Why more businesses are switching to keyless entry locks

While all commercial businesses have to prioritise security, the most progressive of them seek to find more sophisticated technological solutions. These are security systems which are effective, but which also deliver practical benefits which help the business move forward. Keyless entry systems are a good example of this as they enhance security as well as improving operational efficiency and the administration of security systems. They are also cost-effective in the long and short term.

Removing physical keys from your security systems brings various benefits and cost savings and in this guide we will examine this in detail.

What are keyless entry locks?

Access control systems are security solutions which put the business in charge. They can be tailored to suit the needs of the business and therefore can differ in their fundamental design, but essentially, access control systems enable automatic authorisation and physical entry into a building without using a physical key. They often use a digital control system which is able to restrict entry to unauthorised people and provides data for when people entered and exited the building. Entry to the building is enabled through a keyless interface which can differ in type according to factors such as traffic volume, location and the hours of operation.

Keypads where a user presents a unique code are very common, and access can be enabled by a lock being activated and combined with either a handle, a turn or a dial. Keyless entry systems can also be smartphone enabled, using a card or a fob, or using biometric features. When a person presents one of these to the control unit of the keyless interface, the system will be able to detect whether they are authorised or not, and will grant physical access on this basis. This provides the business with a security system that is effective and convenient.

The benefits of keyless entry locks

More businesses are switching to keyless entry locks due to the various benefits they bring. These include:

Improved security – Keyless entry locks remove the element of risk associated with traditional physical keys, which can be lost, stolen, forgotten or copied. Keyless access control systems can be set-up so that only authorised people are granted access to secure areas, and they have to present the right credentials, ie. a unique code, a biometric feature, a smartphone app or a card or fob issued to them. This reduces the risk of unauthorised personnel getting hold of a physical key and gaining access.
Convenience – A business can choose the type of access credentials based on their own people, location and systems. This will be much faster and easier than using a physical key.
Management – With keyless entry systems it is much easier to grant and remove access as needed, such as if a contractor or visitor requires temporary access for one day. And if you need to change the access system, such as issuing a new PIN number to improve security, it is easier to manage than tracking, gathering in and re-issuing all the physical keys.
Reactive security – If there is a security breach of any kind, the access credentials can be changed quickly and re-issued to eliminate risk. You don’t need to change the locks or issue new keys. Similarly, if an employee leaves or a card or a fob is lost, access can be revoked instantly and there is no security risk.
Flexibility – The business can choose the level of sophistication that suits them, in terms of the type of data produced by the system, which can help with health and safety and human resources operations. Management can also configure the system to restrict access to certain hours of operation, and can adapt this as business needs change.
Audit trails – Keyless entry systems are able to provide data on who entered a building or a particular zone of the building, and when. This can be useful for various compliance issues, such as security investigations, fire safety and insurance audits.
Remote management – Some keyless entry locks will enable access remotely, and hence visibility and management is possible on a 24-hour basis. This can help with operational efficiency and with reacting to security issues quickly.
Scalability – Keyless entry locks enable a business to introduce new units and systems as the business grows and multiple areas or sites are added. These can be integrated into your security system by issuing the same types of credentials and without having to re-issue keys.
Costs savings – The administration and management of re-issuing and cutting new keys and tracking where these are is reduced. Keyless entry systems require much less maintenance also, as there is no physical interaction with a lock, so wear and tear is reduced. This kind of contactless entry also improves hygiene by eliminating common touchpoints in a building.
Integration – Smart keyless entry locks can be integrated with other smart systems, such as intruder alarms, CCTV and energy efficiency measures such as lights and heating. This enhances your overall operational efficiencies as a business.

Any modern business looking to progress in terms of adopting technologies to improve security alongside their other operations, should be considering keyless entry locks. So check out our range of keyless entry systems at MB Direct.