> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.grdflo.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Adding Your First RFID Card

> Learn how to create a Card Holder, set up Access Profiles, and add RFID cards to GridFlow Core

<Note>
  This guide assumes you have already added a charger to GridFlow Core. If you haven't, please refer to the [Adding Your First Charger](/docs/getting-started/quick-start-guide/adding-your-first-charger) guide first.
</Note>

## Process Overview

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Steps">
    ```mermaid theme={null}
    graph TD
      A[Start] --> B[Create Card Holder]
      B --> C[Create Access Profile]
      C --> D[Set Restriction Limits]
      D --> E[Add RFID Card]
      E --> F[Verify Access]
      F --> G[End]
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Prerequisites">
    <CardGroup cols={2}>
      <Card title="Required Items" icon="clipboard-check">
        * RFID Card
        * Card Holder Details
        * Charger Groups Created
      </Card>

      <Card title="Time Required" icon="clock">
        Approximately 15-20 minutes
      </Card>
    </CardGroup>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Understanding Access Methods

<Info>
  Before adding an RFID card, understand the two primary ways to use chargers in GridFlow Core.
</Info>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="RFID Access" icon="id-card">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="Best For" icon="users">
        Internal team members, staff, and regular users
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Key Features" icon="star">
        * Controlled access management
        * Usage tracking per card
        * Customizable restrictions
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Setup Required" icon="tools">
        * Card Holder creation
        * Access Profile configuration
        * RFID card registration
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Card>

  <Card title="GridFlow Drive" icon="mobile-screen">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="Best For" icon="users">
        Public users and occasional visitors
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Key Features" icon="star">
        * QR code scanning
        * Mobile app access
        * Instant activation
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Setup Required" icon="tools">
        * None (automatically enabled)
        * QR codes pre-configured
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Warning>
  This guide focuses on RFID card setup. For GridFlow Drive setup, see the [GridFlow Drive Configuration](/docs/access-control/gridflow-drive) guide.
</Warning>

## Quick Reference

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Access Control Overview" icon="shield-check" href="/docs/access-control/overview">
    Learn about access control basics
  </Card>

  <Card title="Card Management" icon="id-badge" href="/docs/access-control/card-management">
    Advanced card management features
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/docs/access-control/troubleshooting">
    Common issues and solutions
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Creating a Card Holder

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Overview">
    <Info>
      A Card Holder is the person who will be using the RFID card. This person serves as the point of contact for all card-related matters.
    </Info>

    <CardGroup cols={2}>
      <Card title="Required Information" icon="list-check">
        * Full Name
        * Email Address
        * Role/Position
        * Contact Details
      </Card>

      <Card title="Optional Details" icon="circle-plus">
        * Address
        * Expiration Date
        * Additional Notes
      </Card>
    </CardGroup>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Step-by-Step">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Navigate to Access Control">
        Access the Access Control page from the sidebar on the left.

        <Frame caption="GridFlow Core Navigation">
          <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/gridflow/images/nav_sidebar_access_control.png" alt="Navigating to Access Control" />
        </Frame>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Open Card Holders Tab">
        <AccordionGroup>
          <Accordion title="Navigation Steps" defaultOpen>
            1. Click on the "Card Holders" tab
            2. Locate the "Add Card Holder" button in the top left
          </Accordion>

          <Accordion title="Interface Tips">
            <Tip>
              Use the search bar to verify if the card holder already exists before creating a new one.
            </Tip>
          </Accordion>
        </AccordionGroup>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Fill Card Holder Details">
        <AccordionGroup>
          <Accordion title="Basic Information" defaultOpen>
            * Name <Tooltip tip="Enter the full legal name">Full name of card holder</Tooltip>
            * Email <Tooltip tip="Used for notifications and recovery">Valid email address</Tooltip>
            * Role <Tooltip tip="Position or job title">E.g., Technician, Driver, Staff</Tooltip>
          </Accordion>

          <Accordion title="Contact Information">
            * Phone Number <Tooltip tip="Primary contact number">Include country code</Tooltip>
            * Address <Tooltip tip="Optional but recommended">Business or home address</Tooltip>
          </Accordion>

          <Accordion title="Access Settings">
            * Card Holder Expiration <Tooltip tip="Optional end date for access">Set if temporary access is needed</Tooltip>
            * Notes <Tooltip tip="Any additional information">Special considerations or requirements</Tooltip>
          </Accordion>
        </AccordionGroup>

        <Frame caption="Card Holder Details Form">
          <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gridflow/UNRutt3HqX7_1XAO/images/AddCardHolder.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=UNRutt3HqX7_1XAO&q=85&s=ed63b9728fcc70f71574da1ba5cfeff1" alt="Card Holder Details Form" width="1600" height="1440" data-path="images/AddCardHolder.png" />
        </Frame>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Save Card Holder">
        Click "Save Changes" to create the card holder profile.

