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Security has always been of paramount importance for businesses. It not only keeps the business’s assets and its employees safe but also ensures the smooth operation of day-to-day processes.
Whether it’s putting up locks on every door or putting the workplace under CCTV surveillance, every business must ensure they remain safe from safety and security threats.
One very important aspect of business security is access control, and for centuries, we have depended on locks and keys to safeguard our assets.
However, with advancements in technology, businesses have moved past the traditional lock-and-key method and now use electronic doors with keyless entry systems.
Keyless entry systems for businesses have been around for quite some time and are a great investment for both small-scale and enterprise businesses.
Read on to find out all about the best keyless entry systems for businesses, how they work, and the benefits they can offer your business:
WHAT ARE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMS FOR BUSINESS?
While the name “keyless entry systems” might be pretty self-explanatory, it may require an in-depth description, especially in this rapidly evolving technological environment.
Chances are that you have already used this technology to open your car or the door to your home. However, when talking about keyless entry systems for businesses in particular, it refers to using them to secure businesses and other similar commercial properties.
These are access control systems that are used in businesses and that employ various forms of technology to grant or deny access to their users.
You will find several types of keyless entry systems for businesses that employ different types of access control methods.
A good keyless entry system will do three things for your business:
- Improve security
- Grant easy access to authorised individuals
- Give you more control over your business
While access control methods such as key fobs and access cards may be considered keyless, they still require a physical credential.
Smartphone entry, on the other hand, may be called a true “keyless” experience since people always usually carry their phones with them anyway, and not just to grant them access through a door.
HOW DO KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMS WORK?
Just like traditional keys, keyless entry systems also grant access to restricted areas of the property. The major difference between the two is that, with the latter, users don’t have to carry a physical key.
Instead of using a conventional metal key that we all know of and have used, keyless entry systems work using different types of electronic access control methods that communicate with the electronic locks via proximity sensors.
With these systems, when someone wishes to unlock a door, instead of finding their keys and fumbling with the lock, all they have to do is present the correct credentials near the reader.
The system then verifies these credentials and, if they are authorised, approves them and the door is unlocked, or else it remains locked.
If you are upgrading from traditional locks, a professional access control installer will have to wire the premises for the system and set up the electronic locks.
If your business already uses electronic door locks, the system can easily be upgraded to one most suited to your needs.
TYPES OF KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMS FOR BUSINESS
Due to their popularity and the growing need for high-quality access control, there are several different types of keyless entry systems for businesses.
Choosing the best keyless entry system depends on the size of your business, the budget you have for security, and the capabilities of the system.
The most common types of keyless entry systems for businesses include proximity key cards, key fobs, mobile access control, biometrics, or a combination of these.
Proximity key cards
Proximity key cards are a common type of keyless entry system that is used in many businesses where a key card is used in place of a traditional key.
They are credit-card sized, very easy to use, fairly inexpensive, and can also double as an ID badge for employees.
The only drawback with this keyless entry system method is that it is not the most secure. For better security, businesses may opt for encrypted smart cards.
Key fobs
Similar to key cards, key fobs use RFID technology to grant access to individuals. They are usually small, very convenient to carry, and can be added to a keychain to make them easily accessible.
Unlike key cards that have personal information such as the individual’s name and photo on it, key fobs have a more generic look.
Mobile access control
With this access control method, your smartphone is your key. It uses app-based access and is a more secure way to control access within your business premises.
It is also far more convenient than other types of keyless entry since everyone usually always has their mobile phone with them. People are less likely to forget their phones than they are their access cards and key fobs.
Not only does it reduce the upfront costs of a business but also allows the owners to customise the features of the system according to their specific security needs.
Biometrics
Biometrics are more advanced types of entry methods that businesses choose to control access with. They use unique features of the users such as fingerprint scans, facial recognition, and retina scans to grant or deny them access based on their access permissions.
They are incredibly secure and are often used as a form of two-factor authentication, in addition to a more traditional keyless entry system method such as an access card or key fob.
It can also be used in combination with mobile access control where the biometrics built into the smartphone can be used to scan the user’s face or fingerprint before unlocking the door using an app.
Hybrid keyless door entry systems
While mobile-based access control is a great option for many businesses, many of them still require a system that can also support key cards and other credentials.
In this case, you can use a hybrid keyless door entry system that has flexible credential options and supports both mobile-based entries as well as secure key cards and key fobs.
Video-enabled keyless entry
Video-enabled keyless entry systems combine proximity credentials with video surveillance by adding a visual form of verification at the door before granting access.
The best video-enabled systems for businesses support keyless entry with RFID access cards and key fobs, as well as with mobile devices.
Remotely accessing the security footage from the surveillance cameras allows security teams to see who is trying to gain access, making it easier to mitigate security risks such as unauthorised entry, tailgaters, and misused credentials.
BENEFITS OF KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMS FOR BUSINESS
Keyless entry systems are an important security investment for every business, regardless of how big or small it is. They not only keep unauthorised people out of the premises but also improve the overall security of the business.
They enable a touchless entry method for businesses and other commercial spaces that is not only convenient but also helps eliminate the spread of germs which, as we all can agree, is an important thing to consider in this post-pandemic world.
