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Keyless Entry System Service

Traditional locks and keys have been used to safeguard assets and property for centuries and they date back to Ancient Egypt and Babylon. They are, by far, the most common means of securing homes, offices, and other commercial and industrial properties.

With the advancement in technology, these systems have gone ‘smart’ and evolved into more secure keyless and remote keyless systems, both of which are being widely adopted in the UK.

Imagine not having to fumble through your bag or pocket for the right key to enter your home, car, or office. Not only is that more convenient but also much more secure than physical keys that can easily get lost or stolen.

With several varieties of keyless entry systems for all kinds of properties, it is important to understand how they work and how they can benefit you as a property owner and user of the system.

While it is important to choose the right type of keyless system for your property, it is equally important to have it serviced and maintained regularly to make sure it remains working properly.

Read on to find out what is involved in keyless entry system service, how often you need to have it done, along with the typical costs associated with it:

WHAT IS A KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM?

As the name suggests, keyless entry systems are lock and key systems that do not require a physical key to open a lock and access a door.

This does not mean that no key is required, but rather that the key doesn’t have to be physically inserted into the lock to open it.

There are several different types of keyless entry systems used commonly in the UK, all of which fall into one of two categories: electronic or magnetic, where the former requires a power source to operate and the latter works without one.

The most popular ones include keypad entry, smartcard entry, radio-frequency key systems, biometric scanning, and smartphone app keys.

HOW DO KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMS WORK?

Keyless entry systems let authorised users access a door without needing a physical key and, instead, work using an electronic device to control entry into a property.

Instead of using traditional metal keys, these systems require all the users to have credentials that communicate with the control panel via proximity sensors.

A typical keyless entry system consists of electronic or magnetic door locks, a keypad, proximity card reader or sensor, and authorised credentials for each user to verify their identity.

When someone wishes to access an area and unlock the door, instead of looking for the right key and fumbling with the lock, all they have to do is present their keyless credential near the reader so that the system verifies them and unlocks the door.

TYPES OF KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMS

The various types of keyless entry systems differ in terms of the access credentials used and will have different levels of effort, cost, and security. Some of the most commonly used keyless entry types include:

Keypad

For keyless entry systems with a keypad, the users will be required to enter a 4 or 5-digit code to enter the building, which the system will authenticate and grant or deny access based on their permissions.

The main advantage of these systems is that they are easy to install and implement, and they eliminate the need for metal keys and the risks associated with using them.

Albeit easy to use and convenient, key codes are very easy to share, making keypad entry systems the most unsecure. Also, remote management is not possible, and when several users use the same code, there is no way for the system to know which user entered the building.

Key cards

One of the most commonly used traditional keyless entry systems, RFID or proximity key cards can often double as employee badges in offices and other workplaces.

These systems consist of a reader, a controller, and an access control panel connected to an electronic lock, where the user waves the card to the reader for the system to authenticate their credentials.

Although considered keyless, these systems still require a form of physical credential that needs to be kept safe from theft and misuse. Users may still need metal keys to access other doors on the property since these systems can be expensive to install everywhere.

The biggest advantage of using these systems is that one key card can work for multiple doorways and the system can be managed, controlled, and locked/unlocked remotely.

In terms of security vulnerabilities, users may fail to return the cards when they leave, such as when they leave their job, and the cards can easily be stolen and copied by unauthorised individuals.

Key fobs

Key fob door entry systems are similar to key card systems. They work by tapping the key fob next to the reader or the button on the fob as you approach the door.

They are usually made to fit on a keychain, and a good example would be the key fob used to lock and unlock your car door.

Although they can be used with most electronic door hardware, they are best used in situations where the user is a little farther away from the reader, such as with cars and garages.

Key fobs are easy and incredibly convenient to use, especially since they are small enough to hook onto your keychain.

The disadvantages are that, like with key cards, they need to be managed individually and can be easily stolen and copied. Remote access and management are also not usually available and it can be costly to replace the system if the fobs are compromised.

Biometrics

Biometric entry systems that use fingerprint, iris, or facial scanners are a great option for properties that need additional advanced security, such as data centres, financial institutions, government buildings, and other high-security areas.

They are usually used as a secondary method of access in addition to a key card or code for two-factor authentication and add an extra layer of security compared to other keyless entry systems.

The biggest benefit of using these systems is the higher security standards and the certainty that the credentials are used only by authorised users.

That being said, biometric systems are not as common because they are expensive to install and complex to manage and set up for different users. Users also need to be physically present in order to gain access, not making it possible to access and control them remotely.

Mobile access control

With mobile-based entry systems, you can turn your phone into your key! Since almost everyone now owns a smartphone, these systems have made it possible for all kinds of property owners to go completely keyless.

These systems work by authenticating the user’s encrypted key saved in the cloud and authorise or deny them access in real-time based on their permissions and privileges.

