Most of the population today has experienced keyless entry systems. Whether it’s the key fob to open and lock car doors or using a card to enter a place of employment, these types of systems are in wide use.
Keyless entry systems allow business owners and managers to have more control over their facilities. They can easily customize the system to give staff members the level of access that is consistent with their responsibilities.
What Is a Keyless Entry System?
Keyless entry systems, also known as remote central locking, use an electronic device that controls the entry to a building or vehicle. There is no traditional key; the lock is activated by a handheld device or automatically by proximity.
3 Huge Benefits of Commercial Keyless Entry Systems
Business owners are responsible for the safety of each employee, the premises, and all assets and documents contained therein. Keyless entry systems allow for better security for all businesses, no matter the size.
As the need for traditional keys decreases, business owners are using more technology for enhanced security of their property. There are major benefits that come with keyless entry systems.
1. Access Control
A business owner has more control over who is authorized to enter and leave the premises. A commercial keyless entry system allows tracking of entry and exit times, changing permission for access, and securing the business when it is closed. A keyless entry system can be programmed to prevent access to individuals to areas that are restricted to only authorized people.
2. Building Security and Employee Safety
Traditional keys can be duplicated if misplaced or stolen. When an employee leaves a company, there is always the need to get the key back from them. With keyless entry systems, the owner does not have to wait around for the key to be returned or worry about someone with a key to the building.
The risk of keys being copied or unauthorized entry is eliminated with a commercial keyless entry system. This eliminates the need to get locks changed or reissue new keys.
Businesses can keep their employees safer with keyless entry systems. Entrances to a commercial building can be programmed to automatically lock once access has been granted and the door closed. It also reduces the chances of theft of sensitive material and equipment.
3. Better Tracking Data
The software used with commercial keyless entry systems keeps track of anyone who enters the building. It can keep records of visitors, employee attendance, and the general population in a building. Automatic alerts on unauthorized access or attempt to access are also given to business owners or security personnel.
Commercial Building Access Control
The best keyless entry system for a commercial setting will vary based on the building, the number of employees, and the security needs of the company.
The most common keyless entry systems involve the use of RFID technology. Radiofrequency identification technology (RFID), is made up of two components: a tag or card and a reader. An RFID chip that contains data is implanted in the card. To retrieve the data from the chip, the card must be scanned by a reader via radio waves. When the reader is near the RFID card, the data on the card is read.
Magnetic locking mechanisms are used with RFID cards. Magnetic locks are reliable and rarely hacked. They are also easy to install which is why they are a popular choice for commercial properties. Only two components are required, an electromagnet and an armature plate. They are usually installed at the top of the door and door frame because it is the best location to wire the magnet to the building’s electrical circuit.
When the electromagnet is energized by an electric current, the armature plate is attracted to it. The magnetic field is so strong that the force secures the door and keeps it from being opened. The door can be opened remotely by using an access control system. This will verify the identity of each person and unlock the door for authorized users.
To keep the door locked, power must be supplied to the lock. Electromagnetic locks are fail-safe; i.e., they unlock automatically when the power goes out. This enables people to leave the building in case of a fire or emergency.
Proximity Keyless Entry Systems
- Access control cards are easy to onboard with employees and visitors. They are operational from a close distance without any remote capabilities. The use of RFID technology in access control cards work well for commercial buildings. A traditional key card works by placing the card in a reader to gain entry into a building. Business owners can assign and deactivate access when an access card is lost or stolen. They are inexpensive and can be combined with photo identification to serve as a company badge along with gaining access to a building.
- Key Fobs. A key fob unlocks doors when in proximity to the receiver. With the use of radio frequency identification technology (RFID), data is transmitted to release the lock. Key fobs can be activated for different entrances and can be remotely deactivated.
- Biometric Access Control. Biological identifiers, such as fingerprints or facial structures, are used to grant access to commercial buildings. This type of access control provides increased security and is more expensive than other keyless entry systems.
Remote Keyless Entry Systems
- Mobile or App-Based. Users are granted entry into a building through a mobile app. Access is given when an employee is near the door or when an option is chosen on the phone. App-based systems can be customized to fit a range of security needs. Less hardware is involved and remote access is given.
Exit Devices
In the event of an emergency, commercial buildings must have a plan in place for employees and clients to exit quickly and safely. Owners of hotels, large warehouses, and other commercial buildings use an exit device or crash bar. It is hardware that is installed on a door that keeps it locked from the outside. Entry is restricted, but people on the inside can exit the building in case of a fire or emergency.
Local building codes decide where exit devices should be used. Most codes require that the activating portion of the release mechanism extend not less than halfway across the door. There are three types of exit devices:
1. Rim Style
The most common exit device used is the rim style device. It is used on single or double out-swinging doors that consist of a latch that protrudes out of one end of the device. The rim latch is very secure and durable.
2. Mortise Style
A mortise lock requires a pocket or mortise to be installed in the door. Mortise exit devices are applied to commercial buildings that require a lock that is heavy duty and can withstand a high frequency of usage.
3. Vertical Rod
Vertical rod devices use rods that extend from the device to the top and bottom of the door frame. The rods retract and release to open the door when the crash bar is pushed. It may be used on double doors and single doors for extra security.
)
)
)