With the addition of technology, even the door-locking system has been modernized. The key fob and swipe card entry systems help ensure security at your property by controlling access to sensitive areas.
In addition, swipe card access control systems are easy and efficient methods of access management. They make entry quick and easy for tenants while keeping unauthorized visitors out.
The swipe card door entry system is not only convenient but highly secure as well. All the more reasons for you to consider installing a key card door lock.
Join us to learn what swipe card door entry systems are, how they work, the benefits of the best access control systems for small businesses, and finally, the best access control solution for their disadvantages.
What are the Swipe Card Entry Systems?
Swipe card access systems use entry card to provide automatic access to the doors. The doors are also not ordinary, but smart doors are especially useful for these purposes.
They are affordable swipe card entry systems for businesses, whether big or small scale; they’re suitable for all.
Furthermore, key cards are also more secure than conventional keys, as they can easily be deactivated or reprogrammed. Such a feature offers increased flexibility and security in terms of security management.
However, for many residences, swipe card entry systems cost may be a bit above their budgets.
But as everybody believes today, safety comes first, and many are ready to bear the cost of high-security systems.
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How does Swipe Card Access Work?
The key card enables the use of magnetic particles or RFID technology to store the data.
The data reader will read the data from the card if it is inserted or swiped, which will give easy and automatic access to anyone having a valid credential.
These systems are the best swipe card access systems for offices because multiple employees and staff can be given access while still maintaining high security.
As such, key card access systems are applied to control the access environment and limit access to selected people in highly secured areas.
Let's discuss the parts in greater detail as follows:
1. Electronic Devices
Swipe card entry systems are electronic devices holding unique user credentials.
Key cards communicate credential information through a magnetic field, NFC or Bluetooth technology.
2. Credential Reader
The Card Reader reads the credentials from the entry card and passes them to the controller.
3. Controller Access
The controller reads data from the card reader and processes the authentication process against the credential with permissions logged in a database.
When this occurs, it means that the user (or at least the card) is authorized for access, and the door can be unlocked.
Related Read: Top 12 Benefits of Smart Locks For Home
What Technology Do Swipe Card Entry Systems?
Swipe cards mostly communicate with the readers through the use of RFID technology in radiofrequency identification between devices.
Every swipe card has a unique identifier that is just like a digital fingerprint that aids in the easy identification and even access of authorized users.
What are the Two Types of Key Cards?
The two common types of card access systems utilize RFID proximity and swipe systems:
1. RFID Proximity Cards
The credentials of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards communicate with electronic door locks through radio waves. As RFID cards operate on radio waves, real physical contact is not required between the card and the reader.
Consequently, this often makes an RFID card more convenient than other credentials.
There are two primary RFID wavelengths, 125 kHz and 13.5 MHz. The wavelength gives the extent to which your electronic device, whether it is a key card or a smartphone, transmits to the door reader.
2. Swipe Cards
An alternative to low-cost swipe cards is sometimes a bit more problematic to employ than proximity key cards.
An end-user must take their swipe card and insert it into the reader, requiring more time and effort than a proximity card.
In highly concentrated areas where many people need access, such as the door access control system for office, the use of a swipe card might create a queue that makes it longer for tenants or visitors to get through.
Swipe cards also suffer from wear and tear due to the physical act of swiping the card for reader acceptance, which occurs often multiple times daily for most end-users.
It often ends up being more costly in terms of replacement and maintenance for building owners and teams to replace.
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Benefits of Key Card Entry Systems for Buildings
Here are the advantages of using swipe card access control systems:
1. Secure and Safe
A key card security system for businesses limits access to only authorized tenants while discouraging unauthorized entry.
2. Highly Convenient
Swipe cards offer easy and touchless access for tenants without having to use old keys.
3. Flexible
It is easy to deactivate, reissue, or reprogram key cards as the situation demands, thus easily applied in dynamic environments.
4. Strong Integrations
Electronic keycard locks that have been installed can be integrated with video surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and other security measures for maximum security.
5. Access logs
Key cards keep a record of all activities from entry to exit, accessible easily in case there is an incident of security breach.
6. Less Risk
Unlike physical keys, lost or stolen keys can be deactivated quickly in case of a security breach.
7. Customizable Access Control
Utilizing key card entry systems, you can offer personalized access levels for different areas of your property.
Recommended Read: Home Key Maker Near Me: 7 Ways They Can Help You Safeguard Your Property
Disadvantages of Swipe Card Door Entry Systems
Here are some disadvantages of swipe card systems:
1. Power dependent
Electronic swipe card systems will only be partially functional during a power outage unless they are equipped with an uninterruptible power supply.
2. Possibility of Loss
Replacing key cards is easier than reissuing traditional keys. However, when the tenants lose or forget their key cards, this will temporarily create access problems.
3. Hacking Threats
Unencrypted swipe cards can be cloned or hacked if the system is not locked up properly.
4. Deteriorate with Usage
Swipe cards and readers can wear out over time, requiring regular maintenance and replacement.
5. Maintenance Issue
High-density properties can sometimes be challenging to handle as they require detailed management of many users access permissions, which is difficult to update and handle with so many users.
Keyless Alternatives for Swipe Card Entry Systems
Swipe cards offer unique advantages and disadvantages.
On the positive side, there are several alternatives if you suspect a key card entry system is not the best option for your property.
If the best access control systems for small businesses in the market aren’t tempting you enough, then go for keyless entry.
Not all businesses will require key cards, smart cards, or key fobs. When you want to go keyless, use alternatives like mobile access control.
Some of these alternative solutions to access control better serve your business's purpose. Here are some of the best swipe card access systems for offices:
1. Mobile Access Control
Mobile access control gives the right to unlock entry points with an access credential everyone already carries.
Their smartphone cards no longer need to be issued, lost, or replaced. This will allow you to have a convenient yet secure means of giving access to your property.
2. Keypads
Keypads are a fantastic add-on to your existing access control system and can be used to control and limit entry into sensitive areas.
The other advantage is that PIN codes do not get lost like any other key or card.
3. QR Codes
Using QR code access control systems eliminates the use of traditional keys in sensitive access by tenants and visitors as they utilize unique QR codes.
4. Biometric Access Control
Biometric smart door lock systems employ unique biological traits like fingerprint readers, facial recognition, or iris scanning.
As such, biometric systems provide a higher level of security to properties.
Conclusion
With the increasing demand for residential houses looking for key card door lock installations, the demand for swipe card entry systems is on the rise today.
Even commercial buildings are looking for high-tech security in the affordable key card entry system for businesses.
Businesses use these key cards for a practical and cost-efficient approach. However, for those who wish to indulge in keyless alternatives, we have already discussed them in the blog.
For any other lock- and keys-related emergencies, contact Keyenzy, a locksmith platform that provides access control systems services and smart lock installation services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the swipe card system?
Ans: These systems let you use a card to access the door on the locks; hence the name swipe card system. The system also limits access to the people you wish to give access to only.
Q. How does a door swipe card work?
Ans: The swipe cards are magnetic and have credentials recorded inside of them. The credentials are modified using the tiny iron particles in the magnetic material embedded in a stripe. By using the magnetic recording technology used in audiotapes, swipe cards store data.
Q. What technology do swipe cards use?
Ans: RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is the technology of a swipe card system used to transmit data between the devices connected to the entry system. Every swipe card is different. They act as digital fingerprints, making it easier and more secure to grant access to each authorized user.
Q. What are the disadvantages of a swipe card?
Ans: The keys sometimes malfunction due to getting damaged or corrupted. The malfunction makes the data unreadable for the system, leading to users not getting access to enter.
