Introduction to commercial keyless entry systems #
With the advancement of cloud technology and the changes the pandemic spurred, it is no surprise that commercial keyless entry systems are growing in popularity. Going keyless enables businesses to simplify everyday activities at the office while keeping buildings and facilities properly secured.
As modern businesses rapidly migrate to cloud access control technology, more and more end-users frictionlessly access secured offices and doors with their mobile devices. The top commercial keyless entry systems also grant business owners and managers more control and security over their facilities. They can easily give staff members access consistent with their responsibilities remotely and integrate with their tech stack, like video surveillance systems behind a single pane of glass.
What is a commercial keyless entry system? #
The function of keyless entry systems may seem self-explanatory, but sometimes, it bears a more in-depth description, especially in this rapidly expanding technological environment. Chances are, you’ve used a keyless entry system on several occasions. Perhaps when entering your car, gym, or residential building?
For commercial keyless entry systems, the emphasis is on keyless door systems used for securing commercial buildings and facilities such as schools, warehouses, local governments, and other commercial enterprises.
Simply put, commercial keyless entry systems are access control systems used in commercial settings. They employ relevant technology to offer versatile access control in a commercial establishment.
A number of different types of commercial keyless entry systems are offered by different companies. The first step in making sense of all the options is finding a system that will do three basic things for your business: It will improve security, grant authorized persons easy access, and give the person in charge better control over the facility.
While fob and badge access systems can be considered keyless, they still require a dedicated physical credential. Mobile access solutions, on the other hand, allow for a true “keyless” experience that supports scalability and sustainability.
Using mobile devices is especially convenient since users rarely forget them at home. They likely carry their phones or watches with them anyway, unlike keycards or fobs that they have to remember to bring just to unlock doors and enter their spaces.
How do keyless entry systems work? #
Commercial keyless entry systems grant access to restricted business areas just like a traditional key. The main difference is the users don’t need to carry any physical keys, eliminating the need to rekey, work with a locksmith, or ask for a key back whenever you need to share or revoke access. Modern commercial keyless systems, like Kisi, also streamline operations by enabling global, remote management while enhancing security with automated access schedules.
How do modern keyless entry systems work? The dashboard, where you can assign or revoke access with a few clicks, is the keyless access control system software, which runs in perfect sync with the access hardware.
Commercial keyless door lock types #
There are numerous different kinds of keyless entry systems for businesses. Locks with combined keypads, locks with key fob controls, and smart door locks that work with wireless protocols and remote lock management are all popular options. Of these, smart locks are the most versatile. The best ones offer a combination of access controls to lock and unlock doors and even windows.
What about the lock hardware? It is either mechanical or electronic. Mechanical locks can’t be used as keyless door locks because they secure an opening by keeping the door closed until a release mechanism (lever, knob, key, or thumbturn) is activated.
Commercial keyless entry systems need power, so they pair with electronic locks that also require power to operate the locking and unlocking mechanism. Electronic locks are further split into two types: fail-safe (unlock when power is removed) and fail-secure (unlock when power is applied).
Top 10 benefits of commercial keyless entry systems #
Keyless entry systems offer a lot of benefits to any business enterprise or organization. Some of the most prominent ones are:
Improved security #
With keyless entry systems, your commercial building is more secure than ever. The risk of unauthorized entry, illicit key duplication, and other such practices that can commonly happen with a physical key are completely eliminated.
Global remote management for better control #
With keyless entry systems, administrators have more control over who can access different parts of their facility and when. Cloud-based access solutions enable administrators to grant and revoke access remotely and track data from the electric locks controlling their doors.
While remote access management is crucial for all businesses, global management is essential for multi-location businesses, enterprises, and franchises that need to manage access to all their global offices, doors, and users wherever they are behind a single pane of glass.
Convenience #
Using a keyless entry system is a lot more convenient for everyone. Advanced systems allow authorized users to gain access to their office and other doors with their mobile phones, smart watches, or even with motion.
Remotely operated commercial keyless entry systems are convenient to all access admins. They are especially useful for multi-tenant buildings or businesses operating out of several office sites that prefer to manage their physical security from their head office.
Emergency response #
Most modern commercial keyless entry systems can be crucial to your emergency response. Unlike keys, keyless systems enable you to lock specific doors remotely or initiate lockdown in the entire space. Advanced door access control systems, like Kisi, can detect, monitor, and notify you of potential intruders.
Capacity management #
The pandemic promoted stricter health and safety practices at the office and amplified the popularity of hybrid work. Keyless entry systems can automate capacity management by providing real-time space utilization data and notifying admins when the pre-set capacity limit is reached. They also reduce potential health threats by minimizing physical contact at the door.
Visitor and temporary entry management #
Modern keyless security systems, like Kisi, can issue temporary visitor links that can last for a specific time. Furthermore, you can restrict the movement of guests within certain spaces and prevent people from roaming around your facility to better secure your business.
