When it comes to access control, organizations have a few different options to choose from. The most common types of access control systems are proximity cards, mobile phone access, and biometrics.
Proximity cards are physical cards that are used to gain entry into a secured area, and are the most common type of access control system.
Proximity cards are commonly used in office buildings, apartment complexes, and gated communities. However, access cards are losing their prominence for a number of reasons.
- One reason access cards are losing their prominence is that they can be easily lost or stolen. If a cardholder loses their access card, they may not be able to gain entry to the secure area or facility. Furthermore, if a thief steals an access card, they can use it to gain entry to the premises. This can lead to a security breach, which can be costly for the organization.
- One of the biggest disadvantages of proximity card systems is that they’re not very secure. Because the cards can be easily lost or stolen, it’s relatively easy for unauthorized individuals to gain access to a building or a specific area. Additionally, because the cards don’t require a PIN or biometric verification, it’s possible for someone to use a fake card to gain access.
- Another disadvantage of proximity card systems is that they’re not very flexible. If you need to add or remove employees from the system, it can be a hassle. Additionally, if you want to change the access permissions for specific employees, you need to reprogram the cards, which can be time-consuming.
- Another reason access cards are losing their prominence is that they can be difficult to use. If an access card is not swiped correctly, it can be rejected. This can be frustrating for users, especially if they are in a hurry.
- Access cards are also easy to forget. If an employee forgets to bring their card to work, they may not be able to get in to their building.
- Finally, access cards can be expensive to replace. If an access card is lost or stolen, the cardholder may be responsible for the cost of replacement.
Proximity cards are being replaced by mobile access control systems
Proximity cards are being replaced by mobile phone access control systems for a variety of reasons. Mobile access control systems are more convenient for users, more secure, and offer more features than proximity cards. This includes mobile phones and wearable devices being used as credentials for entering a building.
Proximity cards require users to carry an additional card with them at all times. If a user forgets their card, they are not able to gain access to the building. With a mobile phone access control system, users can use their phones as their access cards. If a user forgets their phone, they can still use a proximity card to gain access.
Proximity cards are also less secure than mobile phone access control systems. If a proximity card is lost or stolen, anyone with the card can gain access to the building. With a mobile phone access control system, only authorized users can access the building. If a phone is lost or stolen, the owner can disable the access control system on their phone to prevent anyone else from using it.
Mobile phone access control systems also offer more features than proximity cards. For example, some mobile phone access control systems can be used to track employee attendance and to log employee hours. Proximity cards cannot provide this level of detail.
How Mobile Access Control Works
Mobile access control systems typically use one or more of the following four methods to authenticate and authorize access:
- Bluetooth
- NFC
- QR codes
- Biometrics
Let’s take a closer look at each of these methods.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that is commonly used to connect devices like headphones, keyboards, and mice to computers and mobile devices. Some mobile access control systems use Bluetooth to communicate with a reader that is attached to the protected resource.
When a user tries to access the resource, the mobile access control system uses Bluetooth to communicate with the reader and verify that the user is authorized to access the resource. If the user is authorized, the reader will allow the user to access the resource.
NFC
NFC is a short-range wireless technology that is similar to Bluetooth. NFC stands for Near Field Communication. NFC is commonly used for contactless payments, like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Some mobile access control systems use NFC to communicate with a reader that is attached to the protected resource. When a user tries to access the resource, the mobile access control system uses NFC to communicate with the reader and verify that the user is authorized to access the resource. If the user is authorized, the reader will allow the user to access the resource.
QR codes
QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned by a mobile device. QR codes are commonly used to provide information about a product or service.
Some mobile access control systems use QR codes to provide a way for users to access the protected resource. When a user tries to access the resource, the mobile access control system will display a QR code on the user’s mobile device. The user will then need to use a QR code scanner to scan the QR code and access the resource.
Biometrics
Biometrics is a method of authentication that uses physical or behavioral characteristics to verify that a user is who they claim to be. Common examples of biometrics include fingerprint scanners and iris scanners.
Some mobile access control systems use biometrics to authenticate users. When a user tries to access the resource, the mobile access control system will use the user’s biometrics to verify that the user is who they claim to be. If the user is authenticated, the mobile access control system will allow the user to access the resource.
Benefits of using mobile phone access over proximity cards
There are several benefits of using a mobile phone access control system over a traditional proximity card system.
It’s more convenient
You always have your phone with you, so you don’t have to worry about losing or forgetting your card. Additionally, mobile phone access control systems are often more secure than proximity card systems, as they typically utilize two-factor authentication.
Reduced Costs
Another benefit of using mobile phone access is that it can help reduce costs. Proximity cards can be expensive, especially if you need to purchase a new card every time an employee starts or leaves your organization. With mobile phone access, you can eliminate the need for cards altogether.
Increased Security
Another benefit of using mobile phone access is that it can increase security. Proximity cards can be lost or stolen, which can give unauthorized individuals access to your facility. With mobile phone access, you can require a PIN code or biometric authentication to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to your facility.
Increased Accountability
Another benefit of using mobile phone access is that it can help increase accountability. With mobile phone access, you can track when employees enter and exit your facility. This information can be valuable for security purposes and can help you identify patterns of behavior.
Enhanced productivity
Mobile phone access provides employees with the ability to quickly and easily access the resources they need, when they need them. This can help to boost productivity levels and decrease the amount of time wasted looking for lost cards or waiting for replacements.
The future of mobile access control is looking bright. With the advent of smartphones, there are now more ways to authenticate than ever before. In the past, access control systems relied on physical keys or keycards. However, these methods are no longer as secure as they once were. Smartphones offer a more secure and convenient way to authenticate.