        <Warning>
          Double-check all information before saving. Email addresses and phone numbers should be verified for accuracy.
        </Warning>
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Check>
  You've successfully created a Card Holder profile! Next, let's set up an Access Profile.
</Check>

## Creating an Access Profile

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Overview">
    <Info>
      Access Profiles define when and where RFID cards can be used, along with any usage limits.
    </Info>

    ```mermaid theme={null}
    graph LR
      A[Access Profile] --> B[Charger Access]
      A --> C[Time Restrictions]
      A --> D[Usage Limits]
      B --> E[Charger Groups]
      B --> F[Individual Chargers]
      C --> G[Days & Hours]
      D --> H[Time & Energy]
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Step-by-Step">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Navigate to Access Profiles">
        On the Access Control page, select the "Access Profiles" tab.

        <Frame caption="Access Profiles Navigation">
          <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/gridflow/images/AccessProfilesTab.png" alt="Access Profiles Tab Location" />
        </Frame>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Create New Profile">
        <AccordionGroup>
          <Accordion title="Initial Setup" defaultOpen>
            1. Click "Create New Access Profile" button
            2. A modal will open for profile configuration

            <Frame caption="Create Profile Modal">
              <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/gridflow/images/CreateAccessProfile.png" alt="Create Access Profile Modal" />
            </Frame>
          </Accordion>

          <Accordion title="Profile Naming Tips">
            <Tip>
              Use descriptive names that indicate:

              * User group (e.g., Staff, Maintenance)
              * Access level (e.g., Full, Limited)
              * Location (if specific)
            </Tip>
          </Accordion>
        </AccordionGroup>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Configure Access Settings">
        <AccordionGroup>
          <Accordion title="Charger Access" defaultOpen>
            Select which chargers this profile can access:

            * Choose Charger Groups
            * Select specific chargers (optional)

            <Warning>
              At least one Charger Group or charger must be selected.
            </Warning>
          </Accordion>

          <Accordion title="Time Restrictions">
            Set when charging is allowed:

            * Select active days
            * Define time windows
            * Set multiple schedules if needed
          </Accordion>

          <Accordion title="Usage Limits">
            Configure maximum usage:

            * Time limits (daily/weekly/monthly)
            * Energy limits (kWh)
            * Session limits
          </Accordion>
        </AccordionGroup>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Set Up Restriction Limits">
        Click "Create New Restriction Limit" and configure:

        <AccordionGroup>
          <Accordion title="Schedule Settings" defaultOpen>
            <Frame caption="Weekday Selection">
              <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/gridflow/images/WeekdaySelection.png" alt="Setting allowed weekdays and times" />
            </Frame>

            Example Schedule:

            * Monday: 10:30 - 18:00
            * Wednesday: 02:30 - 23:00
          </Accordion>

          <Accordion title="Time Limitations">
            Set maximum durations:

            * Daily: 5.5 hours
            * Weekly: 1.5 hours
            * Monthly: Custom
            * All-time: Custom
          </Accordion>

          <Accordion title="Energy Restrictions">
            Configure energy limits:

            * Daily: 23 kWh
            * Weekly: 82.5 kWh
            * Monthly: 597.5 kWh
            * All-time: 3679.5 kWh
          </Accordion>
        </AccordionGroup>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Review and Finalize">
        <Warning>
          Carefully review all settings as they will affect all cards using this profile.
        </Warning>

        1. Check the summary section
        2. Add a detailed description
        3. Click "Save Changes"

        <Frame caption="Profile Summary">
          <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/gridflow/images/RestrictionLimitSummary.png" alt="Review Access Profile Settings" />
        </Frame>
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Check>
  Access Profile created successfully! Now let's add an RFID card and assign this profile.
</Check>

## Adding an RFID Card

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Overview">
    <Info>
      RFID cards are physical credentials that allow access to your charging network based on the assigned Access Profile.
    </Info>

    <CardGroup cols={2}>
      <Card title="Required Items" icon="list-check">
        * Physical RFID Card
        * Card's Unique Identifier (UID)
        * Access Profile
        * Card Holder
      </Card>

      <Card title="Optional Settings" icon="gear">
        * Expiration Date
        * Usage Restrictions
        * Custom Description
      </Card>
    </CardGroup>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Step-by-Step">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Locate Card Holder">
        <AccordionGroup>
          <Accordion title="Navigation" defaultOpen>
            1. Go to Card Holders tab
            2. Find your Card Holder in the list
            3. Click on their name to open details