Businesses that require contractors, suppliers, or vendors to have access to their facility outside the usual working hours significantly benefit from remote keyless entry systems. An administrator can unlock the facility doors from anywhere and adjust the unlock schedules, permissions, and users from the comfort of their home whenever necessary.
Reporting and insights #
We can hardly tell who enters the facilities and when with traditional keys. Commercial keyless entry systems use encrypted communication to authenticate unique credentials and can keep a record of all the door entries and provide detailed reporting. This data could provide valuable insights in the case of an HR or security investigation and helps improve space management.
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Integration possibilities #
Most commercial entry systems enable you to integrate access control with relevant hardware and software your business already uses. Integrating access control with your SSO provider allows you to automate user management securely through real-time provisioning.
To enjoy enhanced security and less manual overhead, you can integrate your keyless entry system with security cameras, data analytics tools, visitor systems, and even industry-specific software like coworking or fitness apps.
Compliance #
Highly regulated industries and businesses need keyless entry systems to ensure compliance. The features of modern door entry systems safeguard against security breaches and unauthorized access, promoting adherence to regulatory requirements. Implementing precise access control policies, supported by real-time monitoring, detailed audit trails, remote management, and integration with industry standards, helps secure compliance with regulations like HIPAA and SOC 2.
Future proof #
Even though key-based solutions are still used for certain situations, like residential and low-security properties, most businesses use keyless entry systems to secure their spaces and improve processes and operations.
Growing and scaling businesses are also migrating from legacy to cloud-based keyless entry systems to ensure scalability and protection. Cloud-based systems are future-proof and require minimal maintenance thanks to regular over-the-air updates.
Commercial keyless entry system considerations #
Legacy or cloud-based keyless entry system #
So far, we considered commercial keyless entry systems without focusing on any particular type. The benefits section makes it clear that cloud-based entry systems are considered the best for admins, users, and business objectives overall. Cloud-based keyless entry systems are future-proof, scalable, and more convenient since they support remote global management and mobile entry.
Even companies that already have a legacy keyless system in place are migrating to the cloud due to the additional functionalities and cost-efficient migration options. For instance, Kisi allows tailored migration paths so you can stay on budget and enable mobile access while using parts of your old legacy access control system, like wiring, readers, or credentials.
Most commercial properties, like office buildings, coworking spaces, retail centers, and business parks, have shared entrances. These common entry points provide access to the multiple businesses or units within the property. Since landlords are responsible for maintaining common areas and providing necessary repairs, they choose and manage the shared access control system, so implementing a keyless entry system that will work both at the office doors and the main entry can be challenging.
Modern keyless door entry solutions like Kisi enable tenants to enjoy uninterrupted use of their leased premises with minimal hardware changes. With Kisi, you can enable mobile and card unlocks on top of the existing access solution the property manager is using. You can use your office credentials to unlock the shared entrance using the landlord’s existing access reader, while the property manager can use Kisi as a shared system of record. Talk to our security experts about how easy it is to install Kisi at the shared entrance door or explore the various deployment options Kisi offers.
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Top commercial keyless entry system companies #
If you have decided that you want to try a keyless entry system but still are not sure of the company to choose, here are the top brands to consider:
- Kisi
- PDC IDenticard
- ISONAS
- Brivo
- Honeywell
- Stanley Security
- Protection 1
- Tyco Integrated Security
- ADT
- Vanderbilt Industries
Why Kisi is the right commercial keyless system for you #
If you're looking for a highly secure, customizable, and future-proof keyless entry system that's adaptable, convenient, and easy to use, Kisi is the right choice. It offers a flexible platform for your business, acting as an all-in-one, standalone solution, or it can integrate with your existing access control solution. With Kisi, you can:
- Manage permissions and automatically sync with your SSO and identity management solutions.
- Send temporary links for event access.
- Schedule doors to unlock during regular hours, with the ability to restrict access on a door-by-door basis.
- Allow admins to grant and revoke unlock access remotely.
- Manage entry to all locations from a single pane of glass.
- Export or receive automated access reports for auditing, compliance, and making data-based space utilization decisions.
- Detect intrusions and get automatic notifications on your mobile device.
- Ensure your spaces never exceed max capacity with automated notifications and restriction protocols.
- Connect Kisi to the systems you already use, like video surveillance, alarms, and directories.
- And much more.
Keyless entry systems are undoubtedly the best access control systems to use in a commercial enterprise. Discover the commercial keyless entry systems with the perfect set of features to provide your business with the high safety standards and security it requires. Contact us to experience why Kisi is a top choice among the most prominent providers.
Angela Hwang
Angela is an account executive at Kisi. In her free time she likes coordinating twin outfits with her co-workers.