Entry control remains as much a question of security versus convenience as it was when the first lock was invented. Today’s keyless entry system options help eliminate barriers to entry for authorized occupants while also providing the desired level of security, regardless of the type of facility. Keyless entry simplifies the process of securing commercial real estate properties like office buildings and luxury apartments, protecting tenants and workers alike without creating obstacles to adding new users. Choosing a user-friendly design with plenty of integration capabilities ensures that the keyless system works seamlessly with any existing security equipment like video surveillance, occupancy tracking, and intercoms. Explore why keyless entry systems are widely used throughout many public and private facilities and what makes them part of the cutting edge of building security.
How Keyless Entry Systems Work
Most people are familiar with at least one type of keyless entry system or the point-of-access equipment like a keypad or magnetic card reader. However, this is just the most visible part of the entire system. The individual access points must connect to a larger security system for total access control, with modern systems recording important data on all attempted and successful uses of various points. This establishes a clear record of who’s coming and going and when. This software component of the system is also responsible for administration tasks like revoking and issuing keyless access tools like keycards, fobs, and mobile device authorizations.
An advanced keyless entry system will also integrate with other security elements like video surveillance, occupant tracking tools, and lockdown and access control features. A basic example is a keyless entry system that sets off general facility alarms during an unauthorized or brute force entry attempt. More advanced examples include automated access requests for guests and service providers so there’s less need for hands-on management from a security team. These integration options help reduce the labor required to track movements and access across the facility, giving you a higher level of security without a major workforce expansion.
Most cloud-based keyless access systems give your facility administrators and security team members a single, remotely accessible, unified dashboard as a point of control for access across the facility. Combine that with user-friendly access points and you’ll find your team spending far less time and energy trying to issue keycards and track unauthorized entries. These systems are easily customized to fit the precise needs of your facility and occupants, whether they’re short-term visitors to a hotel or long-term residents of an apartment complex or office building. It’s a strong addition to any layered security system that combines both physical and technological tools for protecting the property.
Types of Keyless Entry Systems
Commercial keyless entry systems can vary based on the needs of the facility. It’s possible to design a system relying on a single type of keyless entry equipment for simplicity, but most commercial real estate installations combine various types in a more complex system. Using multiple types of keyless entry equipment together in a single system increases the risk of incompatibility, but expert design can overcome many potential problems.
Smart Door Locks
Hotels, luxury apartment complexes, and other businesses that need to secure hundreds of individual rooms benefit from switching to keyless entry systems. These smart locks are more secure than low-tech options that rely on magnetic keycards or physical keys. There’s no need to worry about unauthorized card or key copying, while usage tracking helps you automatically generate reports on which rooms have seen the heaviest use and need cleaning or renovation. Individual door locks also need to work in sync and make it easy to quickly lock down an entire floor or remotely unlock parts of your building as needed.
Keypad Access Systems
Keypad access systems were some of the first keyless entry options available on the market. The use of a fixed code made for easy entry without the need for copying keys or dealing with keycards, but it also created obvious security issues. Today’s keypad access systems tend to offer a variety of options for automatically changing codes regularly for greater security, along with notification features to distribute the new codes to the necessary parties. However, these entry points can still fall prey to threat actors who will attempt to guess or copy the code, which can create more inherent risk for a commercial or multifamily property than more secure electronic options.
Smart Key Fob Systems
The humble key fob contains a chip that sends a signal out to the keyless entry system, whether that’s on a car or in a building. Since most cars now rely on this kind of technology for keyless entry and starting, it’s a familiar tool that building tenants or residents will easily adopt. These key fobs are also relatively secure, offering the option to remotely disable a particular fob if it is stolen or lost. They rely on radio frequency or near-field communications to communicate with the entry point, ensuring that the key fob user only opens doors that they have the clearance to use. There’s no need to memorize codes or send out alerts with new codes either to maintain security levels over time. However, these key fob signals, especially for proximity cards, are increasingly easy to copy and clone, creating more risk of intrusion than more robust forms of electronic security with stronger encryption.
Mobile Keyless Entry
With almost everyone carrying a smartphone in their pocket, it’s easy to implement a keyless entry system that rely on more highly encrypted Bluetooth or NFC signals than the RFID technology of smart cards and fobs. Tenants and visitors are much less likely to forget or share their phones than a card or key code. Of course, you need a secure app that is easily downloaded by users so they don’t have a long delay in getting the access they need. The security of the app determines the security level of the entry system, although there is a much smaller chance of compromised or stolen mobile devices being used for unauthorized access than keypads or smart cards.
Remote Keyless Entry
Remote keyless entry systems offer building administrators the highest level of control over access to certain parts of a property or facility. These entry systems generally lack any kind of interactive access point technology for visitors and tenants. Anyone needing access must send a request so the system can verify their credentials, or a security team member can approve the request. While this kind of access control won’t work for some parts of businesses that see a lot of traffic, it’s ideal for providing the highest level of security for areas that are less commonly accessed. Remote control systems are often integrated along with other types of smart locks or keypads for different levels of security in different parts of a business or facility.
Benefits of Keyless Entry Systems
While each type of keyless entry system has advantages and disadvantages, they all provide similar benefits to you as the property manager or owner. Installing this kind of advanced system can simplify the entire process of dealing with tenants and visitors alike, from providing access to ensuring their long-term security in the building.
Reduced Risk of Key Loss
Relying on traditional physical keys creates a major security risk factor. Keys are easily lost, leading to theft or unauthorized access when someone else gets their hands on them. If the keys are simply misplaced for a short period, there’s still a chance that someone made copies. It’s impossible to truly know exactly who has keys to any particular lock, especially if you have a lot of turnover among staff members. Even if you plan to continue using physical keys for some doors or gates, it’s best to at least upgrade to smart locks that provide alternative entry options and tracking opportunities.
