When it comes to securing a building or property, traditional lock and key systems can be a hassle to manage. It also limits your ability to control access. Fortunately, access control systems offer a convenient and efficient solution, as they remove the need for physical keys.
Door access control systems have evolved significantly over the years, and the emergence of mobile technology has brought even more innovation to the market. And with over 7 billion mobile users worldwide, more and more access control systems are leveraging mobile technology to provide convenient and secure access to buildings and rooms.
Smartphone Access Control Systems Explained in a Nutshell
A smartphone door access system allows individuals to access a building or room using their mobile devices, such as a smartphone or tablet, instead of a traditional key or access card. The system typically uses an app downloaded onto the mobile device, which communicates with a device attached to the door, such as a smart lock. The user could either scan a QR code or tap a button on the app to open the door.
Mobile door access systems are often used in office buildings, apartments, and other multi-tenant properties. That is because they provide a convenient and secure way to manage access for large numbers of people without the need for physical keys or access cards. They can also provide additional security features, such as the ability to monitor who is accessing the building or room and when they are doing so.
Types of Mobile Access Control Systems
There are several types of mobile access control systems available on the market. Each offers different features and benefits. Understanding the various options available can help you choose the best system for your business needs.
Bluetooth Low Energy
Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) allows devices to exchange data over short distances, using less power than traditional Bluetooth technology. It has become a popular option for mobile access control systems as it provides a convenient and secure way to manage access using mobile devices.
This technology typically consists of two components: a smart lock or access control device and a mobile app that communicates with the lock. When a user approaches the door, they can use their mobile device to connect with the lock using the app.
Once the mobile device is connected to the lock, the user can then request access by sending a command from the app. The lock will then verify the user's credentials, which may include a passcode, fingerprint, or other authentication methods, and grant access if the user is authorized. The lock may also log the access request and notify the property owner or manager.
This technology is faster and more secure than traditional door access systems that use RFID key cards. It also has a longer range, allowing people to unlock the door from a few feet instead of just a few inches.
Some Bluetooth LE access systems offer features such as proximity unlock. This means the door automatically unlocks when a user's phone is within proximity. But this could be a security issue when people inside are near the door, as it could unintentionally unlock the building.
Near Field Communication (NFC)
NFC is another wireless technology used in mobile access control systems. It has a shorter range than Bluetooth. That is probably why it is more commonly used in mobile payments like Apple Pay.
But some mobile door systems also use NFC. Although it doesn't have the same range as Bluetooth, it is more secure. NFC uses a unique communication protocol that ensures communication between devices is secure and cannot be intercepted or tampered with. Plus, its close-range proximity prevents tailgating. So, that can't really be seen as a negative.
Wi-Fi
Many mobile door access systems also use Wi-Fi connectivity to communicate with door readers or locks. Admins only need a Wi-Fi connection to grant or revoke access to specific areas and unlock the door for guests remotely.
Connecting the system is as simple as connecting a laptop to Wi-Fi. Choose the Wi-Fi name, enter the password, and that is it. Although this is a very convenient technology, you have to remember that Wi-Fi powers everything. If you lose connection, users may not be able to get inside the building while the internet is down. So, it is best to use this together with Bluetooth LE just to be on the safe side.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Mobile Access Control System for Your Business
Mobile access control systems have become an essential component of modern security setups for businesses of all sizes. These systems offer a range of benefits. But with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your business. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a mobile access control system.
Easy Installation
An easy installation process for software and hardware components is critical for ensuring that the system functions as intended. The software component includes the mobile app or web portal where access credentials and security settings are managed. The hardware components, on the other hand, include devices such as door readers and biometric scanners.
A straightforward installation process can reduce the time required to set up the system. It also makes it easier for employees and authorized personnel to access the system's features. A complex installation process can lead to errors, compromising the system's security and reducing its effectiveness. Plus, you will need to spend more time and money fixing those errors.
Ease of Use
The mobile app or web portal is where people get to control the system. That is why it should be intuitive and easy to use. The ability to navigate the mobile app with ease is also critical. A mobile access control system that is difficult to use can cause confusion and errors, leading to a lack of confidence in the system.
The system should make things easier for people to access secure areas without wasting time trying to figure out how to use it. It should also be able to give you all the analytics and reporting you need.
Integrations
You likely use other systems in your business. Seamless integration to those applications, such as your HRM, visitor management system, and other building security systems, can provide a more comprehensive and cohesive approach to security management. So, make sure to check how easily you can integrate your chosen access control system into your existing workflows.
