Case Study: Transforming Hospital Access Control in Ohio
Initial Problem: Outdated Hospital Security System Came With a $500K Price Tag
With Mergers and Acquisitions at an all-time high in key vertical markets such as Healthcare, Pharma, Energy, Communications, and Financial Services, System Integrators are seeing an increased need for a seamless yet more secure solution for integrating multiple Physical Access Control Systems (PACS).
In many cases, the PACS being merged use antiquated, non-secure, and non-compatible technologies, which until now have required complete hardware and software replacement to merge systems, which can be expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive to the organization.
Also, in this age of cybercrime and system hacking, antiquated card technologies remain the weakest link in the security systems of major large institutions and corporations.
Core Challenges:
A major Ohio-based Healthcare provider is merging multiple facilities, consisting of 6 buildings which were originally controlled by two different PACS. They have a total of 25,000 cardholders, who need to move freely between all locations, using their ID cards for access to the buildings, the ER, labs, pharmacies, administrative and employee-only areas, and for access to crash carts, the time and attendance system, and automated surgical scrub distribution systems.
However, no budget was available for such a large-scale overhaul, leaving the facility vulnerable and stagnant.
- System 1 used Dorado Mag Stripe technology with a non-standard 26-bit format and outdated Simplex ISC control panels. It suffered from frequent reader and card failures due to worn read heads, with an average card lifespan of just 8 months. In some cases, users had to prop doors open when readers failed. The system was also limited to 5-digit Card IDs, and was running out of usable card numbers.
- System 2 also used Dorado Mag Stripe but with a 37-bit format and modern Software House iSTAR panels. It supported 11-digit Card IDs, which were incompatible with System 1’s control panels.
Initially, both systems were connected through existing Software House software, and cardholders were issued multiple mag stripe cards to bridge the gap. However, this led to high costs, frequent card failures, ongoing reader maintenance issues, and operational disruptions all of which became unsustainable.
The client wanted to replace mag stripe technology with a single, secure card that would work across all locations.
A system integrator proposed replacing all 250 panels in System 1 with System 2 hardware and upgrading to iCLASS cards and readers a project estimated at over $500,000. With no budget for such a replacement, the client chose not to proceed.
Trusted Vendor Support:
Total ID Solutions Joins the Mission
Total ID Solutions in Cleveland, Ohio has provided the Healthcare client with: ID cards, Badge printing soft, Printers, Supplies
Total ID also sells Access Control and Visitor Management systems, so they have a technical understanding of the client’s problem. The client has developed a high level of confidence and trust in Total ID Solutions, due to their expertise and excellent service, so they asked for their Total ID for their advice.
They reached out to Michael Sloe, President of Total ID, who immediately recognized that DigiOn24’s D24Secure NFC™ platform could solve the client’s challenges all without touching the core panels of their hospital security system.
The Custom Solution:
NFC Upgrade Without Control Panel Replacement
With support from DigiOn24, Total ID Solutions proposed:
Transitioning to D24Secure NFC™ Multi-Format Smart Cards with HiCo magstripe
Replacing outdated readers with multi-format wall switch and mullion readers
Encoding cards with both System 1 and System 2 Wiegand formats
Custom encrypted passwords for each facility site
Seamless support for both legacy and modern systems a future-proof hospital security solution
This approach modernized the healthcare access control environment while preserving infrastructure.
Outcomes:
Better Security, Major Savings, Zero Downtime
$500K+ saved by avoiding panel replacement
Dramatic improvement in hospital security system strength (AES + Triple DES encryption, Mutual authentication, Custom site-level password protection)
Each cardholder uses only one badge (Card costs have been reduced, Composite card increased the useful life of the card, In-house control of badge printing and encoding)
Cards now support multiple applications and can hold data, including: stored value for cashless vending, cafeteria payment systems, and logical access
This is a future-ready healthcare access control solution, with Android NFC compatibility and multi-application support.
Why Healthcare Access Control Is Vital to Hospital Operations
Effective healthcare access control systems are essential to ensure:
Patient privacy and HIPAA compliance unauthorized access can lead to data breaches and legal penalties.
Restricted entry to sensitive areas like pharmacies, labs, and operating rooms.
Secure staff identification to manage high-traffic hospital environments.
Reduced reliance on vulnerable magstripe cards a weak point in many legacy hospital security systems.
Scalability for future needs, such as mobile access and multi-application smart cards.
Without modern healthcare access control, hospitals are left exposed to physical threats, operational inefficiencies, and compliance risks.
Connect to Transform Your Healthcare Access Control
Be Prepared with Total ID Solutions
Total ID Solutions. Inc. is a leading provider of photo identification systems and equipment. Total ID was founded in 2000 by its current President, Michael G. Sloe. Total ID is a systems integrator who sells and services a variety of security products, like photo ID systems and direct-to-plastic card printers. They also sell and service access control. Their customer base includes public and private schools and universities, hospitals, all sizes of corporations, law enforcement agencies, golf courses, amusement parks and any other facility that’s in need of a security solution. Total ID Solutions’ corporate office is located in Cleveland, Ohio.