Setting them up is as simple as sending a key via a mobile app or web portal, and their ease of use and affordability make these systems very lucrative to small and medium-sized businesses.

Even security-wise, mobile-based systems are more advanced than other keyless entry systems since you are less likely to give someone your phone to access a building and, most importantly, most smartphones often have locks on them, adding an extra layer of security to the system.

They are easy to manage and access remotely since everything is on the cloud and, unlike key cards, fobs, and even biometrics, you don’t have to be present on-site to share access.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM SERVICE?

A keyless entry system is a great way to have more control over who enters your property. It’s easy to say that once you’ve gone keyless, it’s impossible to go back!

Although keyless entry systems are highly reliable, they do require regular upkeep and maintenance. Imagine walking to work one day and finding out that the door reader isn’t working or the system isn’t logging in all the activity.

A well-maintained system will protect you and your valuable property and assets by keeping unauthorised individuals out of restricted areas.

On the other hand, a system that is not properly serviced may develop faults and issues and might, for instance, open up areas that it shouldn’t. Smart systems may also become susceptible to cyber-attacks.

To prevent these issues from arising, you need to keep a check on your system yourself and hire a professional service to run a thorough inspection.

These tests include a visual inspection to determine any obvious issues, as well as a detailed inspection where all the internal, external, physical, and software issues are dealt with.

Here are a few basic things included in keyless entry system service:

  • Checking the power supply of the system.
  • Checking all primary and backup batteries.
  • A thorough clean-up of the system to get rid of dust, dirt, and grit.
  • Checking the various physical components of the system such as the door, door readers, and locks.
  • Performance analysis of the system.
  • Checking the network connections of the system and keeping them updated.
  • Testing the complete system.
  • Replacing or fixing any faulty components.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM SERVICE BE CONDUCTED?

Keyless entry system service begins with a visual inspection, followed by cleaning the components and making sure the system software is up-to-date.

It is recommended that the system administrators keep a check on the system on a weekly basis by running a basic visual inspection. This includes making sure the system is working as it should and there are no obvious issues that might put the property’s security at risk.

Detailed inspections, on the other hand, which are carried out by professionals and require skill and expertise to conduct, must be done at least once a year.

BENEFITS OF A WELL-MAINTAINED KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM

Keyless entry systems are incredibly useful when it comes to securing your property against unauthorised access and must be well-maintained to ensure reliability and ease of use.

Here are all the reasons why a well-maintained keyless entry system is so important:

Better security

A properly maintained keyless entry system isn’t just easy to work with but also extremely reliable in terms of security.

You won’t have to worry about the system malfunctioning or creating issues for the users. Your property will remain well-protected, and so will you and all your valuable assets.

Also, since most keyless door entry systems use end-to-end encryption to protect user data and none of it is stored at the local level, it becomes difficult for hackers and intruders to get the information they are looking for.

Better management

Keyless entry systems are very easy to manage, especially when compared to traditional locks and metal keys. There is more control over who the access permissions are handed out to and they can also be easily reconfigured without a complete replacement.

While key cards and fobs require the users to be there in person to get the new credentials or return the old ones, advanced systems with cloud-based access make it super easy to add new users and revoke credentials in an instant, and that too remotely.

Remote access

Cloud-based keyless entry systems give you the added benefit of remote control and access, which can be especially useful for multi-site businesses.

With remote capabilities, the administrator of the system can unlock any door from anywhere in the world, whether it is to let an employee in, handle deliveries, or allow fire and rescue services into the building during an emergency.

It also allows them to make adjustments to the access permissions, schedules, and system users, without having to even set foot on the property.

Data insights

With a traditional key system, there is no way of knowing who opened a door and when, unless you have a security guard present at every door all the time, which is not feasible. Not only is it a nightmare for compliance but also basically impossible to audit.

With advanced keyless entry systems, since the user’s unique credentials are encrypted, there is more data at your disposal and you can track all activity in real-time and provide detailed reporting.

This is a great feature for compliance and better business management, as well as for auditing the system and responding to emergencies and security threats.

KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM SERVICE TYPICAL COSTS

When it comes to the cost of keyless entry system service, you can expect to pay around £75 to £125 per visit. In case of any repairs are needed, it would cost you £92 on average, although it is dependent on the type of repair and access control system in question.

These costs are not definitive and are affected by several factors such as:

  • The type of access control system
  • The quality and brand of the system
  • The complexity of the system
  • The size of the system
  • The authentication method
  • The level of security required

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

Calder Security provides complete keyless entry system services for homes and businesses that include professional installation, maintenance, and repair.

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 property by helping you assess your 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 can work with all types of access control systems including intercom, proximity fob, card swipe, and keypad. We also offer biometric systems that use 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 potentially compromise 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 property, 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 keyless entry systems that are right for your property!

Photo by Danielle Rice on Unsplash