PDK.io Cloud Access Control

Welcome to PDK.io

PDK.io is ProdataKey's cloud-based access control platform that allows you to manage building security from anywhere, on any device. This guide will help you understand and utilize all the powerful features of your PDK.io system.

System Overview

PDK.io consists of several key components that work together to provide comprehensive access control:

Hardware Components

• Cloud Node: The main system panel that serves as the gateway to the PDK.io cloud platform. Required for each site.
• Cloud Node SE (Server Edition): A rack-mountable version designed for IT professionals and enterprise installations.
• Door Controllers: io controllers (Single io, Eight io, etc.) that connect to individual doors.
• Card Readers: Physical readers installed at doors for credential access.
• Wireless WiMAC: Wireless connectivity option for controllers.

Software Components

• PDK.io Web Platform: Browser-based management interface accessible from any device.
• PDK Access Mobile App: iOS and Android app for on-the-go management.
• API & SDK: Integration tools for third-party systems.

PDK Readers & Credential Types

Available Reader Models

PDK offers a comprehensive range of readers to fit any application and installation requirement:

PDK Red Series Readers (High-Security)

The Red series represents PDK's premium reader line with the highest security features:

• Red Mullion Reader (RM, RMP, RMB): Slim design ideal for door frames. Available in High-Security only (13.56 MHz), High-Security + Prox (dual-frequency), or with Bluetooth (BLE) for mobile credentials.
• Red Single-Gang Reader (RG, RGP, RGB): Standard wall-mount size. Available in High-Security only, High-Security + Prox, or with Bluetooth capabilities.
• Red Keypad Reader (RKB): Combines card reading with PIN entry. Multi-technology supporting 13.56 MHz, 125 kHz prox, and mobile credentials via Bluetooth.

Standard PDK Readers

• Standard Mullion Reader: Traditional proximity reader for 125 kHz cards, mullion-style mounting for door frames.
• Standard Single-Gang Reader: Traditional proximity reader for 125 kHz cards, single-gang size for wall mounting.
• Keypad Reader (RDRKP): Combines card reading with keypad for PIN codes. Supports 125 kHz prox cards (HID 26-37 bit compatible).

Specialized Readers

• Touch io Reader: Bluetooth-enabled reader supporting mobile credentials via the PDK Access app. Also reads standard 125 kHz prox cards.
• Rugged Readers (RDRGR, RDRMR): Vandal-resistant touch keypad readers with sleek aluminum design. Perfect for high-traffic or outdoor applications.
• Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel Reader: Industrial-grade reader for harsh environments. Supports 125 kHz prox cards.
• Pedestal Reader: Pre-installed ruggedized touchpad reader in weatherproof aluminum housing. Ideal for parking lots, gated communities, and storage facilities.

Supported Credential Types

PDK Standard Proximity Credentials (125 kHz)

HID-compatible proximity credentials using 26-bit Wiegand protocol. Default facility code: 077. Read range up to 4 inches.

• Clamshell Card (PN: CSC): Durable white PVC card with ergonomic design. Standard credit card size. Available in packs of 25 or 100.
• Printable Card (PN: CPC): 26-bit prox card with glossy surface optimized for photo ID printing. Perfect for custom employee badges.
• Standard Key Fob (PN: KFC): Compact proximity fob (1.25" × 1.5"). Easily attaches to key rings, badge clips, or lanyards. Available in packs of 25 or 100.
• Leather Key Fob (PN: LTH): Premium leather-encased fob (1.625" × 2.5") for a discreet, professional appearance. Pack of 25.
• Sticker Credential (PN: STK): Adhesive peel-and-stick tag. Ideal for helmets, equipment, windshields, or temporary use.
• Wristband Credential (PN: WBC): Fabric wristband credentials — WBC65 (6.5") and WBC75 (7.5"). Perfect for gyms, pools, schools, and active environments.

PDK Red™ High-Security Credentials (13.56 MHz)

Encrypted smart credentials featuring MIFARE® DESFire® EV2 technology. EAL 5+ security level protection against cloning. Only compatible with PDK Red series readers.

• Red Key Fob (PN: RKF): High-security key fob with 8K memory. MIFARE DESFire EV2 encryption. Compact design. Pack of 25.
• Red Printable Card 4K (PN: RC): 4K memory, glossy surface for photo ID printing. Pack of 25.
• Red Printable Card 8K (PN: RC8): 8K memory for multi-application use. Pack of 25.
• Red Mag-Stripe Cards: Combines high-security 13.56 MHz with magnetic stripe for legacy system compatibility.
• Red Dual-Technology Credentials: Both high-security (13.56 MHz) and standard prox (125 kHz) for migration flexibility.

