Smartphone access control is the future of electronic access control and the future is here. Everyone has a mobile phone and they want to use it as their key. Using something you already have is not only convenient but also saves money. People carry it with them all the time; they won’t share it and they know immediately if it is missing.
Locksmiths who have no electronic access control solutions are slowly being subordinated to sub-contractors and missing out on a larger slice of the pie. A lock and key is important for access control, but with the reliability of today’s electronic access hardware, the key is only used as the last line back-up. Customers are looking for ways to not have to rekey and as a result, the slice of the pie continues to shrink for locksmiths.
If you are a locksmith seeking to add electronic access control, there are several ways to go. Panel-based systems that use cards and readers. These systems provide the key elements required for a good access system; the ability to easily issue and revoke keys with schedules and the ability to see when those keys were used in an activity trail. The problem with these systems is they are very expensive, they require complex IT networks and servers to administrate remotely and everyone sells them so it is tough to be profitable.
Keypads are a low cost solution but they don’t provide the ability to issue and revoke keys with schedules, they have no activity trails and the PINs are easily shared.
Fortunately, the newer Smartphone access systems provide all the benefits of an older card/reader/panel system at a fraction of the cost of a keypad system. They are able to do this by using the smartphone as your key and your network. Using an existing network dramatically reduces system installation and ongoing maintenance costs, in most cases by 60-80 percent. End users will always look for a lower cost, more convenient solution that offers the same functionality which is why these products are gaining market share and will continue to do so throughout 2015 and beyond.
If you want to add electronic access control but it seems out of reach, it’s not. ECKey makes it very easy to get started quickly. ECKey readers just need power because they are your reader and your panel. If you are installing a door strike or mag lock, you can easily upgrade your project to a sophisticated Smartphone access control system by simply connecting 4 wires, and just after a few minutes you are done. This saves a bundle when you compare it to the installation costs of an older system that requires you to mount readers on the outside of the building and pull cabling back to a panel.
Another great benefit is that all ECKey readers use Bluetooth that works even when Wi-Fi and cellular networks don’t. The products work with Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy so even people who have older flip phones can use them. Also, these adjustable long-range readers can operate up to 30 feet (10M) away. This enables you to mount the readers on the secure side of the door away from vandals and the weather, or out-of-sight for architecturally or historically sensitive areas, not to mention saving money on installation costs.
Let’s take a closer look at the different products available that can fit into your business.
EK6 Bluetooth Proximity Reader
The ECKey EK6 Smartphone reader is a long-range Bluetooth Proximity reader for use with third party access control systems. The EK6 reader can easily be installed in new applications, as a retrofit or upgrade to an existing reader or other access control devices. The EK6 reader converts your phone’s ID to Wiegand data and sends it to the access control system. The access control system will then grant or deny access depending on the authorization level assigned to that user.
EK7 Stand-Alone Access System
The EK7 Stand-Alone Access System simplifies installations by eliminating expensive cards, cabling, panels and complex IT networks. The EK7 readers can serve as standalone systems and are ideal for commercial, industrial, residential and remote sites because you can network an unlimited amount of readers with VIZpin, our Security-as-a-Service Portal (SaaS). It works with any Bluetooth Classic device including flip phones (aka feature phones), Blackberry® and Windows®, Android® and iPhones®.
VIZpin Access Control and Visitor Management
With VIZpin you can control access to multiple sites securely and inexpensively. VIZpin lets you send electronic keys to anyone with a Bluetooth phone, ideal for managing employees, contractors and vendors. The keys can be “One-Time” keys, great for events, or can last from 15 minutes to 15 years…and they can’t be copied. Electronic keys can be revoked easily anytime, from anywhere. And managing multiple locations is simple because your phone is your network and VIZpin works even when Wi-Fi and cellular networks don’t.
VIZpin is a Security-as-a-Service (SaaS) portal you use to manage access to doors, gates, garages, cabinets, machines, storage units, vehicles or anything else a VIZpin-enabled device is connected to. Since your phone is your key and your network, there is no more need for expensive access control cards, panels, software and IT networks. VIZpin is also a great source of Recurring Monthly Revenue.
The VIZpin app, available for Android and iPhones, displays all your electronic keys, where they work and when they work. When you arrive, simply press the UNLOCK button. Your VIZpin-enabled device is activated via our secure, patented Bluetooth connection and that transaction is recorded at a secure server in the cloud. If you don’t have an Android® or iPhone®, no problem, VIZpin-by-Text lets you send and revoke VIZpin electronic keys to anyone with a flip phone, Blackberry® or Windows® phone.
VP1 Dual-Mode Reader
Other Bluetooth readers only support Bluetooth Smart (aka Bluetooth Low Energy) devices and may only work with the latest iPhones which is less than 25% of the installed base. Our VP1 reader is a dual-mode Bluetooth reader works with ALL Bluetooth Classic or Bluetooth LE devices including flip phones (aka feature phones), Blackberry® and Windows®, Android® and iPhones® solving your access needs for 99% of the market; it even works with tablets and PCs. If you can’t predict what type of device your employees, visitors, contractors or vendors have the VP1 has you covered. Your phone is your key.
For more information, visit www.ECkey.com
