Mobile Access Control 101: The Perfect Mix of Convenience and Security

Access control is a fundamental concept in security. In the context of buildings and establishments, access control is primarily concerned with the process of granting and revocation of access to the different people within the vicinity. Traditionally, access control is achieved through the use of computers as most of the software involved in access control are only available in desktop systems. With the introduction of smart access technology, access control is now made available even through mobile devices. This revolution in the field of access control has led to massive improvements in convenience and security both for the users and on the part of the management. In this article, we will talk all about mobile access control systems. Specifically, we are going to discuss the basics of how it works, the benefits it provides, and the considerations that have to be made in acquiring such a system.

How does it work?

The term “mobile access control” is pretty much self-explanatory. Essentially, it is a platform where access control functions can be performed completely and exclusively through the use of mobile devices. This is made possible through two main components: the mobile device and the reader. The mobile device is, of course, the encrypted party in this system. Users can set up their mobile devices to have a unique identification (ID). This replaces the functionality of a traditional key or keycard and it’s also easily reprogammable if and when necessary. The second component would be the reader. The reader decrypts the encrypted ID programmed into the mobile device and then it determines if the user should be given access or not. The ID can be presented in many forms, which means that there are also many different readers for different ID forms. This includes quick response (QR) codes, near-field communication (NFC) chips, and bluetooth low-energy chips, among others. Ultimately, mobile access control encompasses those processes of access control that are completely and exclusively performed using mobile devices, such as smartphones.

What are its benefits?

There are two discussions to be had as regards the benefits of mobile access control. First, let’s talk about it from a convenience standpoint. Naturally, this access control system will be a lot more convenient. A mobile access control system means that the users will not anymore be required to carry with them another item to worry about, like keys or key cards. Having their access ID embedded into their smartphones means that they carry it everywhere with them. Some of the more advanced systems that work over Wi-Fi can even unlock the doors remotely with just the use of a smartphone app. The second layer of benefit that this system provides is security. Keys and keycards are prone to errors. They can break, go missing, get stolen, and they are relatively difficult to change or reprogram. This means that your method of access will be a little less reliable as compared to a mobile access control system. One notable highlight of a mobile access control system is the ability to be easily reprogrammed and changed. This could potentially be a game-changer for everyone who is concerned with their security. For example, this feature allows for a rolling ID system wherein the ID regularly changes every time it is used. This makes for a very secure access control system that cannot be easily hacked or infiltrated, leading to maximum safety.

What are the considerations to be had?

It is important to understand that this type of access control system is going to be a lot more expensive as compared to traditional systems that require physical access. As such, it’s a huge investment on the part of the owners and they would naturally want to know that their investment will be worthwhile. Before finalizing on an upgrade or a purchase decision, it is critical that you are certain that you will benefit from having such a system. Are you constantly at risk of criminal activities in the building? Is your current setup filled with issues and errors? Is it time for you to modernize? These are only some of the questions that you should ask yourself before you upgrade to or purchase a mobile access control system. No matter what happens, it is always a good idea to take your time and do extensive research before you commit into any investment.

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