With all the options for door access control systems available, finding the right one for your property has gotten especially challenging. From gyms and clubs to corporate offices to fraternal organizations, businesses and organizations of all shapes and sizes must grapple with the wide variety of systems, technologies, and price levels and weigh the comfort and needs of members and employees to make the best choice.
From stand alone access control to cloud mobile access control systems, let’s cut through the clutter and lay out how today’s modern access control systems work, their pros and cons, and what you need to know to choose the right system to keep your premises secure and your personnel safe at an affordable price.
What does your business need in a door access control system?
Businesses, organizations, and their premises come in all shapes and sizes. There’s no one-size-fits-all door access control system that will be all things for all properties. That’s why there are so many to choose from!
Today, card reader systems have largely replaced the old-school locks and keys when it comes to security, convenience, and even cost-effectiveness, ranging from simple key card lock systems to advanced, fully programmable key card access systems that interface with the Internet. Some of the more advanced systems sound like a whole bunch of bells and whistles, but what would be bells and whistles for your premises might be an absolute necessity for your neighbor down the street.
So, when you look at the wide range of door access control systems available, keep in mind what makes your case unique:
- Specific needs of your business or organization
- Whether the door or entrance is used as an interior or exterior door
- The purpose of the door within your organization
- Any applicable safety regulations
With these categories in mind, let’s take a closer look at several types of door access control systems and weigh whether or not they’re the right choice for your premises.
- Non-Programmable Stand Alone Access Control Systems
- Software Managed Access Control Systems
- Cloud Access Control Systems
- Proximity Access Control
- Advanced Mobile Access Control
Non-Programmable Stand Alone Access Control Systems
Modern access control at its most basic, non-programmable stand alone systems use common coded cards that provide a simple and low cost way of solving the age-old metal key problem. Card keys are given only to members who have paid, making this option great for clubs where everyone’s membership renews on the same date, like every six months or once a year.
The Pros
- Stand alone access control systems are simple to install and easy to operate.
- For small businesses with limited access points, they are very cost-effective.
- You don’t need complex network integration to control your building security.
The Cons
- Stand alone systems lack remote management capabilities.
- Adding and removing users must be done manually.
- It’s hard to scale up when your business expands.
Where to Use Stand Alone Access Control Systems
- Specific Business Needs: Best for small businesses or organizations with low security needs and few entry points.
- Interior vs Exterior: More suited for interior doors that don’t require high-level security.
- Purpose: Ideal for simple office or room access control, but not for high-security areas on your premises.
- Safety: Basic compliance with local door access standards, but lacks advanced features for emergency scenarios.
Software Managed Access Control Systems
Moving up the complexity hierarchy, there are door access control systems that connect to a centralized computer network onsite. While these systems do require computer training to use and maintain, it’s easy to add new locks to your database.
The Pros
- You have greater control over access rights, detailed logs, and reporting.
- You don’t need cloud or internet connectivity—just a local area network.
- Software managed systems are easy to customize and integrate with other on-site systems, such as your CCTV systems.
The Cons
- Software managed door access control systems demand more significant up-front investment and more in-depth maintenance.
- Your organization will need an IT team to manage and maintain the system.
- You have limited remote access and management capabilities.
When to Use Software Managed Systems
- Specific Business Needs: Best suited for medium to large organizations with internal IT departments to manage the system.
- Interior vs Exterior: Suitable for both interior and exterior doors.
- Purpose: Excellent for doors with high security needs where detailed tracking of access is required, such as server rooms or executive offices.
- Safety: Can be programmed to comply with safety regulations like fire codes or emergency access protocols.
Cloud Access Control Systems
With the cloud on your side, your organization doesn’t need to maintain its own network on-site to manage your security. Cloud access control systems take care of your security remotely, including keeping members’ access credentials up-to-date and deactivating them when their membership lapses.
The Pros
- You can manage your door access control system from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.