Mobile Credentials

• Bluetooth (BLE) Credential: Hands-free access using smartphone via Bluetooth Low Energy proximity. Works with Touch io and Red Bluetooth-enabled readers. Configurable range (typically 3-4"). Requires PDK Access app.
• Mobile App Credential: Remote access through the PDK Access app. Tap and hold a door icon to unlock from anywhere with internet. No proximity required.

PIN Codes

4-10 digit numeric codes entered on keypad readers. Can be used standalone or combined with cards for two-factor authentication. Compatible with all PDK keypad readers (RDRKP, Rugged, RKB, Pedestal).

Third-Party Credential Compatibility

• HID Cards: HID ProxCard II (1326), HID iCLASS, and other HID formats with proper configuration
• Generic Prox Cards: Any 125 kHz proximity cards using 26-37 bit Wiegand formats
• Biometric: When integrated with compatible biometric readers
• MIFARE Classic: Through compatible readers (not as secure as DESFire EV2)

Card Format Compatibility

• Standard Formats: 26-bit, 34-bit, and 37-bit Wiegand (most common)
• HID Formats: H10301 (26-bit), H10302 (37-bit), and other HID proprietary formats
• Custom Formats: Define your own formats with custom bit lengths and facility codes
• Multiple Formats: Support up to 5 different card formats simultaneously

Credential Comparison Guide

Ordering Information

• Standard Credentials: Available in packs of 25 or 100
• Red High-Security Credentials: Pack of 25
• Mobile Credentials: No physical purchase required; issued digitally through PDK.io

How to Change Card Formats in PDK.io

PDK.io allows administrators with integrator-level permissions to configure card formats to work with any manufacturer's credentials. You can accommodate multiple card formats simultaneously.

Accessing Card Format Settings

Understanding Card Format Types

• Yellow Formats: Pre-configured formats created by ProdataKey and shipped with the Cloud Node (e.g., standard 26-bit Wiegand)
• Blue Formats: Custom formats you've created using the parameter-based configuration tool
• Grey Formats: Advanced custom formats uploaded as JavaScript modules

Activating a Pre-Configured Format

Creating a Custom Card Format

Editing an Existing Format

Common Format Examples

Standard 26-bit Wiegand (H10301)

• Num Bits: 26 | Bit Range: 26-28 (Red) or 26-32 (legacy)
• Cardholder ID Bits: 16 | Start Address: 9
• Facility Code Bits: 8

37-bit Wiegand (H10302)

• Num Bits: 37 | Cardholder ID Bits: 19 | Start Address: 17
• Facility Code Bits: 16

Testing Your Card Format

Getting Started

Initial Setup

Managing Users & Credentials

Adding a New User

Managing Groups

Groups allow you to manage permissions for multiple users at once:

• Navigate to "Groups" and click "Add Group"
• Name your group (e.g., "Employees," "Contractors," "Management")
• Assign doors and schedules to the group
• Add users to the group

User Profile Options

• Active/Expire Dates: Set a future date for credentials to automatically activate or deactivate — perfect for contractors or seasonal employees
• Profile Picture: Add a photo to each person for visual identification in Live Events. The mobile app lets you take a photo directly with your camera.
• Access Status: Quickly enable or disable a person's credentials without deleting their profile
• Duress PIN: A silent alarm PIN automatically generated by adding a leading "9" to the user's regular PIN (e.g., PIN 1234 → Duress PIN 91234). When entered under threat, it triggers a pre-configured emergency response such as a lockdown or alert notification.

Permission Roles

PDK.io uses role-based permissions to control what each user can access in the management platform:

• Integrator: Full access to all features including configuration, devices, and system settings. Requires two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Admin: Full access to manage people, groups, schedules, rules, and reports
• Manager: Can manage people and groups within assigned partitions. Cannot modify system configuration.
• Reporter: View-only access to reports and live events

Partitions

Partitions allow you to divide your access control system into separate, manageable sections — ideal for multi-tenant buildings or organizations with different departments:

• Each partition can have its own managers, people, groups, and rules
• Managers assigned to a partition can only see and manage their section
• A default partition exists for all accounts; additional partitions can be created as needed
• People, groups, Auto Open rules, and system events can all be assigned to specific partitions