Scalability
As your business grows, your security needs are likely to change. You may need to add more users, expand the range of access points, or introduce new security features. And as technology and security threats continue to evolve, your mobile access control system may need to change to keep pace. So you need to make sure your security setup is future-proof.
A scalable mobile access control system can accommodate these changes without the need for a complete system overhaul, saving you time and money in the long run. It should also be easy to update to ensure you are always protected against the latest threats and that your system remains effective and up to date.
Flexibility
A flexible system can adapt to your specific needs and requirements. This is particularly important for businesses that have unique security requirements. How you handle visitor management depends on the type of business you run. For example, you may need to provide limited access to couriers and delivery people.
Some businesses may also require visitors to register in advance, while others may need to grant access to multiple buildings or floors. A flexible mobile access control system can accommodate these different requirements, allowing you to customize the system to fit your specific needs.
Customer Support
Even if you are using a state-of-the-art system, things can still go wrong. When it does, and you don't know how a feature works or how to fix something, you need to be able to reach out to someone who can help you solve the problem quickly and efficiently.
A high-quality system with strong customer support can help ensure your system runs smoothly, reducing downtime and the risk of security breaches. The support team can also help you get the most out of your system. They can offer advice and guidance on how to use it to its fullest potential, providing tips and tricks to help you optimize your security setup.
Use Cases for Mobile Access Control Systems
Mobile access control systems are becoming increasingly popular across a wide range of industries and applications, providing a convenient and secure way to manage access. Here are some of the most common use cases for mobile access control systems.
Commercial Buildings
Mobile access control systems in commercial buildings are used to manage access to office spaces, conference rooms, and other areas. These systems are becoming increasingly popular among business owners because they can be easily integrated with existing security systems. This provides a convenient way for employees to access secure areas using their mobile devices.
Healthcare Facilities
Mobile access control systems can also be used to manage access to patient rooms, medication storage areas, and other secure areas. These systems can be customized to meet the unique needs of healthcare facilities, such as providing access for specific staff members or restricting access during certain hours.
This makes it easier for healthcare professionals to slip in and out of different rooms, not only enhancing security but also improving workflow efficiency, which allows medical staff to focus on providing high-quality care to their patients.
Educational Institutions
Although rare, campus attacks aren't unheard of. According to The Violence Project, there have been a few cases of mass shootings since 1966. While violent crime rates on college and university campuses have decreased over the past decade, there are still concerns about the safety of students and staff.
Mobile access control systems can improve the safety of students and faculty members in emergencies. Admins can easily lock down specific areas of the campus, or even the entire campus, with the touch of a button. This can help prevent unauthorized access and ensure that everyone remains safe.
Hotels and Resorts
Big hotels, such as Hyatt, Hilton, Wyndham, IHG, and Marriott, use some form of digital check-in technology. This lets the guests check in straight from their phones, skipping the long line at the front desk. They also get to use their mobile devices as room keys.
Aside from streamlining hotel operations and reducing the workload of hotel staff, mobile access control systems can also help hotels better understand their guests. By tracking guest access to different areas of the hotel, these systems can provide valuable data on guest behavior and preferences. This can be used to improve hotel operations and tailor guest experiences.
Residential Buildings
Mobile access control systems are becoming increasingly popular in residential buildings as they provide a convenient and secure way to manage access control. With such a system in place, residents can use their smartphones or other mobile devices to unlock doors and grant access to guests.
This provides greater convenience and security for residents as they can easily manage access from anywhere at any time. It may seem like a big investment for property owners, but 55% of renters say they don't mind paying more for apartments with advanced security features. Plus, it removes the need for a doorman and late-night shifts since residents can just let themselves in. Let's face it, having a 24-hour doorman can be quite expensive.
Government and Public Facilities
Mobile door access systems may also be used in government buildings and public facilities, such as courthouses, libraries, and community centers. These systems provide a modern, efficient, and secure approach to managing access control to secure facilities. This can help the staff streamline the security operations, reducing their workload.
Conclusion
Implementing a smartphone door access system can be a game-changer for your business. It can bring a wide range of benefits that go beyond simply improving the security of your premises. By adopting this modern technology, you can increase the convenience and flexibility of access for employees and visitors, streamline your entry management processes, and improve building security.
It can also help your business adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape and position itself as a forward-thinking and innovative organization that prioritizes both security and convenience. So, whether you're a small startup or a large corporation, upgrading to a mobile door access system is a smart investment that can pay off in the long run, both in terms of security and overall efficiency.