- It’s easy to scale up as your business expands to multiple locations.
- Your cloud service provider takes care of automatic updates and backups—no need to lift a finger!
The Cons
- Your premises will need a reliable internet connection, and network troubles can cause downtime for your access control system.
- You have to pay regular subscription fees for access to the cloud.
- You have to vet cloud providers carefully to make sure your data is secure with them.
When to Use Cloud Access Control Systems
- Specific Business Needs: Suitable for businesses with multiple locations or those looking for flexibility in managing access remotely.
- Interior vs Exterior: Works well for both, but especially effective for exterior doors in multi-site or remote environments.
- Purpose: Ideal for high-traffic entry points, such as main entrances or employee access areas.
- Safety: Can easily be programmed to meet regulatory requirements, with the added benefit of cloud-based monitoring during emergencies.
Proximity Access Control
RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, forms the backbone of proximity access control. Using RFID in your access control system, all a user has to do to enter your building is place their key fob, tag, or card near the card reader. The reader uses radio signals to read the information on their key, sends it back to your on-site or cloud-based software access control system, and opens the door if it gets the go-ahead.
The Pros
- Contactless access means quicker, easier entry for your employees or members.
- No physical keys or PINs means lower risk of unauthorized entry.
- It’s easy to scale up as you add new members or employees.
The Cons
- RFID cards, fobs, or tags can be lost or stolen easily, potentially compromising security.
- Your organization will have to handle distribution and revocation of RFID keys as members join or leave.
- Card readers and cards come with higher initial hardware costs.
When to Use RFID Access Control Systems
- Specific Business Needs: Best for businesses with high employee turnover or where multiple users need quick access.
- Interior vs Exterior: Works well for both interior and exterior doors, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Purpose: Ideal for employee entry points or secure areas where fast and frequent access is required.
- Safety: Easy to incorporate into emergency protocols, as they can allow for rapid access control changes.
Advanced Mobile Access Control
Having a smartphone door access control system is becoming more and more popular among tech-savvy organizations due to how convenient it makes things for both employees and members. Everyone has a smartphone, and they’re much harder to lose than key cards or fobs.
All your members have to do is keep an app on their phone that contains their credentials and hold their phone over a mobile access control card reader’s NFC (near-field communication) sensor.
The Pros
- Extra-convenient access control uses devices your employees or members already have.
- Your business has less need for physical keys and cards.
- Advanced mobile access control solutions can include multi-factor authentication for extra security.
The Cons
- Employees and members can’t get in if their smartphone malfunctions or its charge runs out.
- Access data stored on smartphones can raise privacy and security concerns for users.
- Advanced hardware and software can be more expensive upfront.
When to Use Smartphone Access Control
- Specific Business Needs: Ideal for tech-savvy organizations or businesses with employees who already use smartphones for work.
- Interior vs Exterior: Great for exterior doors where secure, hands-free access is desired.
- Purpose: Works well for high-security doors or areas where convenient, quick access is essential
- Safety: Can be programmed for compliance with safety regulations, but reliance on smartphones can be a drawback in emergencies.
Why Choose Card Lock Company for Your Door Access Control Systems?
When it comes to deciding between no-frills stand alone access control systems, advanced mobile access control solutions, cloud-based systems, or any of the many options in between, the choice isn’t always obvious.
However, when it comes to deciding where you should go to purchase your access control systems and have them installed, the choice is obvious.
Card Lock® Company has over 70 years in the industry, dating back to the 1940s when we provided the original key card access control solutions to veteran clubs and fraternal organizations across the country in the wake of WWII. When you order key cards, you buy with confidence! Made in America, our card lock keys are affordable, reliable, secure, and customized with your choice of text or custom logos to keep your brand messaging on point.
Other benefits include:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Free training and support
- Made in the USA
- Lowest prices
- Highest quality key cards
Not sure what to order? Reach out for a free consultation and we’ll help you choose the best door access control system for you.