Bulk User Import

For large organizations, PDK.io supports CSV import:

1. Download the CSV template from the People section
2. Fill in user information following the template format
3. Upload the completed CSV file
4. Review and confirm the import

Door Management

Viewing Door Status

The Doors section provides real-time status of all doors in your system:

Remote Door Control

Door Configuration

• Unlock Duration: How long the door stays unlocked after access (typically 5-10 seconds)
• Held Open Time: Time allowed before triggering a "door propped" alert
• Entry/Exit Reader: Configure which side requires credentials
• REX (Request to Exit): Enable free exit from inside

Schedules & Automation Rules

Creating Access Schedules

Common Schedule Examples

• Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• 24/7 Access: All days, all hours (for management or maintenance)
• Weekend Only: Saturday-Sunday, any time
• Night Shift: Monday-Friday, 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM

Automation Rules

Rules allow you to automate system responses to events using an IF → THEN structure:

Auto Open (Automatic Door Schedules)

Auto Open rules automatically unlock doors during specified time periods and lock them again when the period ends — no credential needed:

Holiday Closure Schedules

Auto Open Deny rules override your regular Auto Open schedules during holidays or closures, keeping doors locked when the building would normally be open:

• Create a new Auto Open rule and set the access to Deny (red dot)
• Choose "Single Date" and select the holiday date
• Select the same doors as your regular Auto Open schedule
• Deny rules always override Allow rules, so doors will stay locked

Anti-Passback Rules

Anti-Passback prevents credential sharing and tailgating by requiring users to badge out before they can badge back in:

• Entry Devices: Readers where users badge to enter an area
• Exit Devices: Readers where users badge to leave
• Deny Mode: Blocks the violating credential from re-entry until they badge out
• Allow Mode: Allows entry but logs an Anti-Passback Violation event
• Violation Expiration: Set violations to expire after 1 hour, 24 hours, or a custom time period

Anti-Passback requires readers on both sides of the door (entry and exit). This is ideal for parking garages, secure labs, and areas requiring strict occupancy tracking.

Mobile Lockdown

Mobile Lockdown lets authorized users trigger an emergency lockdown directly from the PDK Access app — no need to be at a physical reader:

• Configure a virtual "Lockdown" device in the system configuration
• Create Event rules that trigger Lockdown On/Off actions on target doors
• Assign the Mobile Lockdown credential to authorized users or groups
• Users tap the lockdown button in the PDK Access app to activate

Multi-Swipe Triggers

Multi-Swipe allows a credential presented multiple times in rapid succession (within 3 seconds) to trigger special events:

• 2, 3, or 4 swipes can each trigger different actions
• Common uses: disarm alarm systems, trigger lockdowns, unlock secondary doors, send notifications
• Configure through People, Group, or System Event rules

System Monitoring & Reports

Activity Log

The Activity section shows a real-time feed of all system events:

• Door access attempts (successful and denied)
• Door status changes
• User credential usage
• System configuration changes

Filtering Activity: Filter by date range, specific doors, users, or event type.

System Health Dashboard

PDK.io 2.0 includes an enhanced System Health view that provides:

• Device Status: Online/offline status of all controllers
• Battery Health: Battery levels and charging status for backup power
• Network Connectivity: Signal strength and connection quality
• Issue Alerts: Problems automatically elevated to the top of the view

Generating Reports

Push Notifications

In addition to email and SMS alerts, PDK.io supports push notifications directly to mobile devices:

• Push notifications are sent to any permission account logged into the "Manage" tab of the PDK Access app
• Configure push notification actions in System Event or People/Group Event rules
• Notifications appear as standard app alerts on iOS and Android devices
• Ideal for real-time security alerts that need immediate attention

Using the Mobile App

Installing PDK Access App

Scan the QR code below with your phone's camera to download the PDK Access app:

🍎

iOS App Store

Scan with iPhone camera

🤖

Google Play

Scan with Android camera

Mobile App Features

• Dashboard: Quick overview of door status and recent activity
• Remote Access: Lock and unlock doors from anywhere
• User Management: Add, edit, or remove users on the go
• Real-Time Alerts: Push notifications for important events
• Activity Feed: Live view of access events
• Mobile Credentials: Use your phone as an access credential
• Mobile Lockdown: Trigger emergency lockdowns from the app
• Credential Self-Help: Users can request replacement credentials directly through the app if their credential is lost or deleted, reducing support requests