Here are some of the most important benefits that keyless entry systems provide for businesses, their owners, as well as employees:
Better security
Traditional keys have simply become outdated in terms of keeping your business safe since they are so easy to lose and make copies of.
Keyless entry systems give each user a unique credential that is not only incredibly easy and convenient to use but also difficult for someone to copy.
Easier management
It is a business owner’s ultimate goal to simplify operations and make management as easy as possible. When it comes to access control, keyless entry systems are your one-stop solution for easier access management.
With traditional locks, it can be a hassle to cut and issue new keys to everyone every time an employee leaves the company. Not only can this be very inconvenient and annoying but also really expensive, especially if the business has a high turnover rate.
Keyless entry systems eliminate the need to reconfigure the entire system and allow you to manage access permissions via a dashboard on the control panel.
Access cards and key fobs may still require some management and users would have to meet in person to return their old credentials or receive their new ones.
However, with mobile-based access control, it is much easier and convenient to issue new credentials, especially with a cloud-based system.
With these tools available online, you can add new users and revoke old credentials in an instant. What’s great is that you can do this any time and from absolutely anywhere in the world, so long as you are connected over the internet. Granting and revoking access has never been easier!
Also, you will never have to worry about issuing new keys or cards since the users will always be using their own smartphones to unlock the door.
Remote access
In this day and age where everything is going global, you need to have remote access to your business and its operations.
A cloud-based keyless entry system offers you this benefit and is especially useful for multi-site organisations that need to look after and manage several locations.
With remote access, the system administrator can lock or unlock the door from anywhere, whether it is to let someone in, handle a delivery, or allow rescue services in the building in an emergency.
It also allows the administrators to manage the user profiles, credentials, and make adjustments and changes to access permissions, all without having to set foot on the premises.
More data insights
With a traditional key system, unless you’re always present at the door (which is kind of impossible), you can’t tell who opened the door and when. It is very difficult to manage and nearly impossible to audit.
There’s more data at your disposal with keyless entry systems since they allow you to track entry activity in real-time along with providing detailed reports.
Not only is this great for auditing but is also extremely useful when responding to emergencies and security threats.
Improved visibility and control
With custom dashboards that are optimised to work on all kinds of smart devices, business owners and system administrators can monitor and control keyless entry systems from anywhere in the world.
The system can be configured and managed at the business and user level, resulting in a faster response time and a better understanding of security across the entire business premises.
Future-proofing
Keyless entry systems are more than just a secure access control method. Mobile and cloud-based systems allow businesses greater control and flexibility to meet the ever-changing needs of the business.
Plus, electronic door entry systems are easier to update, make more secure using the latest software and technology, and are much easier to scale up as compared to traditional door locks.
BEST KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMS FOR BUSINESS
With so many great brands out there offering state-of-the-art keyless entry systems, it can sometimes become quite a challenge to choose the best one for your business.
To help you make the decision, here are some of our top picks for the best keyless entry systems for businesses:
Paxton keyless entry systems
Paxton is a leading brand for keyless entry systems based in Brighton UK, with over 30 years of experience in designing and manufacturing security solutions that are easy to use and install.
They offer a wide range of keyless entry system solutions that include proximity readers, access cards and fobs, door entry systems, control units and monitors, energy-saving readers, hands-free interfaces, and exit buttons.
Videx keyless entry systems
Videx is one of the top suppliers and manufacturers of keyless entry and access control systems in the UK. They have grown from a small setup in London to providing and serving a wide range of consumers across the country.
They create unique systems for every business’s individual needs and provide a wide range of keyless entry systems from audio and video solutions to biometric readers.
Hikvision keyless entry systems
Hikvision is a world leader in providing security solutions for domestic and commercial properties and manufacturing a complete solution of comprehensive products for a broad market around the world.
Their systems range from simple card readers to biometric access control systems using fingerprints, retina scans, and facial recognition.
CONTACT CALDER SECURITY
Calder Security provides a complete solution for keyless entry systems for businesses which includes professional installation, maintenance, and repair services.
We’ve been working in the security industry since 1976 and partner with only the best brands. Our MLA approved locksmiths can advise you on the best type of system for your business by helping you assess its security needs and requirements.
Because an access control system operates the locking and unlocking mechanism of your door, installation must be completed properly by someone with detailed knowledge of how these systems work.
We are SSAIB approved installers and offer all types of access control systems including intercom, proximity fob, card swipe, and keypad. We also offer biometric systems that work with fingerprints or retina scans.
Access control systems are very reliable and will last a long time. But like any technology, they require periodic maintenance to continue working as they should.
We conduct annual servicing to keep your system working well and give it a full check including checking the battery strength, power supply, and connections. That way you won’t get any nasty surprises further down the line.
While generally very reliable, sometimes problems may occur with access control systems that can affect the locking mechanism, potentially compromising the security of your property.
Common issues include simple wear and tear or faults with the power supply or batteries, and to preserve the security of your business, you need to get the problems fixed ASAP.
We operate a 24-hour emergency service run by qualified security specialist engineers who understand access systems and can resolve issues efficiently and effectively.
Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 9799 for a quick consultation and quote for our state-of-the-art best keyless entry systems for business.
Photo by Kristin Wilson on Unsplash