How Do Keyfob Entry Systems Work?

Keyfobs are an easy and relatively inexpensive means of ensuring that only authorised individuals can pass through doors and other access points in a commercial building.

Now, that may make them sound a lot like normal keys – and, to all intents and purposes, that’s what they are, but with a number of (if you’ll pardon the pun) key differences.

In this article, we’re going to take a close look at keyfobs to discover how they work, how they can help your business stay protected, how they can help you run your business more efficiently – and how you can have them installed at your business in the most cost-effective way. 

How keyfob entry systems work

Keyfobs use radio frequency identification (RFID) to trigger the lock on a door or other entry point. 

It’s essentially the same technology that allows you to use your contactless debit and credit cards. The main difference between the two is that with a credit or debit card, you need to place it a lot closer to the reader than you do with a keyfob. Partly, this is because it is possible to copy or hack them – something of particular concern when it comes to people’s personal finances.

While this is still a concern for a building’s security, you need to find the right balance between security and ease of use. More secure areas might need even more secure access control systems – one of the beauties of the keyfob system is that it gives a good level of security while also being quick and easy to use.   

The benefits of using keyfobs

The main benefit of using a keyfob door entry system is that it allows you to restrict access to certain parts of your premises to those you actually want to be there.

But there’s more to keyfobs than that. For starters, you can record where and when they are used. This means that not only will you know who’s going into restricted areas when, but you can also use them as a means of logging when your staff are starting and finishing work. If they have to use their keyfob to enter the building at the start of the day and leave it at the end of the day, you have an easy system of knowing exactly how long they’ve been at work. 

Logging who’s accessing somewhere that’s been restricted also makes it easier for you to enforce the restrictions that you’ve put in place – people will be less inclined to lend their fobs to colleagues if they know that the fact is being recorded and that they might face disciplinary action if it comes to light.

Another great benefit with keyfobs is that, unlike metal keys, if someone issued with a keyfob loses it, you won’t have to go through the time, effort and expense of changing the locks and then providing everyone with a new key in order to maintain your security. All you need to do is change the programming so that particular keyfob can no longer provide access.

Many locks opened by traditional keys can still be picked by someone who knows what they’re doing. It’s not that easy – that’s why locksmiths can charge so much for an emergency callout – but it can be done. Breaking through a door that uses a keyfob for access is generally a lot harder for potential thieves, because there’s not a lock there to be picked. 

Drawbacks of keyfob entry systems

As we’ve already indicated, keyfobs – while being more than secure enough for most purposes – are probably not the ideal choice for rooms and other areas containing very high value equipment or highly sensitive data. 

Another potential issue is that, as with any electronic access control system, if you rely only on mains electricity for your power, a power cut could leave you unable to get into areas of your premises.

Lastly, if you have a high turnover of staff, it can be time-consuming managing all those permissions and become easy to be complacent when it comes to cancelling and reprogramming individual keyfobs. 

How to get a keyfob entry system

If you’re wondering if a keyfob entry system might be the best solution for your business, why not give us a call and ask for a free site visit? We can assess your premises and discuss your security requirements before making a recommendation for the best solution for your situation, security needs and budget.

We have years of experience supplying, installing and maintaining keyfob entry systems – along with many other access control and door entry systems – for businesses across the South East, including London and Surrey.

And because we’ll always aim to match any other quote, you won’t just be getting the benefit of our years of experience and expertise, you’ll also be getting the best possible value as well.

Get in touch with us now to find out more or to book your free visit.