Ease of Ongoing Management
Your access control system should minimize your security team’s workload, not increase it. Keycards, fobs, and mobile access apps all make it as quick as possible to onboard new guests, employees, or tenants. Businesses of all kinds can use the same basic steps to manage access to sensitive parts of your facility without requiring hours of work just to issue new credentials or shut down unneeded accounts. Most keyless entry systems also include tools for verifying user accounts and pruning outdated access devices for greater security. Protect employees and guests with better access management practices.
Enhanced Security
Speaking of security — keyless systems do more than just limit access to people carrying the right credentials. They also introduce a new layer of security at the tracking and data collection stage as well. It’s easy to produce use records for a specific key fob or card, providing tracking and visitor management all at once. Your security team can check who’s where in the facility in case of an emergency, and they can audit the access data as needed to meet stringent regulations for certain industries. If you need to track occupancy or hours of use for rental contracts, that’s a breeze with the help of a robust access system.
Scalability
The growth of a building or facility shouldn’t affect the installation of new security features like restricted access controls. Keyless systems are particularly scalable because they all integrate back into centralized management software, making it a painless process to add new doors and relevant entry management equipment. If you need to change the security level of a certain area, it’s easy to quickly redact credentials from some devices while adding new users at the same time.
Emergency Access and Locking
No one wants to imagine the worst happening in their business, but fires, floods, and other disasters remain a risk no matter how you try to mitigate them. Keyless and remote entry systems can help even in these situations by giving you a chance to unlock all the doors in the facility for rapid evacuation. Access tracking and occupancy records help you verify everyone has been evacuated, while lockdown procedures ensure that anyone who enters without authorization can’t make it very far.
Choosing the Right Keyless Entry System
Each commercial keyless entry system has a mix of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s best to start with a consultation with a security team to assess your needs. If convenience and easy access are priorities over strict security, a keycard or keypad system is likely the best option. You can set up terminals to issue codes or cards automatically after visitors complete a payment. For more secure buildings like luxury apartment complexes and office buildings, keyfob and mobile phone systems are recommended. Facilities that need absolute control over who accesses certain rooms or materials can turn to remote-only entry systems to ensure there’s manual verification of every individual seeking access.
Top Keyless Entry System Providers
While there are many system providers that focus solely on keyless entry systems, choosing a siloed provider may not be the best choice. To prevent issues with compatibility and connectivity within a greater security system, it’s best to work with a provider that can connect the entry system with the rest of the security framework. Brands like Kastle have made a mark on the industry by providing cutting-edge options for these keyless systems while also integrating other security features like monitoring, visitor scheduling, camera surveillance options, and more. When it comes time to choose a hotel keyless entry system or similarly complex design, choose a company with the background to do more than just install smart locks or program keyfobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you commit to a keyless entry system, it’s important to consider some of the complications and concerns that can come with this kind of equipment. While most businesses will find that this kind of security system provides mostly benefits, there are still a few things to consider before you begin installation.
Compatibility Concerns
As mentioned before, there are concerns about compatibility between the various types of equipment used for keyless access control. Not all keyfob or keypad equipment will work with your existing security system. Upgrading to a completely new security system may or may not be a good idea depending on your budget and your facility’s needs. If there are a number of advanced security features you’re missing that you could add all at once, including keyless entry options, it’s likely past time to find a complete solution.
Installation Considerations
Traditional locks don’t require electricity or a wireless connection. If you’re dealing with an older facility that lacks some modern features, installing a complete security system with keyless access equipment may require more upgrades than you expect. You’ll also need a skilled installer in your area who is familiar with the challenges of your particular facility. These installers aren’t always available unless you contract with a provider that provides service across the country.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Your average electronic lock requires more attention than an old-fashioned physical lock that only needs inspection and greasing now and then. You’ll need a technician who can visit regularly to inspect the equipment you choose and ensure it’s still functioning as designed. If you can’t hire a full-time security technician just for your entry system, make sure there’s a service provider in the area who can respond quickly if there’s an unexpected problem like a lock that stops responding.
Power Supply and Security
The question of a power supply for these kinds of advanced entry systems also comes into play in case of a power outage. If the system won’t function when the power goes out, even a short-term outage could lead to users being trapped in the building. Battery backups are a good way to prevent this problem, but they’ll need checking and replacement on a regular basis as well.
Other FAQs
What is the keyless entry system?
It’s a system designed to give you more control over secure access in your facility by removing the inconvenience and security risk of metal keys from the process of securing doors while also simplifying the process of adding new users.
What is the disadvantage of a keyless entry system?
It’s still possible for unauthorized access to occur in some cases, especially with keypad or keycard systems. Key fobs and other physical devices can be lost or stolen, but they’re still much harder to replicate than traditional keys.
What is the difference between keyless entry and remote keyless entry?
Remote keyless systems are operated by software or security technicians who must approve every request for entry. Other keyless entry systems respond to every request from a valid keyfob, code, or linked mobile device without secondary approval.
How much does it cost to install keyless entry?
Costs vary depending on the equipment you choose and the size of the system. There’s always a way to balance convenience and cost savings with security.
Unlock the Future: Embrace the Convenience of Keyless Entry Systems
Kastle provides keyless access control systems that combine convenience and security into a single seamless package. Contact us today to learn more about your options for controlling who goes where without the hassle of constantly issuing new cards or codes. Our advanced security systems include video surveillance and tracking software that makes the most of your efforts to secure your facility, whether you’re operating a business that’s open to the public or a private facility. Stop dealing with outdated keys when you can go keyless — stress-free!
