Third Millennium, associated with HID and a known name in access control solutions, has officially launched the RXQR and RXQRK readers. These innovative access-control devices merge high-security RFID card functionality with QR code scanning, catering to the evolving needs of modern access management systems.
By housing these capabilities within a single, sleek unit, the new readers aim to streamline both visitor and contractor management, and are compatible with both legacy and contemporary communication protocols. As part of the RX Series, the RXQR line offers an advanced yet budget-friendly option for current access control environments.
High-Security RFID and QR Code Integration
The RXQR readers consolidate high-security RFID card reading and QR code scanning into a singular device, while the RXQRK variant adds a keypad to bolster authentication via PIN verification. This feature is particularly advantageous for after-hours or high-security access requirements.
According to Steve Greenaway, Third Millennium’s Business Development Manager, "QR codes have existed for decades, but their role in access control has accelerated dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic." He observes that many organizations have opted for QR code-based access due to its practical, contact-free, and cost-efficient nature, especially as staffed reception areas have declined.
Simplifying Access-Control Systems
Traditionally, organizations needed separate devices for staff RFID access cards and visitor QR codes at each entry point, doubling installation and maintenance requirements.
The RXQR range eliminates this redundancy, enabling a single reader to manage both card and QR functionalities. This data is transmitted through universal door controller ports, with options for Clock and Data, Wiegand, and OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) connectivity.
Reducing Costs with Proprietary Access Control Systems
Greenaway notes, "It’s a simple concept offering huge efficiency and financial gains. You’re halving the number of devices, halving the installation work, and simplifying ongoing maintenance. And obviously saving money since you no longer need two readers at every door."
Moreover, RXQR readers support diverse high-frequency card technologies such as MIFARE® Classic, MIFARE® DESFire®, and LEGIC, making them fully compatible with modern systems that support open standard smartcards.
Enhanced Security for Multi-Tenanted Buildings
The RXQRK model introduces a keypad for dual-factor authentication (card + PIN). This means users only need to present a card or QR credential during office hours. Outside these hours, or in high-security zones, a PIN offers further security, preventing misuse of lost or stolen cards. This adaptation is particularly suitable for multi-tenanted buildings, data centers, and facilities adhering to layered security protocols.
Greenaway highlights the practicality of QR codes for visitors and contractors, stating, "While mobile credentials continue to gain traction, QR codes remain the simplest and most cost-efficient option for contractors and visitors. Unlike app-based credentials which have a license cost, QR codes can be produced and managed by many enterprise access control systems. Offering temporary access, they’re virtually free to issue, disposable and don’t require visitors or contractors to download an app or create an account either."
Third Millennium, a provider of access control solutions and part of HID, announces the launch of new RXQR and RXQRK readers — multi-technology access-control devices that integrate high-security RFID card and QR code credentials into a single, elegant unit.
Designed to simplify visitor and contractor management, and support both legacy and modern communication protocols, the RXQR range is part of Third Millennium’s RX Series, delivering an advanced yet cost-effective solution for today’s evolving access control environments.
High security RFID card reading
The RXQR combines high security RFID card reading and QR code scanning in one compact device. The RXQRK adds a keypad option for organizations requiring an additional layer of authentication using PIN verification for out-of-hours or high-security access.
“QR codes have existed for decades, but their role in access control has accelerated dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic,” explains Steve Greenaway, Third Millennium’s Business Development Manager. “As many organizations have reduced or eliminated staffed reception areas all together, QR code-based access has become a practical, contact-free and far more economical way to manage entry.”
Access-control systems
Traditionally, organizations would have required two separate readers on turnstiles or walls at every entry point: one for staff RFID access cards and another for visitor QR codes. This meant dual installation costs, separate cabling and double the maintenance burden.
The RXQR range eliminates this duplication entirely. A single reader now handles both card and QR scanning — transmitting data through the same door controller ports to access-control systems, with both models supporting Clock and Data, Wiegand and OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) connectivity.
Proprietary access control systems
“It’s a simple concept offering huge efficiency and financial gains,” says Greenaway. “You’re halving the number of devices, halving the installation work and simplifying ongoing maintenance. And obviously saving money since you no longer need two readers at every door.”
In addition to its integrated QR capability, the RXQR readers support a full range of high-frequency card technologies including: MIFARE® Classic, MIFARE® DESFire® and LEGIC technologies. This makes them fully interoperable with modern access control systems that support open standard smartcards, with DESFire and LEGIC technologies providing the latest advanced cryptographic security comparable to proprietary access control systems.
“Third Millennium has always been about openness and interoperability,” adds Greenaway. “By supporting both MIFARE and LEGIC technologies along with Clock and Data, Wiegand and OSDP, the RXQR readers let customers work within their existing infrastructure, without door controllers having to be changed which just adds extra cost.” Beyond its technical performance, the RXQR range continues Third Millennium’s commitment to elegant design and feature blue LED lights on each unit.
Multi-tenanted buildings
The RXQRK model integrates a keypad to support two-factor authentication (card + PIN). During normal office hours, users simply present a card or QR credential. Outside those hours or in high-security areas, a PIN is required for additional verification — ensuring lost or stolen cards cannot be misused after hours. This makes the RXQRK ideal for multi-tenanted buildings, data centres and facilities with layered security policies.
“While mobile credentials continue to gain traction, QR codes remain the simplest and most cost-efficient option for contractors and visitors,” explains Greenaway. “Unlike app-based credentials which have a licence cost, QR codes can be produced and managed by many enterprise access control systems. Offering temporary access, they’re virtually free to issue, disposable and don’t require visitors or contractors to download an app or create an account either.”
