How keyless entry locks improve workplace security
Keyless entry is a 21st century innovation which has brought huge improvements to workplace operations in terms of convenience, practicality, functionality and, of course, security. Any commercial business has to prioritise security for a number of reasons, not least its basic duty to protect employees and provide a safe and comfortable workplace, but also to protect the other assets of the business, namely buildings, stock, materials, machinery and equipment. This means it has to investigate and invest in robust security systems that are effective against the various security threats a business faces. Keyless entry systems have emerged in the last few years as a suitable means of doing this.
What are keyless entry systems?
A keyless entry system is a means of authorising and enabling entry to a building, while eliminating the need for a physical key. Although the physical key is a traditional and well-established method of accessing a building, there are various limitations to it and keyless entry provides multiple user benefits as an alternative.
Examples of keyless entry are numerous, and include inputting a unique PIN into a digital keypad, voice or face recognition systems, flashing a fob, card or barcode at a reader, flashing a smartphone app or using a biometric feature, such as the face, eye or fingerprint. Depending on the technological sophistication of the keyless entry system used, some systems are able to offer additional functionality such as revoking access, creating audit trails for HR, insurance and safety purposes and enabling remote management.
The important security improvements offered by keyless entry systems
Keyless entry systems offer various functional and practical benefits, but primarily enable the business to design a more robust and effective security system. Here we have outlined the key security benefits.
- Access management – In the event of a security breach, or if a card or fob is lost, a keyless entry system can be amended immediately to revoke access. A physical key can be lost, stolen or copied, which opens up various security issues and can’t be traced, and there is a cost and delay to getting keys re-cut. In this case, if a card or fob is lost or stolen, the system won’t admit that card or fob and it will be deactivated. Likewise, if a unique PIN is shared, it can be changed immediately.
- Monitoring – Keyless entry systems can record who has entered a building or zone, and when. This allows a detailed investigation to take place in the event of a security incident.
- Customisation – With some keyless entry systems access can be managed to implement restrictions, so that entry is only authorised during certain times, or into certain areas. This adds an extra layer of security in high-risk periods.
- Robust security – Locks enabled using digital credentials have superior security features. Traditional locks can be picked and keys can be copied and stolen, whereas digital locks can be encrypted, have multi-tier authorisation processes and can be updated or changed quickly and simply. And with biometric systems, they are impossible to copy or mimic.
- Remote management – Some keyless entry systems can be managed remotely and on a 24-hour basis. This enables authorised people to monitor, lock/unlock and revoke or allow access remotely. This provides greater flexibility but also improves the robust nature of your security procedures. This is particularly useful in high-traffic areas or where flexible working allows people to come and go from a business out of normal office hours.
- Integration – Keyless entry systems with smart technology can be linked to other security features such as CCTV and intruder alarms, to provide a comprehensive and integrated security system.
So the main security benefits of keyless entry are the elimination of physical keys and the risks that these possess, namely that they can be lost, copied or stolen. This then becomes hard to trace and to stop, and hence the business is exposed to a security risk. With keyless entry, regardless of which type of authorisation credentials you use, this is much easier to manage and any security threat can be closed down and removed far quicker. Keyless entry also provides much greater flexibility in terms of remote management and customisation to make security more of a bespoke solution that suits the nature and the risks of a specific workplace.
Keyless entry systems from MB Direct
Another term for keyless entry systems is access control systems, and at MB Direct we have access control which offer different levels of sophistication and can be adapted to suit your business.