Description

Key card or key fob systems are helpful security tools that assist IT and security teams with securing their facilities. Additionally, these systems help grant access to offices and buildings or restrict access by preventing security breaches and unauthorized access. Key card entry systems can be cloud-based or on-premises – the latter of which empowers teams to efficiently manage their security.
How Does Key Card Access Control Work?

As an end-user, accessing a secure area might seem like a straightforward process — wave the access card over the black box near the door and open the door. However, there are multiple components involved in a card access control system. Let’s review some of them below:

A Key card or Smart card is an electronic device that holds unique user credentials. Key cards communicate credential information through a magnetic field, Bluetooth or radio waves.
The Card Reader reads the credentials from the key card and passes it to the controller.
The Controller captures the data from the card reader and runs the authentication process by comparing the credential with permissions logged in a database. A match means that the user (or at least the card) is authorized for access, and the door can be unlocked.
Card Door Locks– This kind of lock, sometimes referred to as a smart lock, is an electronic mechanism that keeps the door secure. If a user exists in the database and credentials are approved, the smart lock will open.

For commercial facilities, enterprises or other organizations transitioning from traditional locks to electronic locks, physical installation is an important part of the process. You’ll likely need to work with the service provider and integrator to set up any new hardware, including controllers and readers. Business owners and IT teams will also need to determine what type of credential to use, whether that be key cards or mobile credentials.