One of the most important advancements in access control systems has undoubtedly been the adoption of magnetic locks across a wide range of different businesses. Simply put, card access control replaces traditional keys and instead uses a key card and magnetic locking system to allow individuals to gain access into a building. By understanding exactly how these magnetic locks and card access control systems really work, you can begin to get an idea of just how important they can be for your business. You will also begin to realize some of the many benefits that they have over traditional key entry.
The Technology
Card access control and magnetic locks replace traditional keys with a small plastic card that is almost identical in dimension to a regular credit card. Depending on the system that you’re using, the card may contain metallic carvings that are used to trigger magnets inside the device, or a coded magnetic stripe that needs to be swiped into the card reader, or possibly even RFID technology. RFID cards are designed to transmit a signal on a specific frequency to the card reader, via a small device known as a smart chip embedded inside the plastic.
When the user of the card swipes it into the card reader or places an RFID card within the appropriate proximity to the card access control device, the door automatically unlocks. This proximity-dependent activation of the lock is why these and other similar cards are often referred to as “prox” cards for short. Once the lock on the door has received this signal from the card reader, it can then be opened using the door’s lockset or push-bar, as it would normally be. In addition, employees won’t have to worry about locking the door behind them as the magnetic lock system will do that automatically. This helps ensure that the door is secured after every time access is granted.
This makes magnetic locking systems an easy choice for an organization of any size. Whether it’s eliminating the need for constant visits from locksmiths for key maintenance or helping your organization accommodate growth that might be unmanageable with traditional key entry, the advantages of such a system are significant.
Another important benefit that these types of systems have over traditional key entry systems is peace of mind. Chasing people down for to pay membership dues becomes a thing of the past when you can set cards to expire on the date membership must be renewed. With the ability to control access in this way, members will come to you to renew their fees. Furthermore, traditional keys can also be copied without your knowledge. This could allow former organization members to gain access to the building unsupervised and could potentially allow unauthorized access to someone with malicious intentions.
Those concerns are completely eliminated with card access control. The card itself cannot be copied through traditional methods, making it inherently more secure than a regular key. Additionally, if an organization member leaves under poor circumstances or perhaps does not properly maintain their club dues, you don’t have to worry about getting the key back from them. All you have to do is deactivate the card and they’ll no longer be able to enter the building at all. You don’t have to worry about changing the locks or any of the other large expenses that would normally accompany such a situation.
Card Lock™ Company is here to meet all of your magnetic lock and card access control needs. Not only do we boast the best prices in the industry, but we also provide free support and training, custom cards that are made to the highest quality and use materials that are manufactured in the USA. Call us at 1-800-847-9761 for more information.
