart Card-based Loyalty System
• Highly flexible Smart Card-based program
• Support dynamic information update (customer data, accumulated pts. SMS)
• Support multiple-application (loyalty, tagging and e-purse)

Key Benefits of RFID Technology

• Real-time and On-demand Information processing/monitoring
• Long Term Asset
• Multi-Purpose Application
• Anti Theft for Assets
• Respected by most merchants
• Attracts new prospects (Students, Customers, Patrons)
• Boost Customers’ expenditure Power thru Loyalty Point System
• Cash-less Transaction

System Components

• Database Server
• RFID Sensors
• SMS ServerCard Reader
• Kiosk (Optional)
• Handheld Reader
• RFID Card Reader/WriterCard
• TCPIP/USB/Serial/PCMCIA Smart card readers
• Card Type
• Contact Card (8 Kbytes, 16 Kbytes)Device
• Contactless Card (1 Kbytes, 4 Kbytes)
• Card Printing
• Standard Loyalty Program printed card
• Merchant specific loyalty program
• Personalized card with name, photo, etc.

Applications using RFID Technology

• Smart Card-based Access Control & Security System
• Smart Asset Management System (property tagging)
• Smart Library System (book tagging)
• Smart Canteen (Cashless Transaction)
• Smart Inventory (item tagging)
• Loyalty System (e-purse)
• Kiosk Based Systems (Inquiry and Updates)

Why RFID System?

• Real-time Monitoring
• Capable of storing MORE information on the card
• Able to support both ON-LINE and OFF-LINE system
• Capable of doing MULTI-APPLICATION on the same card