The Benefits of a Keyless Door Entry System

Keeping offices and commercial premises secure is nothing new and incredibly important. Security has always been a priority in the workplace for assets and employees alike, whether it’s giving each employee a set of keys, or hiring a security guard at the front door. However, advancements in access control technology are enabling businesses move beyond the outdated lock-and-key methods. In the scope of modern commercial building security, most offices now feature electronic access control systems, which allow businesses to upgrade from a manual key system to keyless entry systems. Electronic door entry systems that use keyless locks are a great investment for small and enterprise businesses. There are many benefits to going keyless, including improved security, increased return on investment, and a better and more managed experience for employees, staff, and visitors.

Commercial access control technology has been around for a few decades now, so it’s no surprise that most businesses already have a keyless entry system in their offices. However, the advent of IoT-connected devices and rise in cybercrime means a growing list of security threats, and some keyless entry systems could already be inadequate for commercial security. We have produced this guide as a resource for understanding how keyless entry systems work to safeguard the office, and how the latest technology developments are changing the way businesses approach security.

How Keyless Access Control Systems Work

Keyless access control locks let authorized users unlock a door without needing a physical key. Commonly known as access control systems, keyless entry systems use an electronic device to control entry into a building. Instead of a traditional metal key, this type of electronic access control requires users to have a credential that communicates with the keyless access control locks via a proximity reader.

The typical keyless door entry system requires electronic or magnetic door locking mechanisms, a proximity card reader or sensor, and each user needs an authorised credential to authenticate their identity. When somebody wants to unlock the door, rather than having to find the correct key, all they have to do is present their keyless credential near the reader. The access control system verifies the credential, and triggers a door unlock once approved.

Installing a keyless entry system depends on the current state of the building. If upgrading from traditional locks, an access control installer will need to wire the office for electronic door locks. If there is already an electronic door entry system in place, the installer can possibly use the existing wiring to upgrade the system as most modern systems will work on most cable infrastructures. Always discuss with your access control system installer on what the best solution is to meet your requirements and how you may be able to incorporate your existing cable infrastructure within the new access control design, this will involve proving the concept with trialling the proposed systems over your existing cable infrastructure to prove the concept.

Types of Proximity Keyless Entry for Businesses

Because of the growing need for high-quality office building security, there are a lot of keyless entry systems to choose from. The best type of keyless commercial entry system will depend on the size of an organisation, the budget for security, and the desired system capabilities. The most common types of commercial keyless access control are proximity key cards, key fobs, mobile credentials, biometrics, or some combination of these.

Proximity key cards — A common type of commercial keyless entry system that uses a key card or key fob in place of a traditional key. Proximity cards, also known as prox cards, are a popular choice for many organisations, and can double as an ID badge. These credit card-sized credentials are easy to use and usually inexpensive. However, as one of the first types of keyless credential created, they are not always the most secure. Businesses that want to use key cards for their commercial building should use encrypted smart cards for the best possible security and ensure that the read technology should be taken into consideration when choosing the cards.

Key fobs — Similar to key cards, office keyless door locks can use RFID key fobs to unlock the door. Key fobs are convenient because they can be added to a keychain to make them easily accessible for users, and they are usually small.

Mobile access control — With this type of keyless entry, your smartphone is your key. App-based access control is quickly increasing in popularity, as it’s more convenient and often more secure than other keyless door entry for businesses. People are less likely to forget or lose their smartphone compared to a key card, and it also means less up-front cost for businesses.

Biometrics — Some businesses choose to use more advanced credentials to identify authorized users. Biometrics can include fingerprint scans, facial recognition, and iris scans. In terms of access control, biometric credentials are often used in addition to a more traditional credential, such as a key card or ID badge, as a form of two-factor authentication. With mobile access control, organisations can leverage the biometrics built into the phone to increase security.

The Benefits of Commercial Keyless Entry Systems

Keyless entry systems for businesses offer many advantages over physical keys beyond the simple convenience of not having to deal with a key to open the door. Consider the following advantages to keyless access control when comparing commercial building security solutions.

Better Security — Manual keys are easy to lose, easy to copy, and simply outdated when it comes to protecting a business. Keyless door entry systems require each user to have a unique credential, so it is harder for somebody to copy. In addition, many electronic door entry systems use end-to-end encryption to protect user data. The best keyless access control locks do not store any data at the local level, making it harder for hackers and intruders to obtain the information they are looking for.

Easier to Manage — With traditional locks, every time an employee leaves the company, new keys need to be cut and issued, and every door lock needs to be retooled. This could get expensive quickly for businesses with high turnover. An electronic keyless door lock system can be reconfigured without a full replacement. Proximity key cards still require some management, and people will still need to meet in person to receive new credentials or return old ones. However, with mobile-based keyless entry for offices, it is much easier to issue new credentials. With management available online, adding new users (and revoking credentials) is instant and can be done seamlessly, Plus, you won’t need to order replacement key cards ever again, as employees use their smartphone to unlock the door.

Remote Access — This feature is especially useful for multi-site organisations that need to manage different locations from a centralised database. With remote access on a keyless entry system, an administrator can unlock any door from anywhere; whether to let in an employee after-hours, handle a delivery, or even allow first responders into the building during an emergency. Remote access to the system also allows admins to adjust schedules, permissions, and system users on the fly, without having to set foot on-site.

Information Management — With a traditional key, you cannot tell who opened the door or when. It can be a compliance issue, and nearly impossible to audit. Because keyless entry systems use encrypted communication to authenticate unique credentials, there is more data at your disposal. Advanced access control systems track all entry activity in real-time and provide detailed reporting. This is great for auditing the system on a regular basis, as well as responding to emergencies or security threats. Access activity data also empowers businesses with behavioural learning insights to improve space management and inform decisions over time.

Future-Proofing — Keyless entry for businesses is more than just a security feature. Mobile, cloud-based, wireless, and similar High-Tec systems are giving organizations greater flexibility to meet ever-changing business needs. Electronic door entry systems are easier to update with the latest security technology and software and are easier to scale up or back than traditional office door locks. With better technology, commercial entry systems help future-proof the workplace.

How Keyless Door Locks Make Businesses Safer

Keyless entry systems are an important investment for any industry, regardless of how small or how big the business is. Access control systems do more than just keep unauthorised people out, they also can improve the overall safety of the entire building.

Keyless access control locks enable a touchless entry experience in commercial spaces. Being able to unlock the door without having to touch anything eliminates one possible way of allowing viruses to spread and with the current COVID 19 pandemic this is proving an invaluable feature. With contactless features simply wave their hand or phone in front of the reader for keyless entry into the office.

With more workplaces moving to decreased occupancy, working models to accommodate social distancing, remote management is an essential tool in keeping the office safe. Flexible scheduling and staggered work shifts can be adjusted quickly and efficiently, and businesses can track the number of people credentialing in through the keyless access control system and automatically enforce social distancing.

Are you interested in getting keyless entry system for your business? Contact us to speak to our experts and find out more information.