The benefits of keyless entry systems for your workplace

While some SMEs find the humble lock and key still provides adequate security, there is a range of technologies now available that give the business owner greater control. One of them is keyless entry, also known as access control.

So what is keyless entry? How is it used? How does it benefit the business owner or manager, and what are the likely costs?

What is keyless entry?

If you ever used a 'card' or PIN and keypad to gain entry to a business you've already encountered the most common types of keyless entry.

"But the swipe card is long gone now," says Bryce Kertesz of Integrity, specialists in commercial locksmithing and access control.

"Proximity cards, which are contactless, are most common these days," he says. "You just present them within the range of the reader rather than needing physical contact, meaning there's no wear and tear."

Why use keyless entry? 

"Using an electronic system gives you more scope for control," Bryce says. "You have the ability to create time zones, so you can give different access to different staff. You can give different door access, and it provides you with an audit trail. 

"And finally, you can deny access to an employee who, say, leaves on bad terms."

Features of keyless entry

Bryce says the basic system helps you control access, and from there you move into more sophisticated features. 

"Some businesses integrate their keyless entry system into their alarms to give them door-forced-open alerts," he says. "Or if you have a problem with doors being propped open, you can set it up to trigger an alarm if a door is being held open longer than a pre-defined time."

Keyless systems can also help you determine whether someone has tried to access a door outside of normal hours, or a door they have no access rights to.

Costs of keyless systems

Bryce says keyless entry systems can be used on one door within a business or hundreds of doors, with the cost varying according to a number of factors.

"A quality system varies in price per door," he says. "The price difference often depends on what you have there originally, as you sometimes have to change lock hardware to suit access control, and then of course there's different quality."

Bryce says don't forget door closers. "If you are going to put access control on a door, you want it to close. This is something people not experienced in access control often forget."

Protect your business 

Using an enterprise-wide access control system helps your business better manage risk.

Phone a commercial locksmith today to find out how you can improve security with keyless entry and improved access control.