Keyless entry for business: the technology and the benefits

Modern keyless door entry systems provide a secure way of controlling access to your business. They can be programmed to give staff and visitors permanent or temporary access to an entire building or specific designated areas. And they ensure people can move effectively and securely around a building. 

Here are six signs your business needs a new or upgraded keyless door entry system:

1. Lost or copied keys have presented a security risk to your building
2. You spend too much time and effort managing your business’ security
3. You can’t quickly access information on who has accessed specific areas
4. Your current system does not allow you to use the integrations you want
5. You don’t have remote access to your system
6. You have different keyless door entry systems for your different business units

What are keyless entry systems for business?

Keyless entry systems do what they say they do: allow entry without the use of a key. But while we have all used a keyless system—in a hotel, for example—the rapidly evolving technology is particularly useful for businesses.

It is used to secure businesses and commercial premises, granting or denying users various levels of access. There are several types of access control systems (which will be detailed further down in this blog); however, a sound system will offer three advantages for your business: 

1. Allow authorised users access to restricted areas
2. Make your building more secure
3. Give you control over your business’ security

How does keyless door entry work?

Keyless entry for business uses battery-powered devices to lock and unlock doors. Employees or visitors can enter an area by using one of several access control methods, which are authenticated by the main access control system. The door then locks behind them and can only be opened again if someone else enters with a correct credential.

There is no one correct keyless entry access control method—the right one varies depending on each business's needs. However, different methods will give users and security administrators separate experiences. For example, while some offer only a moderate level of security, others are highly secure. Also, some methods are not entirely keyless in that the user is required to carry a physical credential of some kind. 

What are the types of keyless entry systems for business?

Due to the increasing demand for keyless access systems thanks to business modernisation, there is a wide range of keyless access control systems. But, of course, budget, business size, and desired level of security are important factors in determining which type of keyless door entity you choose for your business. 

The following are the most common types of keyless entry systems. To improve security and user experience, a combination of several is often used.

Proximity key cards

Proximity key cards are commonly used in business as a substitute for keys. 

These cards have several advantages: they are small and can be kept in a standard wallet, people intuitively know how to use them, they are a cheap solution for businesses, and the cards can also serve as employee IDs.

The main disadvantage is that the system does not offer the highest level of security as, like keys, cards can be lost and copied. However, encrypting cards is a way of making the system more secure.

Key fobs

Key fobs use radio-frequency identification technology to allow people to access private areas. They are small and can be put on a keyring for convenience. However, although they are straightforward to use, it is not possible to include the user's personal information on them.

Mobile access control

Mobile access control uses a person's smartphone. The user has to download an app, through which they can gain access to an area securely and seamlessly. 

As phones are generally the one item most people carry at all times, this system is more convenient than having to remember key cards and key fobs. 

Businesses save money on having to issue users with a 'key' as most people already have smartphones, and they can easily customise their system based on their desired security needs.

Biometrics

With biometric systems, users have to register one of their physical characteristics—their fingerprint, face, or retina. When the system recognises their feature, it allows them access. 

Biometrics offer very high levels of security and are often used together with another type of keyless entry system as part of a two-factor authentication system. Businesses can also use them alongside mobile access control. Biometrics held inside the smartphone can be used to scan one of the user’s characteristics to unlock the door through an app.

Hybrid keyless door entry systems

Many businesses like mobile access control but still need users to use cards and fobs. Hybrid systems provide a flexible solution where the two systems can be used in tandem.

Video-enabled keyless entry

CCTV systems working together with key fobs or key cards allow a user to be visually identified before they are allowed access to an area.   

Video-enabled keyless entry allows security managers to remotely monitor the people trying to gain access to an area. It adds an extra layer of security, mitigating the risks of lost or misused credentials and unauthorised entry.

What are the benefits of keyless entry systems for business?

Regardless of the size of your business, keyless entry systems are an investment in security. They offer advanced security systems, are scalable, save money in the long term, and are hygienic. 

Here are the top five benefits that keyless entry systems provide for businesses:

1. Waste less time and money

If employees have keys, every time one leaves all the locks must be changed for security reasons. This is expensive and impractical, while electronic access control systems can be quickly reconfigured. For example, cards and fobs can be instantly cancelled remotely.

More advanced smartphone systems altogether remove employers' need to issue employees with a physical key. And credentials can be issued with a cloud-based access control system.

2. Gain more insight into access

Keys and locks do not leave a record of who opened the door and at what time—not great for compliance purposes. However, as keyless systems have to authenticate users, they leave a data trail that is useful for businesses.

Not only is this valuable for auditing purposes, but it is also a boon for businesses interested in gaining insights into their employees' behaviour. Companies can make decisions about space management as well as work patterns—leading to a smarter workplace. 

3. Improve your security

Keyless entry systems demand each user to have a unique credential. This is difficult to replicate, meaning it is more difficult for unauthorised people to access restricted areas. Moreover, for businesses worried about hackers gaining access to their systems, the best systems use end-to-end encryption, so no data is stored locally.

4. Access your system remotely 

Security monitors can control cloud-based keyless entry systems remotely using a smartphone, tablet, or computer from anywhere on the planet. Remote access means permissions can be changed, people can be added and removed, and settings can be adjusted without the need to be on site. 

For organisations with multiple locations, remote access is beneficial. Security doors can be unlocked from anywhere, meaning a company can respond quickly to an unplanned event. 

5. Future proof your business

Keyless entry is efficient and secure. But it is more than that. The systems also allow businesses to be flexible: They can easily download the latest security features without expensive site visits. And scaling up or down is far easier than with key and lock.

Conclusion

Keyless entry for business combines convenience and security. We recommend a bespoke and scalable solution, whatever type of business you are in or the size of your business. Keyless door locks are simple and quick to install and can be compatible with all the different types of keyless entry systems. Not only will the right system future-proof your business, but it will also give you peace of mind.