# Working with Card Encoders and Scanners

<figure><img src="/files/pkY4jTAEH48vSXGwu9Jg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Some access control systems require credentials to be [encoded onto plastic key cards](/latest/capability-guides/access-systems/working-with-card-encoders-and-scanners/creating-and-encoding-card-based-credentials.md) using a card encoder. This process involves the following two key steps:

1. Credential or access method creation

   Configure the access parameters for the credential or access method.

   Note that to create a card access method, you create an Access Grant that includes a request for a card access method. The resulting Access Grant includes the card access method.
2. Card encoding

   Write the credential or access method data onto the card using a compatible card encoder.

Separately, the Seam API also supports [card scanning](/latest/capability-guides/access-systems/working-with-card-encoders-and-scanners/scanning-encoded-cards.md), which enables you to scan and read the encoded data on a card. You can use this action to confirm consistency with ACS records or diagnose discrepancies if needed.

To verify if your ACS requires a card encoder, see the [system integration guide](/latest/capability-guides/access-systems.md) for your ACS.

***

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Creating and Encoding Card-based Credentials</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/HbxxIuqFqXjvyD8KcVUu">/pages/HbxxIuqFqXjvyD8KcVUu</a></td><td><a href="/files/RS3xcIE1yNYyEm3w5tiN">/files/RS3xcIE1yNYyEm3w5tiN</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Creating and Encoding Card Access Methods</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/QBkGjqkjvTxA8aVv2YrQ">/pages/QBkGjqkjvTxA8aVv2YrQ</a></td><td><a href="/files/RS3xcIE1yNYyEm3w5tiN">/files/RS3xcIE1yNYyEm3w5tiN</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Scanning Encoded Cards</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/KFFdfp2KPaqBiqfSf4kA">/pages/KFFdfp2KPaqBiqfSf4kA</a></td><td><a href="/files/7hudBq4KDGJiq1dwuuAB">/files/7hudBq4KDGJiq1dwuuAB</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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