Owning a business can be extremely rewarding and profitable. You quickly build relationships with employees and clients while providing for yourself and your family. Of course, there are some obstacles you will have to overcome as you grow, with one being security and on-site monitoring.

As technology improves, employers receive bigger and better operations solutions, with one being entry and exit access systems.

Using a card access system not only implements a layer of security you can't get any other way but also allows business owners to monitor their employees' health, know who is in the building at any given time, and keep unwanted guests out.

How Key Card System for Access Control Works

Key card access security systems are exactly as they sound. Key fobs, cards, badges, or biometrics provide access to a building, eliminating the need for the traditional lock and key style of protection.

Each "key" contains specific biometrics data, and the door will open as long as the data matches with the reader it comes into contact with. If the two devices are incompatible, the door stays locked, and no access is granted. 

These entryway systems can be handy for all types and sizes of businesses, whether used to gain entrance to a building from the outside or to keep restricted areas sealed and off-limits to those without authorization. 

Types of Key Card Systems

In the early days, key cards were made from iron particles embedded into a plastic stripe, producing a magnetic reaction when near the electronic reader. These cards first came about when an IBM engineer, Forrest Parry, was looking to create ID cards for CIA officials.

This discovery was ideal for security and identification purposes, and this type of technology is how credit cards and bank cards work at stores when purchasing products.

While this is the beginning of key card systems in more modern times, it isn't the only way to utilize this idea. Aside from magnetic stripe cards, you can also implement fobs, smart cards, and biometrics. 

Magnetic Card Systems

When Parry decided to iron metal particles to a plastic strip on the back of a card, he probably didn't realize he would change the way businesses run in the future.

Magnetic ID card access control systems are often used in hotels and look like credit cards. These "keys" slide into a reader on the door, and the placement of particles must match up with those on the reader for the lock to release. 

These cards are ideal for facilities looking to add an extra layer of access protection with minimal investment, like with hotel room keys, membership cards, or time cards.

Smart Cards

The age of the internet has changed almost every aspect of how businesses run today, mainly for the better. 

Smart cards can look much like magnetic cards; however, instead of inserting a card into a reader, these cards are embedded with a chip that wirelessly connects to the reader when in close proximity (similar to tap pay).

Because data is easily stored, you can use these cards to keep track of and have complete access to information, like who is coming and going from a specific room, how many times the room was accessed and when. 

Proximity Cards and Fobs (RFID)

Here, the card access systems upgrade even more. Proximity cards and key fobs use RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, technology to communicate with the readers. These cards are used in various industries for real-time location tracking, marketing strategies, data storage, access control, and more. 

These cards or fobs are programmed with unique codes that cannot be changed once stored, ensuring data cannot be altered at any time.

Magnetic and Proximity Hybrid Cards

Combining magnetic and proximity technologies can double up the protection provided to each facility, room, and user. This will ensure that employees can access every area of the building even if they only have clearance to certain rooms. 

Biometrics Cards

For high-security buildings like hospitals, labs, and government buildings, biometrics might be your best bet. These cards combine the use of RFID and employees' fingerprints to ensure that only that person can gain access to any given room. 

Combining Forces to Create a More Secure System

If a company wants access key cards to offer a more simplistic way to enter a locked building, choosing one of these options will give an increased level of protection.

However, if the company is looking for total security and data compilation, combining magnetic and proximity cards can be a game changer. While this system will be more expensive, it will provide peace of mind that all your important data is secure and that secure areas of your company are protected.

How to Choose the Right Card Access System

There are many security card access systems to choose from, which can make finding the right one a little overwhelming and complicated.

There are a few factors to consider when searching for the ideal access control system based on each company's specific needs and wants.

Current Access Technology

If a company is already set up with an access control system for the outside of a building and parking lot but now wants to implement cards inside, too, it is critical to double-check and ensure these systems will work together.

Integrating all of your systems will provide quicker, easier, and more secure access to employees, increasing productivity and making privacy and security more convenient.

Desired Level of Security 

Some access control cards offer more security than others. Companies requiring high levels of security to protect critical information or avoid security breaches should consider intelligent cards or biometrics. These cards can combine applications such as time clock logs, inventory management, and marketing strategies in the same system that allows entry to the building and various rooms, making each card customized and personalized.

Level of Convenience

Sometimes, choosing the best access control system is determined based on user convenience. While magnetic stripe cards are quicker and easier than using good old-fashioned locks and keys, they aren't nearly as convenient as key fobs and proximity cards that simply need to be in the same general vicinity as the reader.

Where It Will Be Used

Large corporations with high foot traffic may want to implement contactless key cards or fobs that can provide immediate access. RFID cards are a popular choice for parking lot security and doctors' offices because they offer a wider range of connections and can come in an array of "shell" options that provide a protective cover. 

Combining Your Card Access System With Your Security System

One great thing about the wide variety of card access systems available to businesses today is that they can often connect to existing security systems or be installed simultaneously, offering users the best of both worlds.

When working with the right company, facilities of all sizes in any industry can combine their card access system with other types of security systems, such as:

• Security Cameras 

• Alarm systems

• Intercom systems

By combining these systems, companies gain comprehensive security coverage for ultimate protection.

Benefits of Installing a Card Access System in Your Business

The benefits of having a card access system installed in your facility are almost endless. There is minimal risk involved in the setup process and plenty of benefits to gain. 

Some of the most vital benefits include but are not limited to,

• Low maintenance: Most card access systems require little maintenance throughout their lifetime. Some of these products do require batteries that require replacement on occasion.

• Saves money: By replacing your old lock and key with a key card system, you will save yourself a lot of money by eliminating the need to replace keys whenever an employee leaves, a new hire comes on board, or when keys are lost, stolen, or broken. Companies can also quickly revoke access for any lost cards.

• Convenient: Using a card to enter a building or room is much faster than using a key; it is also easier to store and travel with.

• Flexible: Each key card can offer multiple uses for various doors and systems throughout the company, limiting the number of keys, codes, and fobs carried around on a daily basis.

• Increases organization and usage: Cards can grant or restrict access to individual doors or during specific time frames, ensuring owners always know who is in each area of the building at all times.

No matter which key card system you choose, there are advantages to investing in an innovative and modern access system.

Installing the Perfect Card Access System for Your Company

When choosing a card access system for your company, you will want the assistance of professionals you can trust and count on. The experts at A1 Security Systems are GTHA go-to for all things security because we know what we are doing and what we need to do to offer you the best setup on the market today.

Your security system is most beneficial when it is properly set up and meets all your business needs. To find a product that works for you, take some time to decide why you are looking into a system in the first place. After that, find a local company that thoughtfully goes through your options with you and provides a solution that will offer you and your employees convenience, flexibility, and, most of all, peace of mind.