Slot versus Insertion Magnetic Stripe Readers: User Performance and Preference

Abstract

Four magnetic stripe readers were evaluated for percentage of good reads, throughput, and user preference using a simulated time-and-attendance task. Two were slot readers, one with a vertical slot and one with a horizontal slot. Two were insertion readers, one with the insertion parallel to the horizontal plane and one with the insertion 20 deg below the horizontal plane. Twelve participants were divided into four groups of three members each. Each group approached each reader from both directions. The percentage of good reads was high on all readers and was not significantly different. The differences in throughput and preference were significant and favored the slot readers. It did not seem to matter whether the slot was vertical or horizontal. The angle of entry for the insertion readers produced no significant differences.