DCID Explained: Free HID Signo Customization That Future-Proofs Access
If you are investing in HID Signo readers, there is a simple step you can take right now that can save significant time, labor, and cost later. The best part? It is completely free.
DCID, short for Dealer Configured Identity Devices, allows HID Signo readers to be custom-configured at the factory specifically for your organization. No upcharges. No licensing commitments. No hidden catches.
What Is DCID?
DCID is a factory configuration process offered by HID that allows dealers to create custom Signo reader SKUs tailored to a specific organization.
Instead of receiving off-the-shelf readers that must be manually configured in the field, DCID readers arrive:
- Pre-configured to your preferred reader settings
- Pre-injected with your organization’s Mobile Access encryption keyset
- Associated with your organization through the HID Origo portal
All of this is handled during a single 45–60 minute session with HID pre-sales engineering.
Why DCID Matters
Most access control projects focus on what works today. DCID is about making sure what you install today does not become a problem tomorrow.
1. It Costs Nothing Extra
DCID setup is 100% free.
There is no charge to create custom Signo SKUs, and no increase in the cost of the reader compared to standard Signo models. You get a smarter, more flexible reader without paying more for it.
2. Readers Arrive Ready to Install
With DCID, your readers ship from the factory already configured to your standards. That means:
- No manual flashing in the field
- No reprogramming during installation
- Fewer installation errors and less technician time
For large deployments or phased rollouts, this alone can translate to meaningful labor savings.
3. Mobile-Ready Without Commitment
Even if you have no plans to deploy HID Mobile Access, DCID still makes sense.
Your unique mobile encryption key is injected at the factory and tied to your readers. If you ever decide to enable mobile credentials in the future, your readers are already prepared.
Without DCID, a technician would need to manually load the keyset into every reader, one by one. That is time-consuming, disruptive, and entirely avoidable.
There is no obligation to purchase mobile credentials now or later. DCID simply keeps the door open.
4. Better Control Over Who Can Configure Readers
DCID also enables the use of the HID Reader Manager app, which allows you to control who is authorized to configure or modify reader settings.
You can approve or revoke technician access as needed, adding a valuable secondary layer of security. Only the people you authorize can make changes to your reader environment.
Why HID Signo Readers Are Ideal for DCID
HID Signo readers support all major legacy credential technologies and ship mobile-ready by default. This makes them the ideal platform for factory customization.
By combining Signo hardware with DCID, you get a reader platform that works seamlessly today and adapts easily to future changes without rework.
What You Receive at the End of the DCID Process
After the DCID setup call, your organization will have:
- A dedicated Mobile Access encryption key
- Access to the HID Origo portal
- Custom Signo reader SKUs built specifically for your environment
- The flexibility to deploy mobile access now, later, or never
All with zero additional cost.
The Bottom Line
DCID is one of those rare opportunities in access control where there is no downside.
It costs nothing. It adds flexibility. It reduces future labor. And it gives you more control over your system long after installation is complete.
If you are purchasing HID Signo readers and not taking advantage of DCID, you are leaving value on the table.
At J. O’Brien, we proactively walk clients through this process because it is the smart thing to do, even when it is not widely advertised.
If you would like to explore DCID for your next HID Signo deployment, we will coordinate everything with HID and make the process simple.
CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
