rf IDEAS adds Gallagher badge support in Apple Wallet

rf IDEAS has added support for Gallagher Employee Badge in Apple Wallet on its WAVE ID readers, extending the range of credential formats supported across its reader platform.

Organisations can use a Gallagher Employee Badge in Apple Wallet for both physical and logical access. A single credential can open a door controlled by Gallagher systems and also be used at rf IDEAS readers for functions including single sign-on, secure print and visitor management.

WAVE ID readers are designed to work with a wide range of credential types and existing systems. They authenticate credential data from Apple Wallet and pass it to connected applications without requiring organisations to change their installed infrastructure.

The arrangement relies on NXP MIFARE DESFire technology. Gallagher credentials use shareable keys that can be provisioned once and then extended to third-party devices such as rf IDEAS readers, allowing one mobile credential to be used across different systems and reader settings without reissuance.

Access use

The development reflects a broader shift towards mobile credentials that can serve more than one access purpose. In this case, the same credential is intended to cover building entry as well as identity checks at workstations, printers and visitor points.

By supporting Gallagher Employee Badge in Apple Wallet, rf IDEAS is extending the use of a digital badge beyond the access control system where it originates. This gives customers a way to link door access and other authentication tasks through one credential held on a mobile device.

David Cottingham, President of rf IDEAS, outlined the company's view of the change.

"Organisations are looking for flexible, secure ways to support multiple credential types across their environments," said David Cottingham, President of rf IDEAS.

"With support for Gallagher Employee Badge in Apple Wallet, WAVE ID readers continue to give customers the freedom to deploy mobile credentials to support a more secure and digital-first future."

Partner view

Gallagher described the support as part of a broader approach to identity verification across multiple endpoints. Its view is that identity administration may sit in a central system, but verification must happen wherever a person is seeking access.

"Identity is managed centrally but verified at the edge. That requires interoperable credentials that can be read everywhere. Our partnership with rf IDEAS reflects our vision for that future," said Tyson Barnett, Product Manager at Gallagher Security.

The announcement reflects continuing demand for interoperable credential systems in workplaces replacing plastic badges or adding mobile alternatives. For reader and access system suppliers, compatibility with wallet-based credentials has become increasingly important as customers seek to avoid separate enrolment and issuance processes for each application.

rf IDEAS said the updated WAVE ID readers are available now.