If you own a commercial property, you know how important security is.
To put it simply, traditional locks and keys just aren't enough anymore.
But with so many options like key fobs, mobile credentials, biometrics, and keypads, it can be confusing to choose the best one.
Electronic access control systems offer modern solutions to keep your building secure. They come with advanced features that make managing access easier and more efficient.
In this article, we’ll explain what electronic access control systems are, the different types available, and why they’re better than traditional locks and keys. We’ll also cover must-have features for commercial properties and show you how b-line can help.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to upgrade your building’s security.
What are electronic access control systems?
Electronic access control systems are advanced security systems that manage who can enter your building. These systems use various access control technologies to secure commercial buildings. An electronic access control system lets you control and monitor entry points via digital networks and other security systems.
Access control solutions offer more than just locks—they provide a central location for managing access. Physical credentials like cards or key fobs, and electronic access control devices, make it easy to set access guidelines. These systems enhance security and convenience, ensuring only authorized individuals gain entry.
3 types of electronic access control systems (and how each works)
Electronic access control systems come in various forms, each with unique features and benefits. Understanding these types can help you choose the best system for your commercial building.
Keypad system
A keypad door entry system uses pin codes to grant access. Users enter a code on a keypad to unlock doors. This system is simple and doesn't require physical keys.
How it works:
- Users input their pin codes to gain access.
- The access control panel verifies the entered code.
- Only authorized codes can unlock the electronic locks.
- Codes can be easily changed as needed.
- Physical tokens are not required, reducing the risk of lost keys.
- Controller hardware manages access attempts and records entries.
- Ideal for buildings with frequent visitors or multiple users.
Key fob and key card reader
Key fobs and key card readers offer a secure and convenient way to control access. Users simply swipe or tap their key cards or fobs to gain entry.
How it works:
- Users swipe or tap key fobs or key cards at the reader.
- The key card readers verify the credentials.
- Access cards store unique user information for identification.
- The access control software processes the request.
- Credential readers scan the physical credential to grant access.
- Reader location can be strategically placed for optimal security.
- Electronic access card readers maintain a log of all access events.
Mobile credentials access
Mobile credentials access systems use smartphones to unlock doors. This modern approach enhances convenience and integrates well with digital networks.
How it works:
- Users install a mobile access control app on their smartphones.
- Mobile credentials are assigned to each user.
- Access control solutions validate the mobile credentials.
- Remote access control allows users to unlock doors from a distance.
- Cloud-based software manages and updates credentials.
- Access portals provide a user-friendly interface for management.
- Integration with other security systems ensures comprehensive protection.
Side note—modern mobile credential access systems like b-line also let you add your access credentials as Apple Wallet keys to make the process even simpler.
Why use an electronic access control system instead of traditional locks and keys?
Switching to an electronic access control system offers numerous advantages over traditional locks and keys. Here are three main benefits that make these systems ideal for commercial building owners and operators.
Enhanced Security
Enhanced security is a major advantage of electronic access control systems for commercial buildings. These systems use multi-factor authentication and biometric access control, making it much harder for unauthorized individuals to gain entry.
Alarm sensors and audit trails provide real-time alerts and detailed records of access events. This level of security is essential for high-security areas and facilities with sensitive information or valuable assets. It also helps to prevent security breaches and unauthorized access attempts, ensuring your building remains secure.
Summarized:
- Multi-factor authentication increases security.
- Biometric access control adds another layer of protection.
- Real-time alerts from alarm sensors.
- Detailed records from audit trails.
Increased Convenience
Electronic access control systems offer increased convenience for building owners and operators. Mobile credentials and remote access control allow users to unlock doors using their smartphones, eliminating the need for physical keys.
Cloud-based software simplifies access rights management, enabling updates from anywhere. This system streamlines the process of granting or revoking access, making it easier to manage multiple users. For commercial properties, this convenience translates to better operational efficiency and a more flexible security solution.
Summarized:
- Use smartphones for access with mobile credentials.
- Manage access rights remotely with cloud-based software.
- Streamline the process of granting and revoking access.
- Improve operational efficiency and flexibility.
Better Control and Monitoring
Better control and monitoring are crucial for managing access in commercial buildings. Electronic access control systems provide detailed records of access events through audit trails. The access control panel and controller hardware allow real-time monitoring and quick response to security incidents.
Plus, if your access control systems is directly integrated with your building management system, you’ll be able to automate virtually anything alongside your access control systems, like notifications or alerts.
With centralized control, building owners can easily manage who has access to different areas. This oversight level helps ensure that only authorized personnel can enter sensitive or restricted areas, reducing the risk of security breaches.
Summarized:
- Detailed records with audit trails.
- Real-time monitoring with access control panel.
- Centralized control for easy management.
- Restricted access to sensitive areas.
Features to look for in electronic access control systems (for commercial properties in particular)
Choosing the right electronic access control system for your commercial property is crucial for ensuring security and operational efficiency.
This section will split the features of electronic access control systems into two buckets—table-stakes features and advanced features.
Table stakes features that every electronic access system should have
These are the essential features that every commercial property should have in its electronic access control system to ensure maximum security and functionality.
- Alarm sensors: Provides real-time alerts for unauthorized access attempts, allowing for quick responses to potential threats.
- Access privileges: Enables fine-tuned control over who can enter specific areas within the building.
- Controller hardware: Physical components that manage and monitor access points within the building.
- Physical tokens: Key fobs or cards that provide a tangible method for access.
- Access control panels: Central units that integrate and control all access points and credentials.
Advanced features that the best systems will offer
These features add extra convenience, flexibility, and advanced capabilities to your electronic access control system, making it more versatile and user-friendly.
- Mobile credentials: Allows users to unlock doors using their smartphones, offering a modern and convenient access method.
- Remote access control: Enables access management from any location, providing flexibility for building managers.
- Cloud-based software: Facilitates easy updates and management of access rights through a centralized online platform.
- Credential readers: Devices that scan various access credentials such as cards or fobs for secure entry.
- Access control software: Manages user credentials and access permissions efficiently.
- Building management system integration: Access control is directly integrated with your overall building management system to simplify management.
- Biometric access control: Uses unique biological traits like fingerprints or facial recognition for secure and convenient access.
- Access portals: User-friendly interfaces for managing and monitoring access control systems.
- Multi-factor authentication: Requires multiple verification forms to grant access, significantly enhancing security.
- Audit trails: Keeps detailed records of all access events, helping to monitor and investigate security incidents.
- Access to visitors: Special provisions for managing and monitoring guest access within the building.
By understanding these table stakes and advanced features, you can ensure that your commercial property has a comprehensive and effective electronic access control system.
See how b-line can make access control smooth, simple, and secure in your buildings
Electronic access control systems are revolutionizing security and convenience in commercial properties. With features like mobile credentials, remote access control, and cloud-based software, you can enhance security and streamline operations effortlessly.
These advanced systems offer greater flexibility, improved safety, and efficient access management.
If you're ready to upgrade to a smarter access control solution, get started with b-line today.
We'll show you how our smart building management platform can level-up your access control systems, boost security, and improve both tenant experience and your bottom line.
