Enhancing security, efficiency, and scalability through key card lock installation is one of the best upgrades a business can make. This modern access control system not only improves safety but also streamlines staff entry management, enables monitoring access, and can grow with your business.
Let’s explore the advantages of key card lock installations for commercial properties.
1. Enhanced Access Control and Audit Trails
Commercial properties often experience a constant flow of people, each requiring different levels of access. Some entry-level employees may only need access to the front of the store or a central office space. In contrast, others in management or IT may require special access to certain areas of the property that others should not enter.
A digital key card lock system provides each key card with a unique identification code that permits access to specific areas while maintaining a log of when and where the card has been used for access to the property or any of its secure areas.
Additionally, a digital key card can be immediately deactivated if it is lost or stolen, or if the owner no longer requires access to the property.
- Easy management of employee access levels: Some employees may need access only to central offices or communal areas, while others must have access to IT, building infrastructure, secure areas, and more.
- Access log audits: In the event of a security breach or for any other reason, easily access the logs to see which digital cards were used to access specific areas, along with the exact time and date.
- Efficient activation or deactivation: New employee starting? It’s very easy to issue them a new keyword and provide the access they need right away. If an employee is no longer with the company or if a keycard is lost or stolen, deactivate it in seconds.
Streamlining access and security is essential for businesses that want to grow. Relying on locks and keys not only slows down operations but also compromises security.
2. Improved Security Over Lock and Key
Many businesses opt for key card lock installation once they grow to a size where controlling access with traditional keys is no longer practical. Digital keycards simplify access and boost security.
Here are some of the ways key cards are more secure than traditional locks.
- Prevents unauthorized duplication: Metal keys can be easily copied with no record of the duplication. This means that a lost or stolen key can be duplicated and may fall into the wrong hands, necessitating the replacement of all locks on the property. In contrast, digital key cards are encrypted and cannot be readily duplicated. Even if one were to be replicated, it still leaves a digital footprint that indicates which card was used to access specific areas on certain dates and times. A metal key, however, does not provide such tracking.
- Two-factor authentication options: To enhance security, some systems may require a PIN or biometric scan in addition to the key card for accessing your most secure areas.
- Deactivation: Once a keycard is reported lost or stolen, it can be deactivated from the system in just a few seconds. Again, you don’t need to change the locks or have new keys made.
Ultimately, in the digital era, while technology may have its security flaws, it remains the most secure option when choosing between a metal lock with keys and a digital key card lock installation.
3. Convenient and Efficient for Staff and Management
Keycards provide an efficient method for granting access to commercial properties and their various areas. You never need to carry multiple keys; with a click of a mouse, you can easily grant and revoke access, and manage the system from anywhere.
Here are the reasons why keycards are convenient and efficient.
- Quick access to all areas of a property without the need to carry multiple keys.
- Easily grant or revoke access for new hires or departing employees.
- Manage and audit the system remotely.
- Highly flexible in granting access at various levels to different employees, including contractors, vendors, cleaning crews, IT, management, and others.
Metal locks and keys are cumbersome and inefficient, and they don’t align well with a growing business in today’s world. Digital systems equipped with keycards and digital locks are far more convenient and essential for any company aiming to expand.
4. Scalable for Growing Businesses
When a business is growing, new employees, locations, doors, and facilities are constantly required. All of these elements need a system to manage the associated complexities. A keycard lock and key, combined with a security program overseen by management and IT, is the most effective way to establish a system that can be easily scaled as the business expands.
- Easily add new users: As you hire more employees, program new cards with unique access levels effortlessly.
- Expand to additional doors and locations: Adding new entry points or facilities is straightforward. Most systems permit remote configuration and integration with your existing infrastructure.
- Customizable access control: Ensure personnel easily access only the areas they should.
- Cost-effective over time: As a business grows, maintaining one centralized system for facility access becomes significantly more cost-effective.
- Centralized management: Oversee and control access and security across multiple locations from one dashboard.
Growing businesses don’t have time to be bogged down by something as simple as granting access to a specific building or ensuring that only authorized personnel can enter restricted areas. A keycard lock system streamlines access and security, allowing growing businesses to focus on expansion.
5. Better Integration with Other Security Systems
Key card systems can be far more comprehensive than just managing door access. They can also be integrated with other security tools, such as cameras and alarms. Here are several ways keycard lock systems can be combined with other systems.
- Connect with alarm systems to trigger automatically if unauthorized access is attempted or a door is forced open.
- Sync with surveillance cameras to record and provide footage when secure areas are accessed.
- Integrate with time-tracking and payroll systems to monitor employee clock-ins, attendance, and time spent on-site.
- Promptly secure or release doors during emergencies, such as evacuations or lockdown situations.
- Support layered security strategies that combine physical and digital defenses to create a security system that is harder to bypass.
How Can Alamo Key and Lock Help?
Upgrading your business with key card lock installation is a strategic investment that enhances security, boosts efficiency, and fosters growth. Regardless of the type of business you operate, the number of locations you have, or the kind of layered security you need, Alamo Key and Lock has a solution for you.