            <Frame caption="Locating Card Holder">
              <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/gridflow/images/CardHolderList.png" alt="Card Holder List View" />
            </Frame>
          </Accordion>

          <Accordion title="Search Tips">
            <Tip>
              Use the search function to quickly find Card Holders by name, email, or role.
            </Tip>
          </Accordion>
        </AccordionGroup>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Initiate Card Addition">
        <AccordionGroup>
          <Accordion title="Access RFID Section" defaultOpen>
            In the Card Holder details modal:

            1. Locate the RFID Cards section
            2. Click "Create a new RFID" button

            <Frame caption="RFID Card Creation">
              <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/gridflow/images/AddRFIDCard.png" alt="Add RFID Card Interface" />
            </Frame>
          </Accordion>
        </AccordionGroup>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Enter Card Details">
        <AccordionGroup>
          <Accordion title="Basic Information" defaultOpen>
            * UID <Tooltip tip="Unique Identifier printed on the card">Enter exactly as shown on card</Tooltip>
            * Card Type Selection:
              * Mifare Plus (Recommended)
              * Mifare DESFire
              * Mifare Classic (Legacy)
          </Accordion>

          <Accordion title="Access Settings">
            * Status: Enabled/Disabled
            * Access Profile <Tooltip tip="Select from previously created profiles">Choose appropriate profile</Tooltip>
            * Expiration Date (Optional)
          </Accordion>

          <Accordion title="Additional Options">
            * Custom Description
            * Notes
            * Special Permissions
          </Accordion>
        </AccordionGroup>

        <Warning>
          Double-check the UID entry - incorrect numbers will prevent card access.
        </Warning>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Complete Registration">
        <AccordionGroup>
          <Accordion title="Final Steps" defaultOpen>
            1. Review all entered information
            2. Click "Create" to register the card
            3. Verify the card appears in the RFID Cards list
          </Accordion>

          <Accordion title="Verification Checklist">
            * Card status shows as "Enabled"
            * Correct Access Profile is assigned
            * UID matches physical card
          </Accordion>
        </AccordionGroup>
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Testing and Verification

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Verification Steps">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Check Card Status">
        Verify in the system:

        * Card appears in the list
        * Status shows as "Enabled"
        * Access Profile is correctly assigned

        <Frame caption="Card Status Verification">
          <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/gridflow/images/RFIDCardVerification.png" alt="RFID Card Status" />
        </Frame>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Physical Testing">
        <AccordionGroup>
          <Accordion title="Test Procedure" defaultOpen>
            1. Approach an authorized charger
            2. Present the RFID card to the reader
            3. Verify the charger recognizes the card
            4. Confirm charging session can be started
          </Accordion>

          <Accordion title="Common Issues">
            <Warning>
              If the card doesn't work:

              * Verify UID was entered correctly
              * Check Access Profile permissions
              * Ensure charger is in allowed group
              * Confirm card is enabled
            </Warning>
          </Accordion>
        </AccordionGroup>
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Success Criteria">
    <CardGroup cols={2}>
      <Card title="System Indicators" icon="computer">
        * Card status "Active"
        * Correct profile assignment
        * Visible in card holder's list
      </Card>

      <Card title="Physical Access" icon="plug">
        * Card read by charger
        * Authorization successful
        * Charging session starts
      </Card>
    </CardGroup>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Next Steps and Management

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Access Profile Management" icon="user-lock" href="/docs/access-control/managing-access-profiles">
    Fine-tune access permissions and restrictions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Bulk Card Operations" icon="layer-group" href="/docs/access-control/bulk-rfid-operations">
    Manage multiple cards efficiently
  </Card>

  <Card title="Usage Monitoring" icon="chart-line" href="/docs/access-control/monitoring">
    Track and analyze card usage patterns
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting Guide" icon="wrench" href="/docs/access-control/troubleshooting">
    Resolve common access issues
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Accordion title="Additional Resources">
  <CardGroup cols={3}>
    <Card title="Video Tutorials" icon="play-circle" href="/docs/resources/videos">
      Step-by-step video guides
    </Card>

    <Card title="FAQ" icon="question-circle" href="/docs/resources/faq">
      Frequently asked questions
    </Card>

    <Card title="Support" icon="headset" href="/docs/support">
      Contact our support team
    </Card>
  </CardGroup>
</Accordion>

<Note>
  Need help? Our support team is available 24/7:

  <CardGroup cols={2}>
    <Card title="Email Support" icon="envelope" href="mailto:support@core.grdflo.com">
      [support@core.grdflo.com](mailto:support@core.grdflo.com)
    </Card>

    <Card title="Live Chat" icon="comments">
      Click the chat icon in the bottom right corner
    </Card>
  </CardGroup>
</Note>