Setting Up Mobile Credentials

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Controller Shows Offline

• Network Connection: Check that the Cloud Node has a stable internet connection
• Power Issue: Verify the controller is receiving power
• Wireless Range: For wireless controllers, ensure they're within range (450 ft avg indoor)
• Static IP Conflict: If using static IPs, verify no address conflicts

Card Not Reading

• Verify the card number is correctly entered in the system
• Check that the user has access to this door
• Ensure the access schedule is currently active
• Verify reader/card compatibility: 125 kHz readers cannot read 13.56 MHz cards and vice versa
• Confirm the active card format matches your credential type (Configuration > Config > Active Card Formats)
• Test the card at a different reader to rule out hardware issues

Door Won't Unlock

• Verify the strike/maglock has power
• Test the door hardware manually
• Check the unlock duration setting (may be too short)
• Review the door configuration for proper wiring setup
• Ensure the controller's relay output is functioning

Not Receiving Alerts

• Verify email addresses and phone numbers are correct
• Check spam/junk folders for email alerts
• Ensure rules are properly configured and enabled
• Verify notification preferences in your user profile

Mobile Credential Not Working

• Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on the phone
• Check that location services are permitted for the app (set to "Always Allow" and "Precise Location" for best results)
• Verify the user has an active mobile credential assigned
• Try logging out and back into the mobile app
• Ensure the reader supports mobile credentials (Touch io or Red Bluetooth readers)
• Credential Self-Help: Users can request a replacement credential directly in the PDK Access app under Settings → Add Credentials, or by entering a one-time code sent to their email

Getting Additional Help

Best Practices & Tips

Security Best Practices

• Use strong passwords for all user accounts
• Enable two-factor authentication when available
• Regularly review user access permissions
• Remove credentials for terminated employees immediately
• Use groups for efficient permission management
• Set up activity monitoring alerts for sensitive areas

System Management Tips

• Name doors clearly and consistently (e.g., "Building A - Main Entrance")
• Use descriptive names for schedules and groups
• Document your configuration decisions
• Test all changes in a non-critical area first
• Monitor System Health daily
• Train multiple staff members on system administration

Maximizing Efficiency

• Use CSV import for bulk user additions
• Create template schedules for common access patterns
• Set up automation rules for routine tasks
• Use mobile credentials to reduce physical card management
• Leverage floor plans for visual door management

Advanced Features

Elevator Access Control

PDK.io supports floor-level access control for buildings with elevators:

• Floor Groups: Create groups of floors that specific users can access (e.g., "All Access," "Floor 3 Only," "Roof Access")
• Elevator Readers: Install readers inside the elevator cab to control floor selection
• Floor Relays: Each accessible floor requires a relay connection to enable/disable the floor button
• Assign floor groups to people or groups just like door access rules
• Supports scheduling — restrict floor access to business hours or specific time frames

Multi-Site Management

PDK.io 2.0 allows enterprise customers to manage multiple locations:

• Single user database across all sites
• Synchronized groups and schedules
• Unified reporting and activity viewing
• Site-specific permissions for local administrators

API & Third-Party Integrations

PDK offers an open API and an extensive ecosystem of integration partners:

Video Surveillance Integrations

• Digital Watchdog Spectrum: Link camera feeds to door events for visual verification
• Hanwha Wisenet / WAVE: Sync access events with Hanwha video management
• Network Optix NX Witness: Unified access and video monitoring
• OpenEye: Cloud video integration with access events
• Platinum CCTV: Video and access event correlation
• Rhombus: Cloud-native camera and access integration
• MyDoorView: Video intercom integration

Building & Property Management

• Comelit: Intercom and video entry integration with data sync
• Entrata Access Connect: Property management platform integration
• LobbyTECH: Visitor management integration
• Coworks: Coworking space management
• Gymflow: Fitness and gym management integration
• Savance: Visitor management and badge printing

IT & Identity Management

• Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD): Sync user directories for automated provisioning
• Blackwire: Cybersecurity integration
• PDK API: Build custom integrations using PDK's RESTful API and mobile SDK

Hardware Partners

• ASSA ABLOY Aperio: Wireless lock integration — manage Aperio locks alongside PDK devices
• Altronix Trove: Pre-configured power and controller enclosures
• Resideo Total Connect: Alarm and security system integration

Visitor Management

• Set expiration dates for temporary access
• Limit access to specific doors only
• Create one-time use credentials
• Track visitor activity separately